Introduction
Sildenafil citrate, better known by its original brand name Viagra, remains the most widely prescribed treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) worldwide. In India, the medicine is available only on prescription but is manufactured by many reputable domestic pharmaceutical companies. Because India is one of the largest producers of generic medicines globally, the choice of sildenafil tablets here is especially wide, ranging from trusted long-established names like Cipla and Zydus to newer players exporting under multiple brand labels.
This abundance brings benefits in price and availability, but it can also make the landscape confusing. Patients often wonder which brands are most reliable, what strengths are offered, how much a course should cost, and how to avoid counterfeit or unregulated products. While the active ingredient is the same across all approved generics, differences in manufacturer reputation, pack size, formulation, and market availability do matter when deciding which product suits you best.
This 2025 guide compares the leading Indian sildenafil brands, explains their pricing, reviews availability and authenticity markers, and provides essential safety information. It also outlines key alternatives such as tadalafil and avanafil. The goal is to give patients and caregivers a clear, evidence-based overview of what to expect when choosing Viagra tablets in India today.
How We Ranked the “Best”
Every licensed sildenafil tablet in India contains the same active pharmaceutical ingredient: sildenafil citrate. That means the therapeutic effect should, in theory, be equivalent across brands. However, in practice, patients often compare brands by factors that influence trust, affordability, and everyday use.
The first criterion is efficacy evidence. All the brands covered here are registered with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), which ensures bioequivalence to the original Viagra. Clinical effect is therefore consistent.
Next is dosage range. Most Indian brands come in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg strengths, with some manufacturers also exporting higher-dose 120 mg or 200 mg tablets for international markets. A wider range means more flexibility for doctors tailoring therapy.
Quality and manufacturer reputation is another key measure. Established companies such as Cipla, Zydus, Sun Pharma, and Alkem have long track records of quality assurance and strong domestic distribution.
Price and value weigh heavily in India, where sildenafil can cost anywhere from ₹20 to ₹100 per tablet depending on the brand. Availability, both in retail pharmacies and online platforms like 1mg or PharmEasy, also affects convenience.
Finally, we evaluated authenticity and safety markers such as holograms, batch numbers, and pack integrity, which help patients avoid counterfeit products.
Quick Comparison Table (Top Brands)
Brand | Manufacturer | API/Form | Strengths (mg) | Pack Sizes | Typical Price/Tab (₹) | Rx Needed | Delivery/Availability | Pros | Cons | Notes (authenticity tips) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Suhagra | Cipla | Sildenafil citrate | 25, 50, 100 | 4, 10, 20 tabs | 25–50 | Yes | Widely in retail & online | Trusted Cipla quality; broad availability | Slightly higher than peers | Check Cipla hologram, strip code |
Silagra | Cipla | Sildenafil citrate | 25, 50, 100 | 4, 10 tabs | 25–45 | Yes | PharmEasy, NetMeds | Reliable, widely stocked | Less variety in pack sizes | Same verification as Suhagra |
Penegra | Zydus | Sildenafil citrate | 25, 50, 100 | 4, 10 tabs | 20–40 | Yes | 1mg, local chemists | Affordable; strong Zydus reputation | Stock-out issues in some regions | Verify Zydus strip imprint |
Caverta | Ranbaxy / Sun Pharma | Sildenafil citrate | 25, 50, 100 | 4, 10 tabs | 25–50 | Yes | Widespread retail, 1mg | One of the oldest Indian sildenafil brands | Price varies by region | Sun Pharma hologram, batch no. |
Zenegra | Alkem Laboratories | Sildenafil citrate | 25, 50, 100 | 4, 10 tabs | 20–35 | Yes | NetMeds, MedPlus | Competitive pricing; trusted Alkem | Fewer export strengths | Alkem hologram, CDSCO check |
Vigora | German Remedies/Zydus | Sildenafil citrate | 25, 50, 100 | 4, 10, 20 tabs | 20–40 | Yes | PharmEasy, Apollo Pharmacies | Good value; multiple pack sizes | Packaging varies (old/new) | Zydus batch number essential |
Kamagra | Ajanta Pharma | Tabs, jelly, effervescent | 25, 50, 100, 120 | 4, 7, 10 tabs/packs | 30–60 | Yes | Mostly export, some retail | Multiple formats (oral jelly, etc.) | Authenticity concerns online | Check Ajanta hologram, CDSCO |
Cenforce | Centurion Laboratories | Sildenafil citrate | 25, 50, 100, 200 | 4, 10 tabs | 20–50 | Yes | Export-heavy; Indian online | Wide strength options; affordable | Smaller company vs Cipla/Zydus | Batch no. & strip imprint vital |
Brand Mini-Profiles
Suhagra (Cipla)
Suhagra is Cipla’s flagship sildenafil brand and among the most widely prescribed in India. Available in 25, 50, and 100 mg strengths, it is stocked by both local pharmacies and major online platforms like 1mg and PharmEasy. Prices range from ₹25–50 per tablet, depending on strength and pack size. Patients trust Cipla’s long reputation for quality, making Suhagra a safe first choice. Slightly higher pricing compared to some generics is its main drawback, but authenticity is easy to verify via Cipla holograms and batch codes.
