Comprehensive medication guide to Viagra including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 copay for generic sildenafil; covered as Tier 1–2 on most commercial insurance plans. Medicare Part D typically does not cover sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. Brand Viagra often requires prior authorization.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$15–$80 retail for generic sildenafil 30 tablets; as low as $4 with GoodRx Gold or $1.85 per tablet at Walmart for a 30-day supply. Brand-name Viagra retails for approximately $2,985 for 30 tablets.
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Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor manufactured by Viatris (formerly Pfizer). It was FDA-approved on March 27, 1998, as the first oral therapy for erectile dysfunction in the United States. The same active ingredient (sildenafil) is also available under the brand name Revatio for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Generic sildenafil — containing the identical active ingredient at the same doses — is now manufactured by dozens of FDA-approved companies and is available at virtually every pharmacy in the United States. It is one of the most commonly dispensed generic medications in the country. Generic sildenafil is bioequivalent to brand Viagra and works identically.
Viagra is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg blue film-coated tablets for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Revatio (sildenafil for PAH) is available in 20 mg tablets, oral suspension (10 mg/mL), and injectable form for hospital use.
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Viagra (sildenafil) works by selectively inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) is released in the corpus cavernosum of the penis, which activates guanylate cyclase. This enzyme produces cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) — a molecule that causes smooth muscle relaxation in the penile blood vessels, allowing blood to flow in and produce an erection.
PDE5 normally breaks down cGMP, ending the erection. By blocking PDE5, sildenafil allows cGMP to remain elevated longer — sustaining smooth muscle relaxation and blood flow. Sildenafil does not cause erections without sexual stimulation; it only enhances the body's natural erectile response when arousal is present.
In the lungs, sildenafil inhibits PDE5 in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation. This reduces pulmonary arterial pressure and decreases the cardiac workload — which is why it is effective in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Sildenafil has a plasma half-life of approximately 3–5 hours and reaches peak concentration within 30–60 minutes of ingestion.
25 mg — tablet
Starting dose for elderly patients (65+), hepatic/renal impairment, or those on CYP3A4 inhibitors or alpha-blockers
50 mg — tablet
Standard recommended starting dose for most adults with erectile dysfunction
100 mg — tablet
Maximum dose for erectile dysfunction; used when 50 mg is insufficient
20 mg — tablet
Revatio formulation for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); 3 times daily dosing
Generic sildenafil is one of the most widely available medications in the United States — it is stocked at virtually every retail pharmacy and is not on the FDA Drug Shortage Database. Finding generic sildenafil is rarely an issue; the challenge is typically about finding the best price. Brand-name Viagra is a different story: because most patients use the much cheaper generic, retail pharmacies rarely stock the brand, which retails for approximately $3,000 for a 30-tablet supply.
Patients who specifically need brand Viagra may find that their local pharmacy doesn't carry it. In these cases, the pharmacy can usually place a special order through its wholesaler with 1–3 business day turnaround. For patients who need help locating a pharmacy that has their specific medication in stock and ready to fill, medfinder can help.
Use medfinder to find pharmacies near you that can fill your Viagra or sildenafil prescription — we call the pharmacies so you don't have to.
Because sildenafil is not a controlled substance, any licensed healthcare provider with prescribing authority in their state can write a prescription for it. There are no DEA-specific prescribing requirements. The key clinical consideration before prescribing is cardiovascular safety screening — particularly ruling out nitrate use, which is an absolute contraindication.
Providers who commonly prescribe sildenafil include:
Telehealth providers offer the most convenient access to sildenafil prescriptions in 2026. Platforms including GoodRx for ED, Hims, Ro (Roman), Lemonaid, Sesame, and Walgreens Virtual Healthcare all offer online consultations with licensed providers who can prescribe generic sildenafil and arrange home delivery — often within 2–3 days.
No. Viagra (sildenafil) is not classified as a controlled substance in the United States. It is not on any DEA schedule (Schedule I through V). This means any licensed healthcare provider — including nurse practitioners and physician assistants in most states — can prescribe sildenafil without special DEA authorization.
Because sildenafil is not a controlled substance, there are no legal restrictions on refills, quantity limits, or prescription expiration related to controlled substance scheduling. Prescriptions for sildenafil can be called in by phone, electronically transmitted, or written on a standard prescription pad. Telehealth providers can also prescribe sildenafil electronically in all 50 states.
Common side effects (usually mild and self-limiting):
Serious side effects (seek emergency care immediately):
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Tadalafil (Cialis)
Longer-acting PDE5 inhibitor (up to 36 hours); available as daily low-dose (2.5–5 mg) or as-needed (10–20 mg); also FDA-approved for BPH. Generic widely available.
Vardenafil (Levitra/Staxyn)
Similar onset and duration to sildenafil; orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) form available as Staxyn. Generic available.
Avanafil (Stendra)
Fastest onset (15–30 min); fewer food and CYP3A4 drug interactions. Generic became available in late 2024 but pharmacy stocking is still inconsistent.
Alprostadil (Caverject/Edex)
Penile injection therapy for men who do not respond to or cannot use oral PDE5 inhibitors. Requires training and injections directly into penile tissue.
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Nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide)
majorAbsolutely contraindicated. Combined with sildenafil's vasodilatory effects, nitrates cause potentially fatal hypotension. Do not use together.
Riociguat (Adempas)
majorAbsolutely contraindicated. Both drugs potentiate cGMP-mediated vasodilation, causing dangerous hypotension.
Ritonavir (HIV protease inhibitor)
majorIncreases sildenafil AUC by 11-fold. Maximum dose: 25 mg per 48 hours when on ritonavir.
Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, doxazosin)
moderateAdditive blood pressure lowering. Use sildenafil 25 mg starting dose. Patient must be stable on alpha-blocker first.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin)
moderateIncrease sildenafil blood levels significantly (3-fold with erythromycin). Reduce starting dose to 25 mg.
Amlodipine and other antihypertensives
moderateAdditive blood pressure lowering (mean ~8 mmHg systolic additional with amlodipine). Monitor for symptomatic hypotension.
Other PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil)
moderateDo not combine. Additive hypotension and side effects. Use only one PDE5 inhibitor at a time.
Grapefruit juice
minorInhibits CYP3A4 in the gut, may increase sildenafil levels and worsen side effects.
St. John's Wort
minorCYP3A4 inducer; may decrease sildenafil blood levels and reduce effectiveness.
Alcohol
minorCan worsen dizziness and blood pressure lowering effects. Limit consumption when taking sildenafil.
Viagra (sildenafil) has been one of the most impactful medications developed in the last three decades. It remains the first-line pharmacological treatment for erectile dysfunction and continues to improve quality of life for millions of men worldwide. In 2026, generic sildenafil has made this therapy more affordable and accessible than ever — with prices as low as $4 per fill with appropriate coupons.
The primary challenges patients face in 2026 are not availability of generic sildenafil (which is excellent) but rather: finding brand Viagra specifically at local pharmacies, navigating insurance coverage variations, and identifying the lowest-cost source. With the tools available — GoodRx, the Viagra Savings Card, telehealth services, and patient assistance programs — most patients can access sildenafil at a manageable cost.
If you're having trouble finding Viagra or sildenafil at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help. We call pharmacies in your area to find which ones have your medication in stock and can fill your prescription today.
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