Sildenafil in Pregnancy — Is It Safe?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
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Sildenafil is not used for erectile dysfunction in pregnancy (not applicable), but Revatio (sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension) carries specific risks near delivery that require specialist management.
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- Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction isn't relevant in pregnancy — this entry concerns Revatio (sildenafil) used for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- The STRIDER trial, testing sildenafil for severe fetal growth restriction, was stopped early after signals of harm to newborns.
- Current use of Revatio in pregnancy is restricted to specialist-managed pulmonary arterial hypertension cases, with careful monitoring near delivery.
- This is not a medication to use in pregnancy outside of specialist supervision for its approved indication.
Is it safe to take Sildenafil with Pregnancy?
Sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction is not relevant in pregnancy. However, sildenafil (Revatio) is also used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) — a serious condition that can occur in women. PAH in pregnancy is high-risk and requires specialist management. Clinical trials investigating sildenafil to prevent fetal growth restriction were halted early due to increased neonatal deaths. Sildenafil for PAH in pregnancy is a specialist decision under close monitoring.
How do Sildenafil and Pregnancy interact?
Sildenafil inhibits PDE5, increasing cGMP-mediated vasodilation. In pulmonary hypertension, this reduces right heart strain. The STRIDER trial (sildenafil for fetal growth restriction) found increased neonatal pulmonary hypertension — the mechanism is thought to involve excessive fetal pulmonary vasodilation.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: STRIDER trial results; OpenFDA sildenafil (Revatio) pregnancy data.
Interaction severity
Rated major: the STRIDER trial — which tested sildenafil (Revatio) for severe fetal growth restriction — was stopped early after an unexpected signal of harm to newborns, so this use is now restricted to specialist-managed pulmonary arterial hypertension cases near delivery, not a general pregnancy use.
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Women on sildenafil for PAH — this is an active, monitored clinical decision. Never stop PAH medication without specialist advice.
What if I've already taken Sildenafil and Pregnancy?
If on sildenafil for PAH, continue under specialist care. If searching 'sildenafil and pregnancy' about recreational use — not applicable, as sildenafil is for erectile dysfunction in men.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can sildenafil be used in pregnancy?
Not for routine use. For pulmonary arterial hypertension, specialist management is required. Sildenafil for growth restriction was halted due to neonatal harm in trials.
Is Revatio (sildenafil for PAH) safe in pregnancy?
PAH in pregnancy is a high-risk specialist situation. Continue under your pulmonologist/cardiologist — never stop suddenly.
Why was the STRIDER trial stopped?
STRIDER investigated sildenafil for fetal growth restriction. It was halted early because of increased neonatal pulmonary hypertension deaths in the sildenafil group.
Can men's sildenafil (Viagra) affect a pregnancy?
No — sildenafil taken by men does not affect sperm function or pregnancy. It is not teratogenic when the father uses it.