Silagra (Cipla)
Silagra is another Cipla-manufactured sildenafil brand, often marketed online alongside Suhagra. It is available in the standard 25, 50, and 100 mg tablet strengths, with pack sizes of 4 or 10 tablets. Prices are similar but sometimes slightly lower than Suhagra, typically ₹25–45 per tablet. The product is known for consistent quality and broad pharmacy availability. The only downside is fewer pack-size options compared to competitors. Authenticity is confirmed the same way as Suhagra, through Cipla hologram seals and CDSCO batch records.
Penegra (Zydus)
Penegra from Zydus has been a trusted sildenafil option for years, with widespread use across India. Offered in 25, 50, and 100 mg strengths, it is sold in packs of 4 or 10 tablets. Prices are affordable, usually between ₹20–40 per pill, making it slightly cheaper than Cipla brands. Its main advantage is Zydus’ reputation and nationwide distribution.
Caverta (Ranbaxy / Sun Pharma)
Caverta, originally launched by Ranbaxy and now produced under Sun Pharma, is one of the earliest Indian sildenafil brands. It comes in 25, 50, and 100 mg tablets, usually packed in strips of 4 or 10. Prices range between ₹25–50 per pill, depending on region and retailer. Its long history and Sun Pharma’s global presence make Caverta a reliable option. Regional price variations and occasional availability gaps are noted, but authenticity is easy to check through Sun Pharma holograms and batch numbers.
Zenegra (Alkem Laboratories)
Zenegra, produced by Alkem, is a popular mid-priced sildenafil brand available in 25, 50, and 100 mg doses. Packs of 4 or 10 tablets typically cost between ₹20–35 per tablet. Patients value its affordability and consistent quality assurance from Alkem, one of India’s top pharmaceutical firms. While Zenegra doesn’t usually offer extended pack sizes or export-strength versions, its pricing and reliability make it a strong choice. Authenticity can be verified via Alkem’s hologram seals and CDSCO listings.
Vigora (German Remedies / Zydus)
Vigora, marketed under Zydus through its German Remedies division, is a well-known sildenafil option across India. It comes in standard 25, 50, and 100 mg tablets, often available in larger pack sizes of 10 or 20 tablets. Prices are generally ₹20–40 per pill, making it cost-competitive with Penegra. Vigora’s advantage is value for money and wide retail presence. Packaging varies between old and newer designs, so patients should check Zydus holograms and batch numbers to confirm authenticity.
Pricing & Value in India
Pricing for sildenafil tablets in India is highly competitive, reflecting the country’s role as a global hub for generic medicines. Branded Viagra, imported by Pfizer, remains the most expensive option, often costing ₹600–800 per pill at urban pharmacies. By contrast, Indian generics such as Suhagra, Penegra, or Zenegra are available for ₹20–50 per tablet, making treatment far more affordable for domestic patients.
For most consumers, the choice between brands comes down to a balance of cost and trust. Cipla and Zydus products tend to be slightly more expensive than those from smaller manufacturers, but patients often accept the difference for the reassurance of established reputations. More budget-sensitive buyers may prefer options like Cenforce, which can sell for as little as ₹20 per pill in certain regions.
Pack sizes also influence value. Strips of four tablets are standard, but larger packs of 10 or 20 typically offer a lower per-tablet price, which benefits long-term users. Online pharmacies such as 1mg and PharmEasy frequently run discounts, further reducing costs.
Overall, sildenafil is one of the more affordable prescription medicines for men’s health in India, with wide access to safe generics ensuring strong value compared to international markets.
Availability & Authenticity Checklist
One of the biggest challenges with sildenafil in India is not cost but authenticity. Because demand for Viagra is high and prices for the imported brand are steep, counterfeiters often target this market. Fake tablets may mimic packaging but contain the wrong active ingredient, inconsistent doses, or even harmful fillers. The risk is greatest when medicines are purchased from unauthorized online sellers or informal local shops.
Licensed Indian generics from Cipla, Zydus, Sun Pharma, Alkem, and Ajanta are all CDSCO-approved and subject to quality checks. Patients should look for clear markers of authenticity, such as hologram seals, batch numbers, expiry dates, and intact blister strips. Reputable pharmacies, whether online or offline, will always provide a GST invoice and list the manufacturer.
It is worth noting that Kamagra and Cenforce, while widely exported, are often sold through gray-market websites overseas. These products are legal when dispensed in India with a prescription, but buyers abroad must be cautious since counterfeit versions are common online.
The safest way to minimize risk is to buy only from registered Indian pharmacies or verified online platforms like 1mg, PharmEasy, or Apollo. If the price seems too good to be true, or if the seller offers sildenafil without a prescription, it is almost certainly unsafe.
