What Is the Name for Generic Viagra?
The name for generic Viagra is sildenafil, usually listed as sildenafil citrate. Viagra is the original brand name, while sildenafil is the generic drug name. Several international ED products also contain sildenafil, but not every erectile dysfunction medicine is a generic version of Viagra.
Quick Answer
Generic Viagra is called sildenafil. Viagra and generic sildenafil contain the same active drug, sildenafil citrate. In the United States, FDA-approved generic sildenafil is available from multiple manufacturers and, like brand-name Viagra, requires a prescription when prescribed for erectile dysfunction.
What Is the Generic Name for Viagra?
The generic name for Viagra is sildenafil. The medication may also be described as sildenafil citrate, which refers to the citrate salt form of the active drug.
Viagra is a brand name originally developed for sildenafil used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). After generic versions became available, other manufacturers were able to market FDA-approved sildenafil products that contain the same active drug.
Is Sildenafil the Same as Viagra?
Viagra and generic sildenafil contain the same active ingredient. FDA-approved generic drugs are required to meet standards intended to ensure that they perform in the same way and provide the same clinical benefit as the corresponding brand-name medicine.
The tablets do not necessarily look identical. Generic sildenafil can differ from Viagra in color, shape, markings, manufacturer, packaging and inactive ingredients.
| Viagra | Generic sildenafil | |
|---|---|---|
| Active drug | Sildenafil | Sildenafil |
| Drug class | PDE5 inhibitor | PDE5 inhibitor |
| Used for ED | Yes | Yes |
| Brand | Viagra | Varies by manufacturer |
| Tablet appearance | Brand-specific | Can vary |
| Prescription in the U.S. | Required | Required for ED |
What Are the Names of Generic Viagra?
In the United States, the most important name to know is simply sildenafil. FDA-approved generic versions are generally identified by the generic drug name together with the manufacturer rather than being marketed as a new version of “Viagra.”
However, people searching online for names of generic Viagra may also encounter brand names such as Kamagra, Cenforce, Suhagra or Vigora. These products are marketed in some international markets and contain sildenafil in certain formulations, but they should not automatically be treated as FDA-approved U.S. generic Viagra.
Common Sildenafil Names and Brands Explained
The names below may appear when researching Viagra alternatives online. What matters medically is the active ingredient, dose, manufacturer, regulatory status and source of the medication.
| Name | Active ingredient | Generic Viagra? | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil | Sildenafil | Yes | The generic drug name for Viagra; FDA-approved generics are available in the U.S. |
| Viagra | Sildenafil | No | The original brand-name ED medication. |
| Kamagra | Sildenafil* | International sildenafil brand | Marketed in some countries; not an FDA-approved U.S. Viagra generic. |
| Cenforce | Sildenafil* | International sildenafil brand | Commonly encountered online but not an FDA-approved U.S. Viagra generic. |
| Suhagra | Sildenafil* | International sildenafil brand | A sildenafil-based brand sold in some international markets. |
| Vigora | Sildenafil* | International sildenafil brand | Another sildenafil brand found in certain markets outside the U.S. |
*Ingredient descriptions refer to standard products marketed under these brand names. Formulations and regulatory status can vary by market, so the packaging and authorized product information should always be verified.
For a U.S. patient looking for a lower-cost alternative to brand-name Viagra, the relevant term to ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist about is usually generic sildenafil.
Which ED Medicines Are Not Generic Viagra?
Not every erectile dysfunction tablet is a version of Viagra. Several medications belong to the same broader class of PDE5 inhibitors but contain different active ingredients.
This distinction is particularly important when comparing international brand names. For example, Vidalista is associated with tadalafil, not sildenafil, so it should not be described as generic Viagra.
| Example name | Active ingredient | Related reference brand | Generic Viagra? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil | Sildenafil | Viagra | Yes |
| Vidalista | Tadalafil | Cialis | No |
| Tadalafil | Tadalafil | Cialis | No |
| Vardenafil | Vardenafil | Levitra | No |
| Avanafil | Avanafil | Stendra | No |
What Strengths Does Generic Viagra Come In?
Sildenafil tablets used for erectile dysfunction are commonly available in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths, corresponding to the standard strengths of brand-name Viagra.
The appropriate dose depends on factors such as treatment response, side effects, other medications and certain health conditions. A higher dose is not automatically a better choice.
Brand Viagra vs Generic Sildenafil: Which Should You Choose?
For many patients, FDA-approved generic sildenafil provides the same active medication at a lower cost than brand-name Viagra. Some people may still prefer the original brand because of familiarity, tablet appearance or personal preference.
The more important consideration is whether sildenafil is medically appropriate for you and whether the medication comes from a legitimate, regulated pharmacy.
Both Viagra and generic sildenafil require a prescription for erectile dysfunction in the United States. If you are wondering about nonprescription access, read our guide to Viagra over the counter in the USA.
If your next question is where the medication can legitimately be obtained, see where to buy Viagra in the United States.
So, What Should You Ask for Instead of “Generic Viagra”?
If you are in the United States, the simplest name to remember is sildenafil. You do not need to know a long list of alternative brand names to ask about a generic alternative to Viagra.
A healthcare professional or pharmacist can determine which FDA-approved sildenafil product is available and appropriate for your prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name for generic Viagra?
The generic name for Viagra is sildenafil. The medication may also be listed as sildenafil citrate, referring to the citrate salt form used in the tablets.
Is sildenafil just generic Viagra?
Sildenafil is the active drug in Viagra. When sildenafil is prescribed for erectile dysfunction, FDA-approved generic versions can be used as generic alternatives to brand-name Viagra.
What are some names of generic Viagra?
In the United States, FDA-approved generics are primarily identified as sildenafil rather than by a special “generic Viagra” brand name. International markets also have sildenafil brands such as Kamagra, Cenforce, Suhagra and Vigora, but these should not automatically be considered FDA-approved U.S. generics.
Is Vidalista a generic Viagra?
No. Vidalista products are associated with tadalafil, the active ingredient used in Cialis-type ED treatment. Generic Viagra contains sildenafil.
Is generic sildenafil as strong as Viagra?
FDA-approved generic sildenafil contains the same active drug as Viagra. The relevant comparison is the prescribed dose, such as 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg, rather than whether the tablet carries the Viagra brand name.
Do you need a prescription for generic Viagra?
Yes. Sildenafil used for erectile dysfunction is a prescription medication in the United States.