Sildenafil Citrate, commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, belongs to a group of molecules known as Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors. It is commonly known by its several brand names such as Viagra, Cenforce, and Revatio.

Beyond its primary use for erectile dysfunction, Sildenafil Citrate is also prescribed for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), where it helps improve blood flow and reduce pressure in the lungs.
Basic Information
Sildenafil Citrate is the citrate salt form of Sildenafil, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and enhances blood flow. Below are its key features:

Chemical Structure & Formula: C₂₈H₃₈N₆O₁₁S
Discovered in: The chemical was found at Pfizer laboratories in 1989 during research for a chest pain treatment.
FDA approval: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for the treatment of ED in March 1998. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved it for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in 2007 and for ED in 2013.
Regulatory status: In India, Sildenafil Citrate is a prescription-only medication regulated by the CDSCO and cannot be obtained over the counter.

Uses of Sildenafil Citrate
Sildenafil Citrate helps to treat conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction hampers the ability to get or maintain an erection. Although it is not uncommon to sometimes face this issue, a persistent flaccid penis is a cause for concern.

If you face any of the following symptoms, consult a doctor:

Flaccid penis
Reduced sexual desire
Trouble keeping an erection

This drug helps to overcome these symptoms, thus improving your performance and sexual life. Viagra, the first branded formulation by Pfizer, contains Sildenafil Citrate as its active ingredient.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

PAH is a condition characterised by high blood pressure between the heart and lungs, affecting the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries. If you face any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately:

Breath shortness while resting
Fast pulse
Fatigue
Blue or gray skin

Sildenafil Citrate helps manage PAH symptoms by improving blood circulation, enhancing heart function, and increasing overall quality of life. Revatio, another branded formulation of Sildenafil Citrate, is specifically used to treat PAH.
Off-Label Uses  of  Sildenafil Citrate
In addition to its approved uses, Sildenafil Citrate is sometimes prescribed for other conditions when alternative treatments are unavailable. These are considered off-label uses, as the drug is not officially authorised for these conditions but may still provide therapeutic benefits.

Sildenafil Citrate is commonly used to treat Secondary Raynaud’s Phenomenon, a condition in which reduced oxygen supply and narrowed blood vessels cause the hands and feet to turn blue. This condition is often associated with underlying health issues such as connective tissue diseases, smoking, carpal tunnel syndrome and blood vessel disorders.

Unlike Primary Raynaud’s Disease, which occurs without an underlying cause, Secondary Raynaud’s Phenomenon is less common and typically develops around the age of 40.

Sildenafil Citrate has been explored as a potential treatment for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) by increasing blood flow to the genital area, potentially improving arousal and sensitivity.
How It Works
Sildenafil Citrate enhances blood flow by targeting cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule responsible for smooth muscle relaxation.

Commonly, PDE5 enzymes break down cGMP, leading to muscle contraction and restricted blood flow. Sildenafil Citrate inhibits PDE5, allowing cGMP to persist, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and better blood flow to the penis, aiding erection during sexual stimulation.

This mechanism helps maintain an erect penis when sexually stimulated. The same mechanism relaxes the smooth muscles in the lungs, reducing pressure on the heart and improving oxygenation.
Common Side Effects
Sildenafil Citrate causes some common and rare side effects.  Common side effects tend to go away after your body adjusts to the medicine. However, seek medical attention immediately if you experience rare side effects.

Here is a list of common side effects:

Nausea
Headaches
Flushing
Diarrhea
Bloody nose
Warm skin
Sneezing
Muscle pain
Skin redness
Breathing difficulty
Pain around the eyes and cheekbones
Stomach discomfort
Stuffy nose
Dizziness

Below are rare symptoms that are associated with sildenafil:

Anxiety
Sudden vision loss
Chest pain
Confusion
Blurred vision
Double vision
Dry mouth
Dry eyes
Behavioural change
Excessive hunger
Migraine
Hand numbness
Pain in the joints
Seizures
Skin rash or hives
Muscle twitching
Shakiness
Sore throat

There may be other side effects that are not listed here. If you think you are experiencing a side effect from taking sildenafil, contact your doctor immediately. Additionally, if an erection lasts for more than 4 hours and is painful, consult your doctor.

Avoid Sildenafil if you have underlying heart conditions. Please do not take it with nitrate-containing medications, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions or medications before use.
Available Medicines
Here is a list of companies providing Sildenafil Citrate tablets.

Brand name
Manufacturer
Strengths

Viagra
Pfizer
25mg, 50mg,100mg

Cenforce
Centurion Laboratories
25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 120mg, 130mg, 150mg, 200mg

Endogain-S
Adorefem
25mg

Malegra
Sunrise Remedies
25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 120mg, 200mg

Suhagra
Cipla
25mg, 100mg

Penegra
Zydus Healthcare
25mg, 50mg, 100mg,

Manforce 100
Mankind Pharma
50mg, 100mg,

Caverta
Sun Pharmaceuticals
25mg, 50mg, 100mg

Revatio
Pfizer
20mg

Silnafil
Emcure Pharmaceuticals
25mg

Zenegra
Alkem Laboratories
50mg, 100mg

Manly
Cooper Pharma
100mg

Vigora
German Remedies
25mg, 50mg, 100mg

Femafil
Ambitree
100mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sildenafil Citrate brand name?

Viagra and Revatio are some of the most popular brand names for Sildenafil Citrate.

Who should avoid Sildenafil Citrate?

People with underlying heart disease or liver problems should not take this medicine. Always let your doctor know about any heart problems you have now or have had in the past.

Is Sildenafil Citrate safe to use daily?

It can be taken daily, but it is advised to leave at least a 24-hour gap between doses. The drug is typically prescribed on an as-needed basis, rather than for daily use, unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

Can women use Sildenafil?

Sildenafil Citrate has been studied as a potential treatment for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), as it may enhance blood flow to the genital area, improving arousal and sensitivity.

What food or drink should I avoid when taking Sildenafil?

Avoid grapefruit juice when taking Sildenafil for PAH, as it can interfere with the drug’s effectiveness. However, for ED, you can eat and drink normally. Alcohol should be avoided, as it may reduce the drug’s effectiveness and impair erection quality.

Buy Sildenafil Citrate tablets from Indogenmed and retake control of your sexual life.

Disclaimer: For information purposes only, it does not replace professional advice. Seek a doctor before consuming Sildenafil Citrate.

Reference Links:

https://www.drugs.com/history/revatio.html

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7418/sildenafil-oral/details

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16291984/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558978/