| Usage |
Usage
Sildenafil is available in tablet form and as a liquid suspension (Revatio only) for oral administration. When using sildenafil to address erectile dysfunction, follow your doctor's instructions and adhere to the following guidance. Take sildenafil as needed prior to engaging in sexual activity. The optimal time to ingest sildenafil is approximately 1 hour before sexual activity, although it can be taken anywhere from 4 hours to 30 minutes beforehand. Typically, sildenafil should not be consumed more frequently than once every 24 hours. In certain cases, if you have specific health conditions or are on particular medications, your doctor may recommend a less frequent dosing schedule. You can take sildenafil with or without food, but note that if taken with a high-fat meal, it may take longer for the medication to become effective.
For those using sildenafil to manage pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), follow your doctor's instructions and the subsequent advice. You will typically take sildenafil three times a day, with or without food. Ensure that you consume sildenafil at approximately the same times daily, spacing each dose about 4 to 6 hours apart. Abide by the directions on your prescription label meticulously, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if any part is unclear. Take sildenafil precisely as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
For the liquid form of sildenafil, shake it well for 10 seconds before each use to ensure even mixing. Employ the oral syringe provided with your medication to measure and administer your dose, following the manufacturer's instructions for syringe use and cleaning. Do not combine the liquid with other medications or attempt to flavor it.
If you are taking sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, your doctor will typically commence with a standard dosage and may adjust it based on your response to the medication. In case sildenafil proves ineffective or if you experience side effects, inform your doctor.
For those taking sildenafil to manage PAH, it's crucial to understand that while sildenafil helps control PAH symptoms, it does not offer a cure. Therefore, it is essential to continue taking sildenafil as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not discontinue sildenafil without consulting your doctor. You can request a copy of the manufacturer's patient information from your pharmacist or doctor for additional details.
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| Side Effects |
Side Effects
Sildenafil may lead to side effects, and if you experience any of the following symptoms and find them severe or persistent, inform your doctor:
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Flushing (feeling of warmth)
• Nosebleeds
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Sensations of numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs.
• Muscle aches
• Alterations in color perception (observing a blue tint on objects or experiencing challenges in distinguishing between blue and green).
• Sensitivity to light
Some side effects could be more serious. In such cases, contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
• Sudden severe loss of vision (read below for more information)
• Blurred vision
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Worsening shortness of breath
• An erection that persists for over 4 hours or becomes painful.
• Itching or burning during urination
• Rash
It's worth noting that some individuals have reported sudden vision loss, including partial or complete blindness, after taking sildenafil or similar medications. In certain cases, this vision loss was permanent, although it's uncertain whether the medication was the cause. If you encounter a sudden loss of vision while using sildenafil, contact your doctor promptly. Do not take any more doses of sildenafil or similar medications like tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra) until you've consulted your doctor.
There have been reports of severe cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, bleeding in the brain or lungs, high blood pressure, and sudden death, in men who used sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction. Many of these individuals had pre-existing heart problems. It's unclear whether these events were directly related to sildenafil, sexual activity, underlying heart disease, or a combination of factors. Therefore, discuss the potential risks of sildenafil with your doctor.
In some cases, patients have experienced a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, often in one ear, after taking sildenafil or similar medications. This hearing loss did not always improve upon discontinuing the medication, and it's uncertain whether sildenafil was the cause. If you encounter a sudden loss of hearing, along with symptoms like ringing in the ears or dizziness, while using sildenafil, contact your doctor immediately. For those taking sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction, do not take additional doses of sildenafil (Viagra) or similar medications such as tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra) until you've consulted your doctor. If you're taking sildenafil (Revatio) for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), continue your medication and discuss any concerns with your doctor. Additionally, sildenafil may cause other side effects. If you encounter any unusual issues while taking this medication, reach out to your doctor.
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| Storage |
Storage
To safely store this medication:
• Keep it in the original container, tightly closed, and out of children's reach.
• Store tablets at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture (avoid the bathroom).
• For the suspension, you can store it at room temperature or in a refrigerator but do not freeze it. Dispose of any remaining suspension after 60 days.
It's crucial to safeguard all medications from children, as many containers are not child-resistant and can be easily opened by young children. Use safety caps and store the medication in a secure place that is out of sight and reach.
For disposing of unneeded medications, do not flush them down the toilet. Instead, contemplate engaging in a medicine take-back program. You can inquire with your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to find out about available take-back programs in your area.
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| Precaution |
Precaution
Before using sildenafil, consider the following:
• Notify your doctor and pharmacist if you have allergies to sildenafil, other medications, or any ingredients in sildenafil products.
• Do not take sildenafil if you are using or have recently used riociguat or nitrates (for chest pain), such as isosorbide dinitrate or nitroglycerin.
• Avoid recreational drugs containing nitrates like amyl nitrate or butyl nitrate ('poppers') when taking sildenafil.
• Inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements, including herbal products.
• Mention if you smoke, had prolonged erections, or experienced severe fluid loss (dehydration).
• Share your medical history, including conditions like pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, stomach ulcers, heart issues, kidney or liver problems, past heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, stroke, chest pain, blood pressure concerns, high cholesterol, bleeding disorders, blood circulation problems, blood cell disorders, penile abnormalities, diabetes, eye diseases, or sudden vision loss.
• If you're a woman taking sildenafil for PAH and are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeed, inform your doctor.
• Before surgery, including dental procedures, let your healthcare provider know you are using sildenafil.
• For erectile dysfunction users, inform your doctor if you've been advised to avoid sexual activity or experienced chest pain during it. Sexual activity can strain your heart, especially if you have heart disease.
• Lastly, inform all your healthcare providers about sildenafil use, particularly in case of emergency treatment for heart issues, as they'll need to know when you last took sildenafil.
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