On this page
Sildenafil
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor [EPC] | EPC | All 21 members |
| Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 21 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 207178-001 | SILDENAFIL CITRATE | TABLET | SILDENAFIL CITRATE | Prescription | AB | ||
| 207178-002 | SILDENAFIL CITRATE | TABLET | SILDENAFIL CITRATE | Prescription | AB | ||
| 207178-003 | SILDENAFIL CITRATE | TABLET | SILDENAFIL CITRATE | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | March 2, 2020 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260806). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingIndications and Usage ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) 1/2023 Dosage and Administration ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , 2.2) 1/2023
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sildenafil tablets, USP are indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO Group I) in adults to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening. The delay in clinical worsening was demonstrated when sildenafil tablets was added to background epoprostenol therapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Studies establishing effectiveness were short-term (12 to 16 weeks), and included predominately patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class II-III symptoms and idiopathic etiology (71%) or associated with connective tissue disease (CTD) (25%). Limitation of Use : Adding sildenafil to bosentan therapy does not result in any beneficial effect on exercise capacity [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Sildenafil tablets are a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group I) in adults to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening. Studies establishing effectiveness were short-term (12 to 16 weeks), and included predominately patients with NYHA Functional Class II-III symptoms. Etiologies were idiopathic (71%) or associated with connective tissue disease (25%). ( 1 ) Limitation of Use : Adding sildenafil to bosentan therapy does not result in any beneficial effect on exercise capacity. ( 1 , 14 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • For most patients, the recommended dose is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. However, sildenafil tablets may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity ( 2.1 ) • Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase to a maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg ( 2.1 ) • Maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Dosage Information For most patients, the recommended dose is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. However, sildenafil tablets may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. Based on effectiveness and toleration, the dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg. 2.2 Use with Food Sildenafil tablets may be taken with or without food. 2.3 Dosage Adjustments in Specific Situations Sildenafil tablets was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates and its administration in patients who use nitric oxide donors such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form is therefore contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.1) , Drug Interactions (7.1) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. When sildenafil tablets are co-administered with an alpha-blocker, patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating sildenafil tablets treatment and sildenafil tablets should be initiated at 25 mg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) , Drug Interactions (7.2) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. 2.4 Dosage Adjustments Due to Drug Interactions Ritonavir The recommended dose for ritonavir-treated patients is 25 mg prior to sexual activity and the recommended maximum dose is 25mg within a 48hour period because concomitant administration increased the blood levels of sildenafil by 11-fold [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) , Drug Interactions (7.4) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. CYP3A4 Inhibitors Consider a starting dose of 25 mg in patients treated with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, or saquinavir) or erythromycin. Clinical data have shown that co-administration with saquinavir or erythromycin increased plasma levels of sildenafil by about 3 fold [see Drug Interactions (7.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 2.5 Dosage Adjustments in Special Populations Consider a starting dose of 25 mg in patients > 65 years, patients with hepatic impairment (e.g., cirrhosis), and patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 65 years, patients with hepatic impairment (e.g., cirrhosis), and patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/minute) because administration of sildenafil tablets in these patients resulted in higher plasma levels of sildenafil [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6 , 8.7 ) and C linical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Sildenafil tablets, USP is supplied as white, film-coated, rounded-diamond-shaped tablets containing sildenafil citrate equivalent to 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg of sildenafil. Tablets are plain on one side and debossed with AC 338, AC 339 or AC 340 on the other side, for the dosage strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg, respectively. Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS • Administration of sildenafil tablets to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form. Sildenafil tablets were shown to potentiate the hypotensive effect of nitrates ( 4.1 , 7.1 , 12.2 ) • Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet ( 4.2 ) • Administration with guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators, such as riociguat ( 4.3 ) 4.1 Nitrates Consistent with its known effects on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1 , 12.2 )], sildenafil tablets was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, and its administration to patients who are using nitric oxide donors such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form either regularly and/or intermittently is therefore contraindicated. After patients have taken sildenafil tablets, it is unknown when nitrates, if necessary, can be safely administered. Although plasma levels of sildenafil at 24 hours post dose are much lower than at peak concentration, it is unknown whether nitrates can be safely co-administered at this time point [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Drug Interactions (7.1) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. 4.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions Sildenafil tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to sildenafil, as contained in sildenafil tablets and REVATIO, or any component of the tablet. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, including rash and urticarial [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. 4.3 Concomitant Guanylate Cyclase (GC) Stimulators Do not use sildenafil tablets in patients who are using a GC stimulator, such as riociguat. PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil tablets, may potentiate the hypotensive effects of GC stimulators.
