Revatio and Viagra are two common drugs that are used to treat erectile dysfunction, but the medications have the same active ingredient, sildenafil, in their active composition. Although they are each approved for different medical conditions, both medications are used in this paper in comparison with each other, regarding what they indicate, their dosages, side effects, and cost.
Indications:
Revatio, also known as sildenafil citrate, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which allows for an increase in blood flow to the lungs and helps to lower blood pressure in people with PAH. PAH is a condition in which the arteries in the lungs become narrowed, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood through them. Revatio is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat PAH in adults and children.
On the other hand, Viagra is also a PDE5 inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to the penis, leading to an erection. It is approved by the FDA to treat ED in men. ED is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Viagra is not approved for use in women or children.
Dosages:
The dosages for Revatio and Viagra are different due to their different indications. The usual starting dose for Revatio is 20 mg, taken three times a day with a gap of 4-6 hours. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg three times a day. The dosage for Viagra varies from 25 mg to 100 mg, depending on the individual’s response and tolerability. It is usually taken as needed, about 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg per day.
Side Effects:
Both Revatio and Viagra have similar side effects due to their shared active ingredient sildenafil. The most common side effects of Revatio include headache, flushing, indigestion, and stuffy or runny nose. In rare cases, it can cause low blood pressure, erection lasting longer than 4 hours, or sudden vision loss. On the other hand, the most common side effects of Viagra include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and abnormal vision. It can also cause low blood pressure, priapism (prolonged erection), and sudden hearing loss in rare cases.
Cost:
The cost of Revatio and Viagra also differs due to their different indications. Revatio is available as a generic medication, which makes it more affordable than Viagra. The average cost for a 30-day supply of Revatio is around $330 for the brand name and $30 for the generic version. On the other hand, the average cost for a 30-day supply of Viagra is around $400 for the brand name and $10 for the generic version.
Conclusion:
In summary, the two drugs, Revatio and Viagra, have the same active ingredient but have varied indications, dosages, side effects, and prices. In the case of Revatio, its use is mainly targeted at the treatment of PAH; while in the case of Viagra, it is applied in the treatment of ED. One should note that these drugs should strictly be taken under the prescription of a qualified health professional. Also, these medications should always be declared to the doctor. Indeed, failure to do this will lead to an unintended interaction between the drug and some other medication that the individual may be taking.
