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Sildenafil (Oral Route)

Drug Information provided by: Micromedex

US Brand Names

  • Revatio
  • Viagra

Description

Sildenafil belongs to a group of medicines that delay the enzymes called phosphodiesterases from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where these enzymes work. Sildenafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence).

By controlling the enzyme phosphodiesterase, sildenafil helps to maintain an erection that is produced when the penis is stroked. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, sildenafil will not work to cause an erection.

Sildenafil is also used in both men and women to treat the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is the high blood pressure that occurs in the main artery that carries blood from the right side of the heart (the ventricle) to the lungs. When the smaller blood vessels in the lungs become more resistant to blood flow, the right ventricle must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Sildenafil helps by increasing the supply of blood to the lungs and reducing the workload of the heart .

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Tablet
Before Using
Source: 7E110DB7-45D2-4091-AF32FE446B73C650

DR601513

Portions of this document last updated:

June 1, 2009

Copyright © 2009 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.


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