4.1 Nitrates Consistent with its known effects on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1 , 12.2 )], sildenafil tablets was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, and its administration to patients who are using nitric oxide donors such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form either regularly and/or intermittently is therefore contraindicated. After patients have taken sildenafil tablets, it is unknown when nitrates, if necessary, can be safely administered. Although plasma levels of sildenafil at 24 hours post dose are much lower than at peak concentration, it is unknown whether nitrates can be safely co-administered at this time point [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Drug Interactions (7.1) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ].
4.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions Sildenafil tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to sildenafil, as contained in sildenafil tablets and REVATIO, or any component of the tablet. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, including rash and urticarial [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].
4.3 Concomitant Guanylate Cyclase (GC) Stimulators Do not use sildenafil tablets in patients who are using a GC stimulator, such as riociguat. PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil tablets, may potentiate the hypotensive effects of GC stimulators.
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Patients should not use sildenafil tablets if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status ( 5.1 ) • Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours. Use sildenafil tablets with caution in patients predisposed to priapism ( 5.2 ) • Patients should stop sildenafil tablets and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Sildenafil tablets should be used with caution, and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks, in patients with a history of NAION. Patients with a “crowded” optic disc may also be at an increased risk of NAION. ( 5.3 ) • Patients should stop sildenafil tablets and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing ( 5.4 ) • Caution is advised when sildenafil tablets is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives. Concomitant use may lead to hypotension ( 5.5 ) • Decreased blood pressure, syncope, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures. In patients taking strong CYP inhibitors, such as ritonavir, sildenafil exposure is increased. Decrease in sildenafil tablets dosage is recommended ( 2.4 , 5.6 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular There is a potential for cardiac risk of sexual activity in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. Therefore, treatments for erectile dysfunction, including sildenafil tablets, should not be generally used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable because of their underlying cardiovascular status. The evaluation of erectile dysfunction should include a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment following a complete medical assessment. Sildenafil tablets has systemic vasodilatory properties that resulted in transient decreases in supine blood pressure in healthy volunteers (mean maximum decrease of 8.4/5.5 mmHg), [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. While this normally would be expected to be of little consequence in most patients, prior to prescribing sildenafil tablets, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by such vasodilatory effects, especially in combination with sexual activity. Use with caution in patients with the following underlying conditions which can be particularly sensitive to the actions of vasodilators including sildenafil tablets – those with left ventricular outflow obstruction (e.g., aortic stenosis, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis) and those with severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure. There are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of sildenafil tablets in the following groups; if prescribed, this should be done with caution. • Patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, stroke, or life-threatening arrhythmia within the last 6 months; • Patients with resting hypotension (BP 170/110 mmHg); • Patients with cardiac failure or coronary artery disease causing unstable angina. 5.2 Prolonged Erection and Priapism Prolonged erection greater than 4 hours and priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) have been reported infrequently since market approval of sildenafil tablets. In the event of an erection that persists longer than 4 hours, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency could result. Sildenafil tablets should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie’s disease), or in patients who have conditions which may predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia). However, there are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of sildenafil tablets in patients with sickle cell or rela …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: • Cardiovascular [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Prolonged Erection and Priapism [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Effects on the Eye [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hearing Loss [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Hypotension when Co-administered with Alpha-blockers or Anti-hypertensives [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Adverse Reactions with the Concomitant Use of Ritonavir [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Combination with other PDE5 Inhibitors or Other Erectile Dysfunction Therapies [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Effects on Bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted Diseases [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials (≥ 2%) are headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness, and