Safety First
Sildenafil is generally safe when taken under medical supervision, but patients should be aware of possible side effects and contraindications. The most common reactions include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness, and indigestion. Some men also report temporary visual changes, such as a blue tinge or blurred vision. These effects are usually mild and fade as the medicine wears off. More serious risks exist for patients with certain medical conditions. Sildenafil should never be taken with nitrates (such as nitroglycerin for chest pain), as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Caution is also required for men with uncontrolled hypertension, severe heart disease, recent stroke, or serious liver and kidney problems.
The standard starting dose for most patients is 50 mg, taken about an hour before sexual activity. Doctors may adjust up to 100 mg or down to 25 mg depending on tolerance and effectiveness. The maximum recommended use is once per day.
Patients should avoid self-medicating or buying tablets without a prescription (You’ll find everything you need to know about online order of Sildenafil at https://wirelesslifesciences.org/sildenafil-online-prescription-guide/). A licensed physician can assess whether sildenafil is appropriate, check for potential interactions, and monitor safety. Used correctly, the medicine is highly effective and well tolerated.
Food, Alcohol & Drug Interactions
Sildenafil’s effectiveness and safety can be influenced by what you eat, drink, or take alongside it. Food is the most noticeable factor. A heavy or high-fat meal can delay absorption, meaning the tablet may take longer to work. For best results, doctors often suggest taking it on an empty stomach or after only a light meal.
Alcohol also matters. Small amounts usually do not interfere significantly, but excessive drinking can reduce erectile response on its own and increase side effects such as dizziness, flushing, or low blood pressure. Mixing large quantities of alcohol with sildenafil may heighten the risk of fainting or prolonged headaches.
Drug interactions are critical. Nitrates, prescribed for angina, must never be combined with sildenafil, as the combination can cause a severe and dangerous fall in blood pressure. Similarly, medicines called alpha-blockers, often used for prostate conditions or hypertension, may interact and should be spaced out or adjusted under medical supervision. Some antifungal drugs (like ketoconazole), antibiotics (erythromycin), and HIV protease inhibitors can raise sildenafil levels in the body, requiring dose adjustments.
Because of these risks, patients should always provide their doctor with a complete list of medications and supplements before starting treatment. Careful attention to diet, alcohol use, and drug interactions ensures sildenafil remains both effective and safe.
Alternatives to Viagra in India
Viagra (sildenafil) isn’t the only effective medication for erectile dysfunction available in India. Alternatives like tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil offer different onset speeds and durations, giving patients valuable flexibility depending on their lifestyle.
While Viagra remains the most common first-line treatment, these alternatives may suit users seeking either longer duration or quick onset. Tadalafil (Cialis/generics) is known for its long-lasting effect—up to 36 hours—often referred to as the “weekend pill.” It allows for greater spontaneity and is generally well tolerated. Vardenafil (Levitra/generics) starts working in as little as 30 minutes and offers a similar efficacy to sildenafil, though it may be pricier. Avanafil (Stendra/generics) is the newest of the group, notable for an even faster onset—about 15–20 minutes—and a short duration, making it ideal for last-minute use. All options are prescription-only, and generics significantly reduce costs compared to international pricing.
Drug | Onset Time | Duration | Typical Doses (mg) | Pros | Cons | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tadalafil | ~30–60 min | Up to 36 hours | 10, 20 | Long duration, flexible timing | Longer wait if side effects occur | Weekend use, spontaneity |
Vardenafil | ~30 min | ~4–6 hours | 10, 20 | Fast onset, strong effect | Shorter window than tadalafil | Secure timing, reliable effect |
Avanafil | ~15–20 min | ~6 hours | 50, 100, 200 | Very rapid onset | Less widely available, more expensive | Impromptu situations, convenience |
FAQ
Is Viagra available over the counter in India?
No. Viagra and all sildenafil tablets are classified as prescription-only in India. A doctor’s evaluation is required before purchase.
Which brand is the cheapest?
Prices vary by region, but generic brands such as Cenforce or Zenegra can cost as little as ₹20–25 per tablet. More established names like Suhagra or Penegra are slightly higher, while imported Pfizer Viagra is the most expensive at ₹600–800 per pill.
Are generics as effective as branded Viagra?
Yes. CDSCO-approved generics must demonstrate bioequivalence to Viagra. That means they deliver the same amount of sildenafil in the body and work in the same way, though packaging and excipients may differ.
Can I buy sildenafil online in India?
Yes, through licensed platforms like 1mg, PharmEasy, or Apollo Pharmacy. A valid prescription is still required, and medicines are dispensed from registered pharmacies with GST invoices.
What if I see Viagra sold without a prescription?
Avoid such offers. These are likely counterfeit or unregulated products. Taking them carries risks of incorrect dosing or harmful additives.
Is tadalafil better than sildenafil?
Not necessarily, it depends on lifestyle and medical history. Sildenafil acts for 4–6 hours, while tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. Many doctors tailor the choice to the patient’s needs.
Are there serious side effects?
Most men tolerate sildenafil well, but risks include sudden blood pressure drops if combined with nitrates, and rare but serious events such as priapism or vision loss. Always use under medical guidance.