Revatio Vs. Viagra: What’s The Difference

Whenever the question comes to Erectile dysfunction, Viagra is the most well-known medication out there. Containing the active ingredient Sildenafil, this little blue pill helps men to get and maintain an erection. The tablet helps in increasing the blood flow to the penis.  Another drug, Revatio, also contains the same active ingredient.

Now, the question comes to Revatio vs. Viagra; both drugs have some notable differences you should know about. Here’s a detailed version of the comparison between the drugs

Key Points

• Revatio and Viagra both contain the active ingredient Sildenafil and are marketed by Pfizer for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.  Revatio is generally administered at lower doses three times a day, and Viagra at higher doses once before sexual activity.
• Both medications are part of the Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor class, which works by dilating the blood vessels. They are both prescribed for different conditions, based on their dosage and form.
• The active ingredient in both drugs is Sildenafil. It has been proven in clinical trials to improve the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension and erectile dysfunction, depending on specific conditions being treated.

Introduction To Revatio And Viagra

Revatio and Viagra are a part of a family of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors.  They work by increasing a substance called cGMP in the blood. It causes the blood vessels to dilate, resulting in different effects depending on the dosage of the drug.

What Are The Differences Between Revatio And Viagra?

Revatio is marketed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. PAH is a disease that causes high blood pressure in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It helps in improving an individual’s ability to exercise without experiencing shortness of breath and prevents the disease from worsening.

Viagra, on the other hand, is marketed to help people maintain a firm penile erection. Both Revatio and Viagra contain the same active ingredient, Sildenafil.

Revatio comes in various dosage forms, including tablets, injections, and oral liquids. In comparison to Viagra, Revatio is administered three times per day at a lower dosage.

Viagra is taken at a higher dose, not more than once per day. It is usually taken 30 minutes before sexual activity.

Revatio Vs. Viagra: Which Is More Effective?

Both Revatio and Viagra contain the same active ingredient, Sildenafil. Since the brand names are marketed for different purposes, they are effective in their own way. Overall, Sildenafil has been shown by clinical trials to be safe and effective.

In a systematic review, the treatment with Sildenafil for 12 weeks or more improved the clinical symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.  Sildenafil was also found to delay the progression of the disease in adults.

Another similar review stated that men with erectile dysfunction, Sildenafil was found to be effective and well-tolerated. Sildenafil helped to improve erectile dysfunction with generally mild side effects. Sildenafil is specially helpful for men with Peyronie’s disease, a penile tissue disorder where scar tissue can cause the penis to bend abnormally.

Depending upon your condition, Revatio or Viagra might be prescribed. Always consult your doctor to determine which treatment may work best for you. Since both medication contains the same ingredient, you might be prescribed generic Sildenafil in most cases.

What Are The Common Side Effects Of Revatio Vs. Viagra?

The common side effects of Sildenafil, the active ingredient of Revatio and Viagra, are:

• Headache.
• Indigestion.
• Flushing.

Depending on different clinical trials, those who take Revatio might experience other side effects such as:

• Insomnia.
• Shortness of breath.
• Diarrhea.
• Nasal congestion.
• Muscle pain.

Other Common side effects of Viagra include

• Nasal congestion.
• Back pain.
• Muscle pain.
• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Rash.

Serious side effects of Sildenafil might also include:

• Blurred vision.
• Hearing loss.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Therefore, it is always advised to consult with your doctor for proper guidance and treatment.

Revatio Vs. Viagra: Drug Interactions

Some of the drug interactions of the active ingredient Sildenafil are:

• Azole.
• Clarithromycin.
• Grapefruit juice.
• Norvir.
• Antibiotics such as Cipro and Levaquin.
• Tegretol.
• Dilantin.
• Rimactane.
• Saint-John’s-Wort.

You should never take Revatio or Viagra with nitrate-based medications such as nitroglycerin, as it can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Revatio Vs. Viagra: Warnings And Precautions

The following are the precautions and warnings  that are to be followed while taking Revatio and Viagra:

• Revatio and Viagra might affect blood pressure, and their use should be cautioned in individuals with low blood pressure or on medication for high blood pressure.
• People with heart disease or who take medications for chest pain might need to take special precautions.
• Taking Sildenafil might increase the risk of worsening heart disease, chest pain, or heart attacks in severe cases.
• Some users of Revatio or Viagra have experienced a condition called anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). The decrease or sudden loss of vision characterizes the condition.

Priapism is a persistent and painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. It is a rare side effect associated with Sildenafil. Whenever you experience an adverse impact, seek medical attention immediately.

How To Choose Between Revatio Vs. Viagra

Revatio is prescribed for individuals with PAH, whereas Viagra is used for patients who face difficulty in maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse, as both medications contain the same active ingredient but are specified for different conditions.

Since Sildenafil is available in different branded versions, your health care provider might prescribe the medication for either PAH or ED.

Conclusion

Revatio and Viagra both contain the same active ingredient, Sildenafil. However, they are used to treat different conditions. Revatio is prescribed for people with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). This helps improve their exercise ability and reduce shortness of breath.

Viagra, on the other hand, is used for individuals who have difficulty getting and maintaining an erection during sexual activity. Both the medications work by widening the blood vessels. This can lower the blood pressure in the luings or increase the blood dlow in the penis.

You must consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you receive the proper medication for the specific condition you need to manage.