rash. Most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness and rash (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cipla Ltd. at 1-866-604-3268 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Sildenafil tablets were administered to over 3700 patients (aged 19–87 years) during pre-marketing clinical trials worldwide. Over 550 patients were treated for longer than one year. In placebo-controlled clinical studies, the discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions for sildenafil tablets (2.5%) was not significantly different from placebo (2.3%). In fixed-dose studies, the incidence of some adverse reactions increased with dose. The type of adverse reactions in flexible-dose studies, which reflect the recommended dosage regimen, was similar to that for fixed-dose studies. At doses above the recommended dose range, adverse reactions were similar to those detailed in Table 1 below but generally were reported more frequently. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥2% of Patients Treated with Sildenafil tablets and More Frequent than Placebo in Fixed-Dose Phase II/III studies Adverse Reaction 25 mg (n=312) 50 mg (n=511) 100 mg (n=506) Placebo (n=607) Headache 16% 21% 28% 7% Flushing 10% 19% 18% 2% Dyspepsia 3% 9% 17% 2% Abnormal vision† 1% 2% 11% 1% Nasal congestion 4% 4% 9% 2% Back pain 3% 4% 4% 2% Myalgia 2% 2% 4% 1% Nausea 2% 3% 3% 1% Dizziness 3% 4% 3% 2% Rash 1% 2% 3% 1% * Abnormal Vision: Mild to moderate in severity and transient, predominantly color tinge to vision, but also increased sensitivity to light, or blurred vision. When sildenafil tablets were taken as recommended (on an as-needed basis) in flexible-dose, placebo-controlled clinical trials of two to twenty-six weeks duration, patients took sildenafil tablets at least once weekly, and the following adverse reactions were reported: Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥2% of Patients Treated with Sildenafil tablets and More Frequent than Placebo in Fixed-Dose Phase II/III studies Adverse Reaction Sildenafil tablets PLACEBO N=734 N=725 Headache 16% 4% Flushing 10% 1% Dyspepsia 7% 2% Nasal Congestion 4% 2% Abnormal Vision† 3% 0% Back pain 2% 2% Dizziness 2% 1% Rash 2% 1% * Abnormal Vision: Mild and transient, predominantly color tinge to vision, but also increased sensitivity to light or blurred vision. In these studies, only one patient discontinued due to abnormal vision. The following events occurred in <2% of patients in controlled clinical trials; a causal relationship to sildenafil tablets is uncertain. Reported events include those with a plausible relation to drug us …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Sildenafil tablets can potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, alpha blockers, and anti-hypertensives ( 4.1 , 5.5 , 7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3 , 12.2 ) • With concomitant use of alpha blockers, initiate sildenafil tablets at 25 mg dose ( 2.3 ) • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin): Increase sildenafil tablets exposure ( 2.4 , 7.4 , 12.3 ) Ritonavir: Do not exceed a maximum single dose of 25 mg in a 48 hour period ( 2.4 , 5.6 ) Erythromycin or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir): Consider a starting dose of 25 mg ( 2.4 , 7.4 ) 7.1 Nitrates Administration of sildenafil tablets with nitric oxide donors such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form is contraindicated. Consistent with its known effects on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway, sildenafil tablets were shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Contraindications (4.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. 7.2 Alpha-blockers Use caution when co-administering alpha-blockers with sildenafil tablets because of potential additive blood pressure-lowering effects. When sildenafil tablets are co-administered with an alpha-blocker, patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating sildenafil tablets treatment and sildenafil tablets should be initiated at the lowest dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.5) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. 7.3 Amlodipine When sildenafil tablets 100 mg was co-administered with amlodipine (5 mg or 10 mg) to hypertensive patients, the mean additional reduction on supine blood pressure was 8 mmHg systolic and 7 mmHg diastolic [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. 7.4 Ritonavir and other CYP3A4 inhibitors Co-administration of ritonavir, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, greatly increased the systemic exposure of sildenafil (11-fold increase in AUC). It is therefore recommended not to exceed a maximum single dose of 25 mg of sildenafil tablets in a 48 hour period [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Warnings and Precautions (5.6) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Co-administration of erythromycin, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, resulted in a 160% and 182% increases in sildenafil C max and AUC, respectively. Co-administration of saquinavir, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, resulted in 140% and 210% increases in sildenafil C max and AUC, respectively. Stronger CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole or itraconazole could be expected to have greater effects than seen with saquinavir. A starting dose of 25 mg of sildenafil tablets should be considered in patients taking erythromycin or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as saquinavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole) [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.5 Alcohol In a drug-drug interaction study sildenafil 50 mg given with alcohol 0.5 g/kg in which mean maximum blood alcohol levels of 0.08% was achieved, sildenafil did not potentiate the hypotensive effect of alcohol in healthy volunteers [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ].
