Sildenafil
Also known as: Viagra · Revatio · Short-Acting PDE5 Inhibitor
Sildenafil is a short-acting PDE5 inhibitor used on demand for erectile dysfunction, typically dosed 30–60 minutes before activity with a 4–6 hour window of effect.
Inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5, increasing cyclic GMP in vascular smooth muscle and producing on-demand vasodilation in the corpus cavernosum.
What you need to know
Sildenafil pioneered the PDE5 class and remains the most studied. Its shorter half-life (~4 hours) makes it an on-demand option, contrasting with tadalafil's daily-use profile. Absorption is meaningfully reduced by high-fat meals. The same cardiovascular evaluation applies — nitrate use is an absolute contraindication. Provider-reviewed evaluation pairs PDE5 inhibitor selection with metabolic and hormonal biomarker review.
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