Definition of "sildenafil"

sildenafil

/sɪlˈdɛn.ə.fɪl/

noun
usually uncountable, plural sildenafils
1. (pharmacology) A drug that is used in the form of its citrate C22H30N6O4S·C6H8O7 to treat erectile dysfunction in males, that by suppressing a phosphodiesterase enzyme also suppresses the enzyme's inhibitory effect on the hormone cyclic GMP, and that enables the cyclic GMP produced during sexual arousal to initiate the muscular and vascular changes which produce an erection. It is marketed under the trademarks Revatio and Viagra.
  Quotations
  Ellis opens a file from his stack. In 1991, he says, Pfizer wanted to test the safety of what came to be known as sildenafil.
  2017, David Friend, The Naughty Nineties