7.1 Nitrates Administration of sildenafil tablets with nitric oxide donors such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form is contraindicated. Consistent with its known effects on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway, sildenafil tablets were shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Contraindications (4.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ].
7.2 Alpha-blockers Use caution when co-administering alpha-blockers with sildenafil tablets because of potential additive blood pressure-lowering effects. When sildenafil tablets are co-administered with an alpha-blocker, patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating sildenafil tablets treatment and sildenafil tablets should be initiated at the lowest dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.5) …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited published data from randomized controlled trials, case-controlled trials, and case series do not report a clear association with sildenafil and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when sildenafil is used during pregnancy. There are risks to the mother and fetus from untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension (see Clinical Considerations) . Animal reproduction studies conducted with sildenafil showed no evidence of embryo-fetal toxicity or teratogenicity at doses up to 32- and 65-times the recommended human dose (RHD) of 20 mg three times a day in rats and rabbits, respectively (See Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Pregnant women with untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension are at risk for heart failure, stroke, preterm delivery, and maternal and fetal death. Data Animal Data No evidence of teratogenicity, embryotoxicity, or fetotoxicity was observed in pregnant rats or rabbits dosed with sildenafil 200 mg/kg/day during organogenesis, a level that is, on a mg/m 2 basis, 32- and 65-times, respectively, the recommended human dose (RHD) of 20 mg three times a day. In a rat pre-and postnatal development study, the no-observed-adverse-effect dose was 30 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 5-times the RHD on a mg/m 2 basis). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Limited published data from a case report describe the presence of sildenafil and its active metabolite in human milk. There is insufficient information about the effects of sildenafil on the breastfed infant and no information on the effects of sildenafil on milk production. Limited clinical data during lactation preclude a clear determination of the risk of sildenafil tablets to an infant during lactation. 8.4 Pediatric Use In a randomized, double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-ranging study, 234 patients with PAH, aged 1 to 17 years, body weight greater than or equal to 8 kg, were randomized, on the basis of body weight, to three dose levels of sildenafil tablets, or placebo, for 16 weeks of treatment. Most patients had mild to moderate symptoms at baseline: WHO Functional Class I (32%), II (51%), III (15%), or IV (0.4%). One-third of patients had primary PAH; two-thirds had secondary PAH (systemic-to-pulmonary shunt in 37%; surgical repair in 30%). Sixty-two percent of patients were female. Drug or placebo was administered three times a day. The primary objective of the study was to assess the effect of sildenafil tablets on exercise capacity as measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in pediatric patients developmentally able to perform the test (n = 115). Administration of sildenafil tablets did not result in a statistically significant improvement in exercise capacity in those patients. No patients died during the 16-week controlled study. After completing the 16-week controlled study, a patient originally randomized to sildenafil tablets remained on his/her dose of sildenafil tablets or, if originally randomized to placebo, was randomized to low-, medium-, or high-dose sildenafil tablets. After all patients completed 16 weeks of follow-up in the controlled study, the blind was broken and doses were adjusted as clinically indicated. Patients treated with sildenafil were followed for a median of 4.6 years (range 2 days to 8.6 years). Mortality during the long-term study, by originally assigned dose, is shown in Figure 1: Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Plot of Mortality by Sildenafil tablets Dose During the study, there were 42 reported deaths, with …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The physiologic mechanism of erection of the penis involves release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum during sexual stimulation. NO then activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), producing smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum and