Revatio

sildenafil

Sildenafil

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is a medication that works by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body. This effect has led to its use in treating two distinct conditions:

• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Sildenafil helps improve exercise capacity in both men and women suffering from PAH by easing the strain on the blood vessels in the lungs.
• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Under the brand name Viagra, sildenafil is widely used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It's important to note that you should not take Viagra and Sildenafil concurrently unless explicitly instructed by your doctor.

While the primary uses are listed above, sildenafil might have applications in other areas, although these are not yet covered in official medication guides.

How to Use Sildenafil

Crucial Safety Note: Never take Sildenafil if you're currently using nitrate drugs for chest pain or heart issues. This includes medications like nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate, as well as recreational drugs containing amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Combining Sildenafil with nitrates can trigger a dangerously sharp drop in blood pressure.

During sexual activity, if you experience dizziness, nausea, or chest pain/numbness/tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop immediately and contact your doctor. These could be signs of a serious side effect.

Sildenafil should be taken no more than once a day. Allow a full 24 hours between doses. Again, avoid taking both Viagra and Sildenafil simultaneously unless your doctor advises otherwise. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), as this can damage the penis.

There's also a small risk of sudden vision loss associated with Sildenafil, which has been observed more frequently in individuals with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-existing eye problems, smokers, or those over 50. While a direct causal link isn't fully established, it's a serious concern. Stop taking Sildenafil and seek emergency medical help if you experience sudden vision loss.

Important Information for Your Doctor

Before starting Sildenafil, it's vital to inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially:

• Heart disease or heart rhythm problems, including coronary artery disease.
• Recent history (within the last 6 months) of a heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure.
• High or low blood pressure.
• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Blood cell disorders like sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia.
• Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
• Stomach ulcers.
• Retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye condition).
• Penile deformities (e.g., Peyronie's disease).
• If you've been advised against sexual intercourse due to health reasons.

Depending on your health profile, your doctor may adjust your dosage or order additional tests to ensure Sildenafil's safe use.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Sildenafil is categorized as FDA pregnancy category B, meaning it's not anticipated to harm an unborn baby. However, always consult your doctor before using Sildenafil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sildenafil Dosage and Storage

Always follow your doctor's prescribed dosage instructions precisely. Do not alter the dosage or duration of treatment without consulting your doctor. Sildenafil is typically administered three times daily, spaced 4 to 6 hours apart. Store Sildenafil at room temperature, away from excessive moisture and heat.

Missed Doses and Overdoses

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. Never double up on doses. For an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms can include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, and fainting.

What to Avoid While Taking Sildenafil

Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as it can worsen some Sildenafil side effects. Don't use other impotence medications (like alprostadil or yohimbine) without consulting your doctor.

Potential Drug Interactions

Avoid using Sildenafil with similar medications such as avanafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. Always inform your doctor about any medications you use for erectile dysfunction.

Before starting Sildenafil, tell your doctor if you are currently taking:

• Bosentan
• Cimetidine
• Conivaptan
• Imatinib
• Isoniazid
• Nefazodone (antidepressant)
• Clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin, or telithromycin (antibiotics)
• Itraconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole (antifungals)
• Alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin, silodosin, or tamsulosin (for high blood pressure or prostate disorders)
• Amlodipine, diltiazem, nicardipine, quinidine, or verapamil (heart or blood pressure medications)
• Boceprevir or telaprevir (hepatitis C medications)
• Atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, or tipranavir (HIV/AIDS medications)

This isn't an exhaustive list, and other drugs might interact with Sildenafil. Disclose all medications—prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies—to your doctor before starting or changing any medications.

Sildenafil Side Effects

Seek immediate medical help for allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, facial/lip/tongue/throat swelling). During sexual activity, if you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pain, numbness, or tingling, stop and contact your doctor promptly.

Stop taking Sildenafil and contact your doctor immediately if you notice these serious side effects:

• Sudden vision loss
• Ringing in the ears or sudden hearing loss
• Chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in hands, ankles, or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Vision changes
• Lightheadedness, fainting
• Painful or prolonged (4+ hours) penile erection

Less serious side effects may include:

• Warmth or redness in face, neck, or chest
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Memory problems
• Upset stomach
• Back pain

This is not a complete list. Contact your doctor for medical advice concerning side effects.

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