What Is Sildenafil / Viagra?

Put simply, Viagra is the FDA-approved brand-name version of sildenafil, a prescription medication for ED.

Before Using

Evidence-based: Our content is sourced from reputable U.S.-based healthcare professionals and peer-reviewed research. Trustworthy: All of SingleCare’s content goes through a multi-phase review process by our writers, editors, and Medical Board in order to provide clear and credible information. Spontaneous sex for less than $2/day If you’ve searched the web for information about ED medication, you’ve no doubt seen Viagra® mentioned alongside a drug called sildenafil. Given how often they’re interchanged, you might be wondering if there are any differences when it comes to sildenafil vs. Viagra. Sildenafil is the main active ingredient in Viagra. Like the store-brand salad dressing made with the same ingredients as its brand-name equivalent, sildenafil is just as good as the “little blue pill,” but cheaper. Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between these drugs, and how to choose the best one for you.

Sildenafil citrate (often shortened to “sildenafil”) is the main ingredient in Viagra.

After parent company Pfizer’s patent expired, other manufacturers were allowed to manufacture generic Viagra under the name of its active ingredient, sildenafil. The terms are pretty much interchangeable, the way you might say “Kleenex®” to refer to a tissue.

The only real difference between the two medications for ED is how much they cost. Viagra® is a well-known and widely used medication for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in the world.

Chemical synthesis

The prevalence of counterfeit Viagra, especially online, is a growing concern. Fake Viagra pills may pose a risk, as some ingredients in these products may lead to allergic reactions or even a heart attack in some people. It’s important to be cautious when purchasing medications, including generic Viagra, to avoid potential health risks. To ensure the Viagra products you buy are safe and effective, always use reputable sources for purchasing. One way to achieve this is by purchasing medications online from licensed pharmacies.

What to do if you think you’ve taken too much Viagra

Several reputable online pharmacies allow patients with a valid prescription to purchase generic Viagra. Avoid buying from websites that offer extremely low prices or claim to provide Viagra without a prescription, as these may be signs of counterfeit products. When ordering online, choose pharmacies that require a valid prescription, have a secure payment process, and offer customer support. Additionally, importing prescription drugs via online pharmacies or from other countries may be subject to specific guidelines, such as U.S. Customs regulations. Formulated as that iconic little blue pill, Viagra has the longest history of any FDA-approved ED treatment on the market today. Both generic sildenafil and Viagra work by increasing blood flow to your penis, making it easier for you to get and maintain an erection.

• Sildenafil generic is classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.
• It can be prescribed for pulmonary hypertension as well as erectile dysfunction.
• The drug should not be combined with nitrates due to severe blood pressure drops.
• Overdose symptoms include severe hypotension, dizziness, and vision changes.
• Storage should be in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Always follow the prescribed dosage and do not exceed recommended limits.

Sildenafil belongs to a class of enzyme-inhibiting drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors. Like the others in its class, sildenafil works by relaxing the muscle tissue inside the walls of your blood vessels, allowing the vessels to dilate, and improving blood flow throughout some parts of your body — including your penis.

• Sildenafil generic is a popular choice for ED treatment worldwide.
• It provides a less expensive yet effective solution for erectile issues.
• The drug's popularity has increased due to patent expiration of brand-name Viagra.
• Always check for proper licensing and approval before purchasing.
• Consulting a healthcare provider ensures the correct dosage and safety.
• Many online sources offer genuine sildenafil generics with verified credentials.

It's important to note that these erectile dysfunction medications aren't wonder drugs. They only work if you're sexually stimulated. But if you’ve got sexual stimulation and these pills, research shows that you have an effective, reliable erectile dysfunction treatment. If you’re curious about the history of the brand and generic names, here’s the quick version: Two years and many clinical trials later, in March of 1998, the new medication — now called Viagra — received approval from the Food and Drug Administration and hit the market as a prescription medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Stronger erections, better sex

Using prescription discount cards, such as the SingleCare discount card, may lead to further savings on generic Viagra. These cards work by offering blue sildenafil discounts on medications through participating pharmacies. Some key points to consider when using prescription discount cards include: Making sure the card is accepted at your chosen pharmacy Comparing the discounted price with other pharmacies and insurance prices By exploring these options and taking advantage of discount cards, you could save on generic Viagra while still receiving the treatment you need. Sildenafil is generally regarded as a safe drug for most people, but it needs to be avoided in the setting of certain heart or eye conditions, as well as with some other medications. Sildenafil works for most men with erectile dysfunction.

What does Teva sildenafil do?

