Viagra vs Sildenafil: What’s The Difference?

Viagra and sildenafil share the same dosages and active ingredient, but there are some distinct differences between their price and branding.

Research shows that 50mg of sildenafil or Viagra is effective in 74% of men, enabling them to get and keep an erection long enough to have sex.

Let’s explore the similarities and differences between Viagra and sildenafil to help you decide which erectile dysfunction treatment is best for you.

Yes, sildenafil and Viagra are the same erectile dysfunction treatment. They both contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil, and work in exactly the same way to manage erectile dysfunction. The only differences between the two are that Viagra is a brand name of sildenafil, their packaging, and their price – because sildenafil is a generic medication, it is cheaper. Both belong to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors.

Because Viagra is a branded medication, it can only be sold by the brand owner, which is Pfizer. Originally, Pfizer held the patent for Viagra, which meant only they could make and sell the treatment. You may have heard of Viagra being referred to as the ‘blue pill’, which reflects the way the pills look as part of Viagra’s branding.

After the patent expired in the UK in 2013, other manufacturers were able to produce generic Viagra (sildenafil) as an erectile dysfunction treatment. While only Pfizer could make Viagra, they had more control over its pricing. Since generic sildenafil has become available, it’s become generally cheaper than Viagra due to competitive pricing.

Since Viagra and sildenafil are essentially the same medication, they have the following in common:

• Dosages: 25mg, 50mg (most common), and 100mg
• PDE-5 inhibitors: Viagra and sildenafil work by temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis to help you get and maintain an erection.
• Effectiveness: Research shows that the different Viagra (sildenafil) doses improved erections by 62% (25mg), 74% (50mg) and 82% (100mg) compared to 25% in people given a placebo.
• Prescription-only: Sildenafil and Viagra require a prescription. Viagra Connect is an over-the-counter erectile dysfunction treatment that contains sildenafil as its active ingredient.

The main differences between Viagra and sildenafil are their branding, packaging, price, and who manufactures them. Another key difference is that Viagra is not usually prescribed on the NHS because of its price, so you’ll usually be given generic sildenafil instead.

Some of the key differences between Viagra and sildenafil are:

No, because Viagra and sildenafil are the same and contain the same active ingredient, they share the same side effects and the likelihood of experiencing them will be the same.

The common side effects of Viagra and sildenafil include:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• facial flushing (face turning red)
• hot flush (sudden feeling of heat in your upper body)
• indigestion
• your vision changing colour
• blurred vision
• visual disturbances
• stuffy nose
• dizziness

For a full list of side effects, check the Viagra patient information leaflet (PIL) or generic sildenafil PIL that comes with your medication.

If you experience side effects while taking Viagra or sildenafil, you should speak to your doctor for advice. They may recommend reducing your dose to help reduce the chance of experiencing side effects.

No, Viagra and sildenafil are equally effective because they are the same medication. There is no difference in effectiveness between Pfizer’s Viagra and generic sildenafil. Research shows that a 50mg dose of sildenafil, either generic or branded, improves erections in 74% of people.

Importantly, generic sildenafil, despite being produced by a range of manufacturers, is both as safe and as effective as the well-known, branded Viagra.

No, Viagra and sildenafil are available in the same doses – 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg. So, their active ingredients are available in equivalent doses. However, they may use slightly different inactive ingredients in the tablet core and coating; the amount of sildenafil is the same whether you choose the generic or branded version.

Yes, sildenafil is cheaper than Viagra. That’s because you are paying for the brand name when you buy Viagra, and the manufacturer has incurred higher costs, such as research and development, clinical trials, and patent and marketing expenses. Generic sildenafil, on the other hand, can be made by any manufacturer and copy an already approved formula, so they don’t have extra costs such as research, development, and patent expenses.

Here are the price differences between Viagra and generic sildenafil when you buy online from Superdrug Online Doctor:

Clinically, Viagra and sildenafil work in the same way, are available in the same doses, and contain the same active ingredient..

Choosing Viagra

Some people may prefer to take the branded Viagra instead of sildenafil, simply because they are more familiar with the brand. You may also decide to choose Viagra because you want to get over-the-counter treatment in the form of Viagra Connect.

Choosing Sildenafil

If price is a concern, sildenafil is the most suitable option because it tends to be cheaper than Viagra. If you’re looking to get an NHS prescription, generic sildenafil will also be a better choice.

Viagra and sildenafil are not the only treatments available for erectile dysfunction. Viagra (sildenafil) alternatives include:

• Spedra (avanafil) – a fast-acting treatment, it can get to work in just 15 mins, meaning you don’t have to plan as far ahead for sex
• Cialis (tadalafil) – lasts up to 36 hours (weekend pill) and available in a daily dose that means you’re always ready for sex
• Levitra (vardenafil) – an alternative to sildenafil that works in a very similar way, within 30 mins to 1 hour