Sildenafil

Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 4/20/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

• Brand Name: Viagra, Revatio, Liqrev
  
• Generic Name: Sildenafil
  
• Uses: Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
  
• Drug Class: Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor
  
• Availability: Prescription only
  
• Generic Status: Yes
  
• Controlled Substance: No
  
  

Sildenafil is a medication classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Sildenafil is used to treat conditions such as:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
  
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue.
  
  

It may also have off-label uses as determined by your healthcare provider.

Sildenafil works by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5, which regulates blood flow in the penis. By inhibiting PDE5, sildenafil helps to increase blood flow, leading to improved erectile function. In PAH, it relaxes blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the workload on the heart and improving exercise capacity.

Sildenafil is usually taken orally, in pill form. The dosage and frequency of use depend on the condition being treated and your response to the medication. For ED, it is typically taken as needed before sexual activity, while for PAH, it may be taken regularly as prescribed.

Follow the prescribed dosage and instructions carefully. Do not take more sildenafil than recommended, and do not stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider.

The time it takes to experience the effects of sildenafil can vary. For ED, you may notice improvements in erectile function shortly after taking the medication, typically within 30 minutes to an hour. For PAH, improvements in symptoms such as shortness of breath may take longer. It’s important to continue taking sildenafil as prescribed for best results.

While sildenafil is primarily used for ED and PAH, healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe it off-label for other conditions such as Raynaud's phenomenon or altitude sickness.

Discuss any alternative uses of sildenafil with your healthcare provider.

Sildenafil is available in the following dosage forms:

• Oral tablets: Available in various strengths (e.g., 25mg, 50mg, 100mg)
  
• Oral suspension (for PAH)
  
• Intravenous (IV) injection (only used in hospital settings)
  
  

Generic versions of sildenafil are available under various brand names.

Sildenafil is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain this medication.