What is the brand name for Sildenafil?
The brand name for Sildenafil is Viagra.
PTCB TOP 200 · #151
Sildenafil
Viagra
Sildenafil is the generic name for the brand-name drug Viagra. It is a pde5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Sildenafil ranks #151 and is one of the most frequently tested genitourinary medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Sildenafil |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Viagra |
| Drug class | PDE5 inhibitor |
| Class group | Genitourinary |
| Common use | erectile dysfunction |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Sildenafil used for?
Treatment of erectile dysfunction; treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) depending on product/strength.
What drug class is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor in the Genitourinary group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Sildenafil
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightFlushing
- arrow_rightDyspepsia
- arrow_rightNasal congestion
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightVisual changes
Major interactions
- arrow_rightNitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide) → contraindicated due to severe hypotension
- arrow_rightRiociguat → contraindicated (hypotension)
- arrow_rightStrong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) → increased sildenafil exposure
- arrow_rightAlpha-blockers/antihypertensives → additive hypotension
Is Sildenafil a controlled substance?
No. Sildenafil is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Sildenafil (PTCE mnemonic)
VI-agra brings VIM — sildenaFIL is PDE5 inhibitor (↑cGMP → vasodilation). 30-60 min before; NEVER with NITRATES (fatal hypotension); blue-vision SE, priapism >4hr → ER.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
The absolute rule: PDE5 inhibitors NEVER mix with nitrates (severe hypotension). The same molecule is Revatio for pulmonary hypertension — one generic, two brands, two uses.
Sildenafil FAQ
What is Sildenafil used for?
Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Treatment of erectile dysfunction; treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) depending on product/strength.
What drug class is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor (Genitourinary group).
Is Sildenafil a controlled substance?
No. Sildenafil is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Sildenafil
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
What changed on the 2026 PTCB examthe new domain weights for 2026
How hard is the PTCE?what the pass rate really meansSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Sildenafil the way the PTCE asks it
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Related drugs in the Genitourinary group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).