What is Sildenafil for:
This medication is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, prescribed for erectile dysfunction (impotence). Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to perform sexual intercourse. It relaxes the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to enter to achieve an erection. It can also be used in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
How does Sildenafil work:
Sildenafil helps response to stimulation. It calms lung vessels.
How should Sildenafil be used:
It comes as a tablet to take by mouth and injection to be administered through a vein. To treat pulmonary arterial hypertension it is usually taken three times a day. PO- 50 mg about 1 hour before sexual intercourse. Adjust dose based on response. Max: 100 mgdose and not more than once in 24 hour. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension- 20 mg 3 times daily. IV- 10 mg (12.5 mL) administered as a bolus injection 3 times daily.
Common side effects of Sildenafil :
Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and staying in cool places may help. - Low blood pressure. Headache. - Belly pain or heartburn. - Nose stuffiness. Eyesight changes may rarely happen.
What do I do if I miss a dose
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.
What precautions should I take when taking Sildenafil :
If you have an allergy to sildenafil or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you use drugs called poppers like amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite. If you have been told not to have sex by your doctor.
When do I need to seek medical help
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Erection that lasts more than 4 hours. Trouble breathing. Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Sudden change or loss of eyesight. Change in hearing. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take Sildenafil with other medicines:
Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.
Are there any food restrictions
Avoid Alcohol
How do I store Sildenafil :
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Pregnancy Category
Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Therapeutic Classification
Drugs for Erectile Dysfunction
