Generic name:sildenafil (intravenous route) [ sil-DEN-a-fil ]
Drug class:Agents for pulmonary hypertension
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 28, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Revatio
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Vasodilator
Pharmacologic Class: Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor
Uses for Revatio
Sildenafil injection is used to treat the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is a type of high blood pressure that occurs between the heart and the lungs. When hypertension occurs in the lungs, the heart must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs.
Sildenafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works on the PDE5 enzyme in the lungs to relax the blood vessels. This will increase the supply of blood to the lungs and reduce the workload of the heart.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Revatio
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Sildenafil should not be used for pulmonary arterial hypertension in children, especially for chronic use.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of sildenafil injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the ...
