Revatio vs Viagra: Similarities and Differences

What Is Viagra?

Viagra is a prescription medication taken orally to treat male erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is when you are having difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection long enough for sexual intercourse.

The main ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate, which inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This means that it prevents the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), allowing the smooth muscle cells in the blood vessels of the penis to relax. This in turn causes the blood vessels to dilate and increases the blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection.

Viagra does not itself cause an erection without sexual stimulation.

What Is Revatio?

Revatio is the brand name for a form of sildenafil citrate used mainly to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It reduces the blood pressure in the lungs by causing the blood vessels in the lungs to relax. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood through the lungs.

While Revatio and Viagra both contain the same active ingredient (sildenafil citrate), they are prescribed for different medical conditions and used at different dosages.

Key Differences Between Revatio and Viagra

While Revatio and Viagra share the same active ingredient, they differ in how they are used, marketed, and dosed.

Revatio

• 20mg per tablet
• Usually taken 3 times a day
• Approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Not approved to treat erectile dysfunction

Viagra

• 25mg, 50mg, 100mg per tablet
• Usually taken once 30 to 60 minutes before sexual intercourse
• Approved to treat erectile dysfunction
• Not approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension

Can Revatio be used to treat Erectile Dysfunction?

Technically, Revatio could be used off-label to treat erectile dysfunction. Both Revatio and Viagra contain the same active ingredient - sildenafil citrate. However, the dosage in Revatio is much lower than that of Viagra (Revatio contains 20mg of sildenafil citrate, while Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg dosages). Revatio may not be effective in treating ED at 20 mg doses for many patients.

It is also important to note that Revatio has not been approved by health authorities for the treatment of ED. As such, prescribing Revatio for off-label use in treating ED would require a doctor's evaluation and prescription.

Can Viagra be used to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?

Using Viagra to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension is possible, but this would be considered off-label use. The dosage of Viagra would need to be adjusted, and this should only be done under medical supervision.

It is important to note that Viagra is not approved by health authorities for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and its use for this purpose requires a doctor's assessment and oversight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Revatio and Viagra are different medications, even though they contain the same active ingredient. Revatio is specifically designed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, while Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction. While both medications contain sildenafil citrate, the dosages are different, and they're not directly interchangeable without a doctor's guidance.

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Noah, our doctors are best equipped with the knowledge to help you ascertain the root cause of your ED and can determine whether Viagra is right for you. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment suited for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.