allowing inflow of blood. Sildenafil enhances the effect of NO by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. Sildenafil has no direct relaxant effect on isolated human corpus cavernosum. When sexual stimulation causes local release of NO, inhibition of PDE5 by sildenafil causes increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and inflow of blood to the corpus cavernosum. Sildenafil at recommended doses has no effect in the absence of sexual stimulation. Binding Characteristics Studies in vitro have shown that sildenafil is selective for PDE5. Its effect is more potent on PDE5 than on other known phosphodiesterases (10-fold for PDE6, >80-fold for PDE1, >700-fold for PDE2, PDE3, PDE4, PDE7, PDE8, PDE9, PDE10, and PDE11). Sildenafil is approximately 4,000-fold more selective for PDE5 compared to PDE3. PDE3 is involved in control of cardiac contractility. Sildenafil is only about 10-fold as potent for PDE5 compared to PDE6, an enzyme found in the retina which is involved in the phototransduction pathway of the retina. This lower selectivity is thought to be the basis for abnormalities related to color vision [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. In addition to human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle, PDE5 is also found in other tissues including platelets, vascular and visceral smooth muscle, and skeletal muscle, brain, heart, liver, kidney, lung, pancreas, prostate, bladder, testis, and seminal vesicle. The inhibition of PDE5 in some of these tissues by sildenafil may be the basis for the enhanced platelet antiaggregatory activity of NO observed in vitro, an inhibition of platelet thrombus formation in vivo and peripheral arterial-venous dilatation in vivo.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Sildenafil citrate, USP, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, is the citrate salt of sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5). Sildenafil is also marketed as VIAGRA ® for erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil citrate, USP is designated chemically as 1-[[3-(6,7-dihydro-1-methyl-7-oxo-3-propyl-1 H -pyrazolo [4,3- d ] pyrimidin-5-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl] sulfonyl]-4-methylpiperazine citrate and has the following structural formula: Sildenafil citrate, USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a solubility of 3.5 mg/mL in water and a molecular weight of 666.7. Sildenafil Tablets: Sildenafil tablets are formulated as white to off-white, round shaped film-coated tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains sildenafil citrate, USP equivalent to 20 mg of sildenafil. In addition to the active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, USP, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc and titanium dioxide. Structural Formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE In studies with healthy volunteers of single doses up to 800 mg, adverse reactions were similar to those seen at lower doses but incidence rates and severities were increased. In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted as required. Renal dialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance as sildenafil is highly bound to plasma proteins and it is not eliminated in the urine.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Sildenafil Tablets USP, 20 mg, are supplied as white to off-white, round shaped film-coated tablets with debossing ‘AN 351’ on one side and plain on the other side, containing sildenafil citrate, USP equivalent to the nominally indicated amount of sildenafil. NDC 63629-5029-1: 10 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC 63629-5029-2: 30 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC 63629-5029-3: 7 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC 63629-5029-4: 90 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC 63629-5029-5: 60 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC 63629-5029-6: 20 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC 63629-5029-7: 270 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC 63629-5029-8: 15 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC 63629-5029-9: 12 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC 63629-5029-0: 50 Tablets in a BOTTLE Recommended Storage for Sildenafil Tablets, USP: Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack Burbank, CA 91504
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: SILDENAFIL CITRATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50090-1766-0 | 50090-1766 | A-S Medication Solutions | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-1766-0) | April 2, 2015 |
| 50090-1766-1 | 50090-1766 | A-S Medication Solutions | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-1766-1) | June 30, 2016 |