Sildenafil is taken every day for pulmonary hypertension. It is only taken on an as-needed basis for erectile dysfunction and no more often than once per day for this indication. Sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary hypertension in both women and men. “Having a generic form of Viagra available has made ED treatment much more affordable for patients, which is particularly important because insurance coverage for ED drugs is lacking,” explains Chad Shaffer, MD, member of the SingleCare Medical Board. “As a result, more patients are seeking and receiving treatment in recent years.” Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: an overview of the clinical evidence, Clinical Interventions in Aging (2006) Modified-release sildenafil reduces Raynaud’s phenomenon attack frequency in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, Arthritis and Rheumatism (2011) Teva announces exclusive launch of generic Viagra tablets in the United States, Teva (2017) Viagra will be available over the counter, British Medical Journal (2017) Personal importation, Food and Drug Administration (2025) Medically accurate: SingleCare’s Medical Review Board analyzes all of our content to confirm it’s in line with current medical advice. Two years and many clinical trials later, in March of 1998, the new medication — now called Viagra — received approval from the Food and Drug Administration and hit the market as a prescription medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

What Are Warnings and Precautions for Sildenafil?

For instance, at some pharmacies, with a SingleCare coupon, the cost of 30 tablets of 20 mg sildenafil can range from around $8 to $35. In comparison, a similar quantity of 100mg sildenafil might be found for as low as $16 to as high as $33 or more at other retailers. In the United States, it is necessary to obtain a prescription from a doctor or other licensed healthcare provider before being able to purchase and use generic Viagra. Although prescription medications ensure safety and efficacy, regulations on generic Viagra vary in other countries. Some nations, such as the UK, may allow access to generic Viagra as a nonprescription drug, but it’s important to be cautious when considering this option.

Clinical trials

Taking Viagra without a prescription could potentially lead to adverse health effects. One way to obtain generic Viagra without visiting a doctor in person is through telehealth services and online pharmacies. Telehealth platforms allow patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, getting medical advice and discussing medical history, sexual activity, and any pre-existing health conditions. Lists of prescription and over-the-counter medications can be reviewed, looking for potential drug interactions with sildenafil. A doctor can then determine if generic Viagra is a suitable treatment and provide a prescription. As the first oral medication for ED, Viagra became incredibly popular. Large-scale TV ad campaigns made the little blue pill famous. In 2005, the FDA approved sildenafil under the brand name Revatio® for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension — more on this later.

• Sildenafil generic has been proven effective in numerous clinical trials.
• It improves erectile hardness and duration with proper use.
• The medication is generally safe when used as directed.
• Combining sildenafil with alcohol may reduce effectiveness and increase side effects.
• Some individuals may experience temporary vision disturbances.
• Regular medical checkups are recommended for long-term use of sildenafil.

Pfizer’s patent on Viagra expired in 2012 for countries outside the U.S., allowing other brands to produce and market their own generic Viagra medications containing sildenafil. Although Pfizer challenged the expired patent in the United States, sildenafil has since become widely available as a generic medication manufactured and marketed by various companies. Viagra is brand-name sildenafil that’s FDA-approved for ED, and what is the active ingredient in Viagra? But we suspect the question you really want to ask is whether one is made better, or safer — is generic sildenafil as good as Viagra for treating ED?

• The efficacy of generic sildenafil is comparable to branded Viagra.
• Most common side effects are mild and temporary.
• Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention.
• Sildenafil generics are often covered by health insurance plans.
• Using the medication responsibly can improve quality of life for ED patients.
• Continuous research ensures ongoing improvements in generic formulations.

Although some manufacturers may use their own brand name, most generic sildenafil products are labeled simply as “sildenafil.” Regardless, they do the same thing, offer the same benefits, and have the same risk of side effects. While a single tablet of Viagra is priced as high as $70 in the United States, generic drugs like sildenafil tablets are available for as little as $3 each when purchased online.

What special precautions should I follow?

Therefore, you may want to research any potential restrictions before purchasing medications internationally. Although generic Viagra is generally cheaper than the brand-name version, it may still be expensive for some people. However, it’s possible to save on generic Viagra in various ways, including comparing prices, consulting with healthcare professionals, and using prescription discount cards. One way to save on generic Viagra is to compare prices across different pharmacies. Prices can vary depending on the location and the specific pharmacy, so shopping around can help find the most affordable option.

Missed Dose

Online pharmacies may also offer lower prices for generic medications than traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. However, it’s important to make sure the online pharmacy is reputable and licensed to avoid counterfeit medications or scams. Other PDE-5 inhibitors are available that work similarly to Viagra and may be cheaper. Healthcare providers and professionals may be able to provide guidance on finding lower-priced alternatives and determining the best choice. Healthcare professionals may also be able to provide information on any available financial assistance programs.