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Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sildenafil inhibits phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) in the corpus cavernosum, increasing cyclic GMP levels and promoting smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.
Sildenafil inhibits phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) in the corpus cavernosum, increasing cyclic GMP levels and promoting smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. Used for Erectile dysfunction, Pulmonary arterial hypertension, Benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms.
At a glance
| Generic name | Sildenafil (Viagra) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science |
| Drug class | Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor |
| Target | PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Urology / Sexual Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
By blocking PDE-5, sildenafil prevents the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), allowing cGMP to accumulate. This leads to smooth muscle relaxation in penile tissue and increased blood flow to the corpus cavernosum, facilitating erection in response to sexual stimulation. The drug works within the nitric oxide-cGMP signaling pathway.
Approved indications
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms
Common side effects
- Headache
- Flushing
- Dyspepsia
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
- Myalgia
- Vision abnormalities (blue-tinted vision)
Key clinical trials
- Radial Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction (NA)
- Asciminib With or Without Sildenafil for Brain Tumors (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Safety of Sildenafil in Premature Infants (PHASE2)
- Sildinafil in Pulmonary Hypertension-Rheumatic Chronic Valvular Disease(RCT) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Oral Sildenafil for Exercise Capacity, Dyspnea and Cardiopulmonary Function in COPD (PHASE2)
- Interest of Early Erectile Rehabilitation With Sildenafil After Radiotherapy and Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer (PHASE3)
- Sildenafil Plus Hypothermia to Treat Neonatal Encephalopathy (PHASE2)
- Mono vs. Dual Therapy for Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Sildenafil (Viagra) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Sildenafil (Viagra) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science portfolio CI