| 27241-124-03 | 27241-124 | Ajanta Pharma USA Inc. | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (27241-124-03) | May 4, 2018 |
| 27241-124-05 | 27241-124 | Ajanta Pharma USA Inc. | 500 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (27241-124-05) | August 19, 2025 |
| 65162-351-09 | 65162-351 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (65162-351-09) | November 8, 2012 |
| 65162-351-11 | 65162-351 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | 1000 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (65162-351-11) | November 8, 2012 |
| 53746-351-90 | 53746-351 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (53746-351-90) | November 8, 2012 |
| 71610-675-02 | 71610-675 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 2 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-675-02) | November 7, 2022 |
| 71610-675-03 | 71610-675 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 9 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-675-03) | November 7, 2022 |
| 71610-675-04 | 71610-675 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 4 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-675-04) | November 7, 2022 |
| 71610-675-06 | 71610-675 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 6 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-675-06) | November 7, 2022 |
| 71610-675-12 | 71610-675 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 12 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-675-12) | November 7, 2022 |
| 71610-675-33 | 71610-675 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 3 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-675-33) | December 1, 2022 |
| 71610-675-52 | 71610-675 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 18 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-675-52) | November 7, 2022 |
| 71610-679-02 | 71610-679 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 2 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-679-02) | December 2, 2022 |
| 71610-679-04 | 71610-679 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 4 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-679-04) | December 13, 2022 |
| 71610-679-06 | 71610-679 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 6 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71610-679-06) | December 13, 2022 |
| 55801-338-01 | 55801-338 | Appco Pharma LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55801-338-01) | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-338-02 | 55801-338 | Appco Pharma LLC | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55801-338-02) | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-338-03 | 55801-338 | Appco Pharma LLC | 500 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55801-338-03) | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-339-01 | 55801-339 | Appco Pharma LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55801-339-01) | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-339-02 | 55801-339 | Appco Pharma LLC | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55801-339-02) | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-339-03 | 55801-339 | Appco Pharma LLC | 500 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55801-339-03) | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-340-01 | 55801-340 | Appco Pharma LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55801-340-01) | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-340-02 | 55801-340 | Appco Pharma LLC | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55801-340-02) | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-340-03 | 55801-340 | Appco Pharma LLC | 500 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55801-340-03) | October 5, 2023 |
| 42291-937-90 | 42291-937 | AvKARE | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (42291-937-90) | September 10, 2024 |
| 50268-717-15 | 50268-717 | AvPAK | 50 BLISTER PACK in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (50268-717-15) / 1 TABLET in 1 BLISTER PACK (50268-717-11) | May 29, 2015 |
| 63629-5029-0 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 50 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-0) | August 6, 2026 |
| 63629-5029-1 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 10 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-1) | August 21, 2013 |
| 63629-5029-2 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-2) | June 6, 2013 |
| 63629-5029-3 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 7 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-3) | August 2, 2013 |
| 63629-5029-4 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-4) | May 8, 2014 |
| 63629-5029-5 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-5) | March 28, 2018 |
| 63629-5029-6 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-6) | March 24, 2016 |
