Overview

Sildenafil is a medication commonly known by the brand name Viagra. It is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to the penis, enabling improved erectile function in individuals with ED. It also relaxes the blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the pressure in the pulmonary arteries in individuals with PAH.