What Is Sildenafil Citrate Used For?

Many people wonder, "What is sildenafil citrate used for?" The most common use of sildenafil citrate is the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence. Sildenafil citrate can also be used off-label to treat conditions other than ED, such as Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the artery that carries blood to the lungs). Sildenafil citrate is not approved for use in children, newborns, or women.

 

What Is Sildenafil Citrate Used For?

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra®) is a medication that has been licensed to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is defined as a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Essentially, erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
 

How Does Sildenafil Citrate Work?

Sildenafil citrate is very effective at treating erectile dysfunction. The medicine works by blocking a chemical that causes blood to flow out of the penis. More blood in the penis means an improved erection.
 
(Click How Does Viagra Work? for more information.)
 

Sildenafil Citrate Uses in Children, Newborns, and Women

Sildenafil citrate is not approved for use in children, newborns, or women.
 

Sildenafil Citrate: Off-Label Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend sildenafil citrate for something other than the conditions listed above. This is called an "off-label" use. Some off-label uses of sildenafil citrate include the treatment of:
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;