| 63629-5029-7 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 270 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-7) | August 6, 2026 |
| 63629-5029-8 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 15 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-8) | August 6, 2026 |
| 63629-5029-9 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 12 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63629-5029-9) | October 25, 2017 |
| 71335-1963-0 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 50 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-0) | February 14, 2022 |
| 71335-1963-1 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 10 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-1) | February 14, 2022 |
| 71335-1963-2 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-2) | October 6, 2021 |
| 71335-1963-3 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 7 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-3) | February 14, 2022 |
| 71335-1963-4 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-4) | November 22, 2021 |
| 71335-1963-5 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-5) | February 14, 2022 |
| 71335-1963-6 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-6) | November 29, 2021 |
| 71335-1963-7 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 270 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-7) | February 14, 2022 |
| 71335-1963-8 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 15 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-8) | February 14, 2022 |
| 71335-1963-9 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 12 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1963-9) | February 14, 2022 |
| 69097-951-02 | 69097-951 | CIPLA USA INC. | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-951-02) | July 10, 2020 |
| 69097-952-02 | 69097-952 | CIPLA USA INC. | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-952-02) | July 10, 2020 |
| 69097-952-07 | 69097-952 | CIPLA USA INC. | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-952-07) | July 10, 2020 |
| 69097-953-02 | 69097-953 | CIPLA USA INC. | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-953-02) | July 10, 2020 |
| 69097-953-07 | 69097-953 | CIPLA USA INC. | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-953-07) | July 10, 2020 |
| 72189-298-15 | 72189-298 | DirectRx | 15 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72189-298-15) | November 29, 2021 |
| 72189-298-20 | 72189-298 | DirectRx | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72189-298-20) | November 29, 2021 |
| 72189-298-30 | 72189-298 | DirectRx | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72189-298-30) | July 28, 2022 |
| 72189-298-90 | 72189-298 | DirectRx | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72189-298-90) | November 29, 2021 |
| 76282-643-30 | 76282-643 | Exelan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (76282-643-30) | July 1, 2022 |
| 76282-644-01 | 76282-644 | Exelan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (76282-644-01) | July 1, 2022 |
| 76282-644-30 | 76282-644 | Exelan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (76282-644-30) | July 1, 2022 |
| 76282-645-01 | 76282-645 | Exelan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (76282-645-01) | July 1, 2022 |
| 76282-645-30 | 76282-645 | Exelan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (76282-645-30) | July 1, 2022 |
| 51655-172-20 | 51655-172 | Northwind Health Company, LLC | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (51655-172-20) | April 19, 2023 |
| 51655-172-52 | 51655-172 | Northwind Health Company, LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (51655-172-52) | April 19, 2023 |
| 68071-2537-9 | 68071-2537 | NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68071-2537-9) | September 17, 2021 |
| 68071-2602-1 | 68071-2602 | NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. | 10 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68071-2602-1) | July 24, 2025 |
| 68071-2602-3 | 68071-2602 | NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68071-2602-3) | December 17, 2021 |
| 68788-7974-3 | 68788-7974 | Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68788-7974-3) | July 28, 2021 |
| 68788-7974-4 | 68788-7974 | Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 4 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68788-7974-4) | July 28, 2021 |
| 68788-7974-6 | 68788-7974 | Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68788-7974-6) | July 28, 2021 |
| 68788-7974-9 | 68788-7974 | Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (68788-7974-9) | July 28, 2021 |
| 63187-789-10 | 63187-789 | Proficient Rx LP | 10 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63187-789-10) | January 1, 2018 |
| 63187-789-20 | 63187-789 | Proficient Rx LP | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63187-789-20) | November 1, 2018 |
