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Revatio and Viagra are two medications that contain the same active ingredient.
Both medicines belong to a class of medicines known as PDE5 inhibitors.
They work by relaxing blood vessels.
Thus, increasing blood flow to certain areas of the body.
Yet, they are different on many grounds.
This article on Revatio vs Viagra will explore their differences so that you can make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Is Revatio the same as Viagra
Revatio is not exactly the same as Viagra.
Despite having the same ingredient, these medicines differ on many grounds.
These differences include their usage, working, dosage, and price.
Here, we will discuss all the key differences between the two in detail.
Revatio vs Viagra: Intended use
The main difference between Revatio and Viagra is their intended use.
Revatio is a brand-name medicine for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
It contains Sildenafil, which FDA specifically approved in 2005 to treat PAH.
PAH is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that supply blood to the lungs.
In contrast, Viagra is a brand-name medicine for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
It also contains Sildenafil, which FDA approved in 1998 for ED treatment.
ED is an inability of males to get or maintain a firm erection for sexual intercourse.
Viagra vs Revatio working
Source: By_Prostock_Studio_from_Getty_ImagesViagra and Revatio both contain Sildenafil, which belongs to the class of PDE5 inhibitors.
But their working and target location differs.
Viagra treats Erectile Dysfunction by inhibiting PDE5 enzymes found in the penis.
This widens penile blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis.
Thus, helping males to get or maintain a firm erection.
On the other hand, Revatio treats Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension by blocking PDE5 enzymes found in pulmonary arteries.
This causes the dilatation of the arteries supplying blood to the lungs.
Dilated arteries improve blood flow to the lungs.
Thus, decreasing blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
In both cases, the dilatation of blood arteries occurs in different body regions.
Viagra targets the penile blood vessels, whereas Revatio targets the pulmonary arteries.
Revatio vs Viagra dosage
Revatio and Viagra also differ in their salt composition, i.e., the amount of Sildenafil they contain.
Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg doses. The starting dose of Viagra is 50mg.
Your doctor will suggest Viagra’s dosage, depending on the severity of your ED condition.
You must not take more than one Viagra dose in a day.
In contrast, the recommended dose of Revatio is 5 mg or 20mg.
It is to be taken three times a day at 4-6 hours apart.
According to the FDA, no greater efficacy happens with higher doses of Revatio.
So, treatment with doses higher than 20 mg three times a day is not advisable.
Viagra vs Revatio: Use in children
Viagra is an Erectile Dysfunction medicine.
It is not for use by individuals under 18 years of age.
Therefore, it is not recommended for children.
On the other hand, Revatio is a medication for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Doctors usually prescribe it to children as well.
The only difference is that the Revatio’s dosage varies, depending on the age and weight of the child.
- Children 1 year old or more, weighing 20kg or more, can take 20mg of Revatio 3 times daily.
- Children 1 year old or older, weighing less than 20 kg, can take 10 mg of Revatio 3 times daily.
- Children younger than one year of age may also use Revatio. But the doctor must recommend the dose.
Revatio vs Viagra price
Revatio is less expensive than Viagra.
This is probably because of the lower concentration of Sildenafil in Revatio.
But the price of both medicines depends on many factors like location, insurance coverage, etc.
Revatio vs Viagra: Which drug is better
The differences between Revatio and Viagra revealed no clear winner.
There is no better drug when comparing these two.
The effectiveness of both drugs depends on the condition to be treated.
If you want to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Revatio is the medicine for you.
In case Erectile Dysfunction is the issue, then Viagra is the best medicine.
The table below summarizes some of the differences and similarities between the two.
| Factors | Revatio | Viagra |
| Active ingredient | Sildenafil Citrate | Sildenafil Citrate |
| Intended Use | Use for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) | Used in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) |
| Dosage Strengths | 5mg, 20mg | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg |
| Generic Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Recommended Dosage | 20 mg, three times per day at 4-6 hours apart | 50 mg is the standard dose or as needed. You can take only one dose in 24 hours. |
| Who can use it | Adults and children | Only adults above 18 years of age |
| Time to Onset | 1 hour | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Contraindications | Use with nitrate medications | Use with nitrate medications |
This is for general guidance. Please consult your doctor for individualized medical guidance.
Conclusion
The drug Sildenafil is marketed under different brand names, i.e., Revatio and Viagra.
The FDA approves Revatio to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Viagra to treat Erectile Dysfunction.
Both are prescription-based medications that work by improving blood flow.
Revatio may also be helpful to some extent for patients with mild to moderate ED. This is due to the medication’s low Sildenafil dosage.
But Viagra may not be helpful for treating PAH.
This is because Viagra’s starting dose is 25mg, whereas the recommended dosage for PAH cannot exceed 20mg.
While choosing the medicine for you, consider all the discussed differences between the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Revatio and Viagra cause the same side effects?
Yes, Revatio and Viagra cause the same side effects. This is because both medicines contain the same active ingredient, i.e., Sildenafil. Common side effects include stomach upset, Nausea, headaches, etc.
Does Revatio work as good as Viagra?
Revatio is as good as Viagra. The only difference between the two is that they are used to treat different conditions. They both are FDA-approved medications whose safety and efficacy are well-established.
How long does Revatio take to work?
Revatio, containing Sildenafil, starts working within 60 minutes of consumption. Its effects last for up to 4-6 hours. This is why it needs to be taken three times a day at 4-6 hours apart.
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