Sildenafil
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels and increases blood flow to specific areas of the body. In erectile dysfunction, it aids in achieving and maintaining an erection during sexual stimulation. In pulmonary hypertension, it reduces the blood pressure in the lungs, reducing the workload on the heart.
Dosage by Body Weight
For erectile dysfunction, the typical adult dose is 50 mg taken orally once daily as needed, about 1 hour before sexual activity (range 25 mg to 100 mg). For pulmonary arterial hypertension, standard adult dosing is 5 mg or 20 mg three times daily. Sildenafil should never be taken with nitrates. Pediatric dosage for pulmonary hypertension must be strictly managed by a specialist.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy are not established for routine use. Administer only under strict specialist pediatric supervision.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 10 mg (using oral suspension)
- Frequency
- Three times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Indicated strictly for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. Close clinical monitoring is required.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 10 mg (using oral suspension)
- Frequency
- Three times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Indicated strictly for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. Oral liquid formulation is preferred for precise dosing.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 10 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Indicated strictly for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. May use oral suspension or crushed tablets if prescribed.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 10 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Indicated strictly for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy are not established for routine use. Administer only under strict specialist pediatric supervision. |
| 5-7 kg | 10 mg (using oral suspension) | Three times daily | Indicated strictly for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. Close clinical monitoring is required. |
| 8-10 kg | 10 mg (using oral suspension) | Three times daily | Indicated strictly for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. Oral liquid formulation is preferred for precise dosing. |
| 11-15 kg | 10 mg | Three times daily | Indicated strictly for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. May use oral suspension or crushed tablets if prescribed. |
| 16-20 kg | 10 mg | Three times daily | Indicated strictly for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men, and to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to improve exercise capacity and delay clinical worsening.
Generic Name
SildenafilBranded Drug Names
Sildenafil is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.