| 63187-789-30 | 63187-789 | Proficient Rx LP | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63187-789-30) | December 1, 2016 |
| 63187-789-50 | 63187-789 | Proficient Rx LP | 50 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63187-789-50) | December 1, 2016 |
| 63187-789-60 | 63187-789 | Proficient Rx LP | 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63187-789-60) | December 1, 2016 |
| 63187-789-90 | 63187-789 | Proficient Rx LP | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (63187-789-90) | December 1, 2016 |
| 71205-473-10 | 71205-473 | Proficient Rx LP | 10 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71205-473-10) | August 24, 2020 |
| 71205-473-20 | 71205-473 | Proficient Rx LP | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71205-473-20) | March 23, 2021 |
| 71205-473-30 | 71205-473 | Proficient Rx LP | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71205-473-30) | August 24, 2020 |
| 71205-473-60 | 71205-473 | Proficient Rx LP | 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71205-473-60) | August 24, 2020 |
| 71205-473-90 | 71205-473 | Proficient Rx LP | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71205-473-90) | August 24, 2020 |
| 82804-185-30 | 82804-185 | Proficient Rx LP | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (82804-185-30) | August 6, 2025 |
| 82804-185-90 | 82804-185 | Proficient Rx LP | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (82804-185-90) | February 6, 2025 |
| 82009-094-90 | 82009-094 | Quallent Pharmaceuticals Health LLC | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (82009-094-90) | July 19, 2023 |
| 70518-3433-2 | 70518-3433 | REMEDYREPACK INC. | 360 POUCH in 1 BOX (70518-3433-2) / 1 TABLET in 1 POUCH (70518-3433-1) | June 9, 2022 |
| 70518-3433-4 | 70518-3433 | REMEDYREPACK INC. | 180 POUCH in 1 BOX (70518-3433-4) / 1 TABLET in 1 POUCH (70518-3433-1) | January 10, 2024 |
| 70518-3433-5 | 70518-3433 | REMEDYREPACK INC. | 100 POUCH in 1 BOX (70518-3433-5) / 1 TABLET in 1 POUCH (70518-3433-1) | July 8, 2026 |
| 70518-3433-6 | 70518-3433 | REMEDYREPACK INC. | 50 POUCH in 1 BOX (70518-3433-6) / 1 TABLET in 1 POUCH (70518-3433-1) | July 8, 2026 |
| 70518-4596-0 | 70518-4596 | REMEDYREPACK INC. | 250 POUCH in 1 BOX (70518-4596-0) / 1 TABLET in 1 POUCH (70518-4596-1) | March 24, 2026 |
| 50090-1766 | 50090-1766 | A-S Medication Solutions | — | November 8, 2012 |
| 27241-124 | 27241-124 | Ajanta Pharma USA Inc. | — | May 4, 2018 |
| 65162-351 | 65162-351 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | — | November 8, 2012 |
| 53746-351 | 53746-351 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC | — | November 8, 2012 |
| 71610-675 | 71610-675 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | — | July 1, 2022 |
| 71610-679 | 71610-679 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | — | July 1, 2022 |
| 55801-338 | 55801-338 | Appco Pharma LLC | — | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-339 | 55801-339 | Appco Pharma LLC | — | October 5, 2023 |
| 55801-340 | 55801-340 | Appco Pharma LLC | — | October 5, 2023 |
| 42291-937 | 42291-937 | AvKARE | — | September 10, 2024 |
| 50268-717 | 50268-717 | AvPAK | — | May 29, 2015 |
| 63629-5029 | 63629-5029 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | November 8, 2012 |
| 71335-1963 | 71335-1963 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | May 4, 2018 |
| 69097-951 | 69097-951 | CIPLA USA INC. | — | July 10, 2020 |
| 69097-952 | 69097-952 | CIPLA USA INC. | — | July 10, 2020 |
| 69097-953 | 69097-953 | CIPLA USA INC. | — | July 10, 2020 |
| 72189-298 | 72189-298 | DirectRx | — | November 29, 2021 |
| 76282-643 | 76282-643 | Exelan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | July 1, 2022 |
| 76282-644 | 76282-644 | Exelan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | July 1, 2022 |
| 76282-645 | 76282-645 | Exelan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | July 1, 2022 |
| 51655-172 | 51655-172 | Northwind Health Company, LLC | — | April 19, 2023 |
| 68071-2537 | 68071-2537 | NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. | — | May 4, 2018 |
| 68071-2602 | 68071-2602 | NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. | — | May 4, 2018 |
| 68788-7974 | 68788-7974 | Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | July 28, 2021 |
| 63187-789 | 63187-789 | Proficient Rx LP | — | November 8, 2012 |
| 71205-473 | 71205-473 | Proficient Rx LP | — | July 10, 2020 |
| 82804-185 | 82804-185 | Proficient Rx LP | — | May 4, 2018 |
| 82009-094 | 82009-094 | Quallent Pharmaceuticals Health LLC | — | July 19, 2023 |
| 70518-3433 | 70518-3433 | REMEDYREPACK INC. | — | June 9, 2022 |
| 70518-4596 | 70518-4596 | REMEDYREPACK INC. | — | March 24, 2026 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.