Revatio Vs Viagra: Differences, Uses, Side Effects, Cost, And Warnings
Revatio Vs Viagra – in this article, we’ll make a comparison between both these powerful Erectile Dysfunction medicines on the basis of multiple factors like uses, side effects, and more.
Introduction
Revatio and Viagra both contain the same primary ingredient – sildenafil. Both the drugs are sold by the same manufacturing company: Pfizer. However, the two medications have different purposes and of course, dosages.
Revatio and Viagra are part of the same family of drugs, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Some of the other drugs of the same category are Cialis (tadalafil) and Vardenafil (Levitra). They increase a substance called cGMP in the blood, causing the blood vessels to dilate. As a result, they show different effects depending on the dosage. Keep in mind, these are all medicines that primarily help in achieving a stronger erection, in turn combating erectile dysfunction in men.
Revatio Vs Viagra: What’s The Difference?
The difference between Revatio and Viagra is in the way they are prescribed medically. While Revatio is used in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), Viagra is used in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
Revatio comes in tablets, injections, and oral liquids. It is administered three times per day at a lower dose. Whereas in the case of viagra, it is administered one hour before sexual activity at a higher dosage.
Revatio vs Viagra: Uses
Revatio is used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. It may improve the ability to exercise and delays the worsening of the disease.
In the case of viagra, it is marketed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It may help men in maintaining an erection for sexual activities. Both the drugs are FDA-approved and used in treating PAH or ED depending on the dose.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease that affects the lungs progressively. The symptoms such as shortness of breath and dizziness are associated with high blood pressure in the lungs.
Viagra, also known as the little blue pill, is well-known as compared to Revatio as more men are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) than PAH.
1. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common sexual dysfunctionality found in men. As a result of this sexual dysfunction, men might find themselves unable to maintain an erection or fail in achieving an erection. This is caused by reduced blood flow in the penile blood vessels that might be a result of different conditions.
Sildenafil works by inhibiting the enzyme PDE-5 that results in increased blood flow to the penis. As a result, it helps in achieving an erection.
2. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is due to the high blood pressure in the arteries traveling from the heart to the lungs. This can be the result of a blockage in the pulmonary arteries.
Sildenafil tends to get the arteries to relax. As a result, there is a reduction in high blood pressure.
3. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a serious condition, usually occurring while ascending to high altitude regions. The symptoms of HAPE include – edema or swelling of the lungs.
Sildenafil is used in relieving pulmonary edema.
4. Benign Prostatic Hypertension
Benign Prostatic Hypertension, commonly known as prostate enlargement, is commonly faced by aging men. When the prostate gland, a sexual organ in men, grows beyond its normal size, this condition occurs. As a result, difficulty in urinating is caused as the part of the urethra gets compressed.
Sildenafil aids in the relaxation of the urinary bladder as well as the prostate gland.
5. Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud’s Phenomenon is caused when blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears is decreased, and the tip of the nose is exposed to extreme cold weather. The symptoms include – constricting of small blood vessels due to colder temperature.
Sildenafil can improve blood flow by relaxing the distal arteries that help in treating Raynaud’s phenomenon.
6. Premature Ejaculation
Premature Ejaculation occurs in men when the semen is released before the end of the sexual activity. Sildenafil and similar drugs increase ejaculatory latency.
Revatio vs Viagra: Are They Effective?
As a result of clinical trials performed on sildenafil, the drug is considered to be safe and effective. Pfizer’s patent expired in 2017. Since then, generic sildenafil has been readily available in the market.
According to a review, treatment with Revatio for 12 weeks or more has improved the symptoms of PAH. The drug is found to delay the progression of this disease in adults. According to a similar review, for men with ED, Viagra was found to be effective. It also helped in improving erectile dysfunction with mild side effects.
Depending on the condition, Revatio or Viagra may be prescribed by the doctor.
Revatio vs. Viagra: Cost And Coverage
As Viagra and Revatio are both brand-name medications, they are not covered by insurance or Medicare plans. Whereas generic sildenafil is covered by insurance plans. The average retail cost of Viagra ranges from $130 to $200 whereas the average retail cost of Revatio is $200.
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Side Effects Of Revatio And Viagra
Common side effects include of Revatio and Viagra include:
- Dizziness, headache, flushing, or stomach upset
- Vision changes like increase in sensitivity to light and blurred vision
- Fatigue, stomach pain, and nausea
Viagra in males may cause a painful or prolonged erection, in this case, it is wise to get medical help.
Revatio vs. Viagra: Drug Interactions
The liver is the main processor of sildenafil. Revatio and Viagra are processed by CYP3A4 enzymes. And they should not be used with drugs that affect these enzymes. CYP3A4 inhibitors like ritonavir and ketoconazole increase the level of sildenafil in the blood. They may lead to adverse side effects.
Revatio and Viagra should not be taken with drugs like nitrates, alpha-blockers, and antihypertensives. Taking these drugs together increases the risk of hypotension or low blood pressure.
Riociguat is a drug that can cause hypotensive effects. Hence, it is not recommended to be taken with sildenafil.
Warning Signs
- As Revatio and Viagra can affect blood pressure, their use is cautioned in individuals consuming medications for high blood pressure, and even individuals with very low blood pressure. Special precautions may be needed for those with heart disease or who take medications for chest pain.
- Sildenafil may increase the risk of heart disease, chest pain, or heart attacks. Revatio or Viagra may cause a condition called anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) which is rare.
- The symptoms of this condition include a decrease or sudden loss of vision. Another adverse side effect is the decrease or sudden loss of hearing.
- Sildenafil has been shown to treat some conditions in pregnant women. However, the data regarding the use of sildenafil during pregnancy is not clear. According to some studies, it does not seem to show an increased risk of adverse effects in pregnant women.
- It is not recommended to drink alcohol while on Revatio or Viagra. This could increase the risk of adverse side effects such as dizziness, flushing, and headache.
- Priapism is a painful erection that lasts for a longer period of time. It is an adverse side effect associated with sildenafil, that occurs rarely. This condition may lead to damage in the penile tissue. Hence, they should not be left untreated.
Conclusion
Revatio and Viagra are effective drugs used in the treatment of PAH and ED. They are equally recommended by health care providers around the world.
Understanding this article on Revatio and Viagra helps in choosing the right one. Before taking Viagra or Revatio, one must consider consulting a doctor. Since they will determine if one actually has any underlying conditions.
March 20, 2021 Sam Bell
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