What is the brand name for Sildenafil?
The brand name for Sildenafil is Viagra.
PTCE 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).
Related drugs in the Genitourinary group
Drill Sildenafil the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. 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).