Revatio

Revatio is the brand name for sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). By blocking PDE5, sildenafil increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in smooth muscle cells, promoting relaxation and vasodilation of the pulmonary arteries. This lowers pulmonary vascular resistance and can improve exercise capacity in patients with PAH.

Revatio is indicated for the treatment of PAH to improve exercise ability and to delay clinical worsening in adults and in pediatric patients aged 1 year and older. It is used as a standalone therapy or as part of combination therapy with other PAH treatments, depending on the patient’s condition and physician guidance.

Dosing and administration vary by age and weight. The typical adult dose is 20 mg taken three times daily, and it may be increased to 40 mg three times daily if tolerated, with a maximum daily dose of 120 mg. Pediatric dosing is weight-based and determined by a physician. Revatio tablets are taken orally, with or without food; absorption may be affected by certain meals, so dosing should follow the prescribing guidance.

Contraindications include use with organic nitrates or nitrites due to the risk of dangerous hypotension. Caution is advised when used with alpha blockers or other antihypertensives. Common adverse effects include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, dizziness, and visual changes; rare events such as priapism can occur. Revatio interacts with strong inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes (for example, CYP3A4 inhibitors) and should not be combined with other PDE5 inhibitors.

Pfizer markets Revatio; sildenafil as a generic is available in many markets. Revatio was approved for PAH in adults in the early 2000s, with pediatric approval following later.