Sildenafil is primarily used to treat two main conditions: erectile dysfunction (the inability to get or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs)[1][2][3].
For erectile dysfunction, sildenafil (commonly known by the brand name Viagra) works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, helping men achieve and maintain an erection[5][6][7]. It does not cause erections without sexual stimulation and does not increase sexual desire[5].
For pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), sildenafil (often prescribed as Revatio) helps relax and widen the blood vessels in the lungs, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the workload on the heart. This can improve the ability to exercise and slow disease progression in both adults and children over one year old[1][4][5].
Sildenafil is sometimes used off-label for other conditions, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon (a circulation problem affecting fingers and toes) and high-altitude sickness, though these uses are less well established[2].
References
- [1] Sildenafil: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online
- [2] Sildenafil – Wikipedia
- [3] Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio) – Uses, Side Effects, and More – WebMD
- [4] Sildenafil – Pulmonary Hypertension Association
- [5] Sildenafil: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [6] Sildenafil (oral route) – Side effects & dosage – Mayo Clinic
- [7] About sildenafil (Viagra) – NHS