What is sildenafil?

What is sildenafil?

Sildenafil relaxes muscles of the blood vessels and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.

Sildenafil under the name Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men.

Warnings

Do not take sildenafil if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and some recreational drugs.Taking sildenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.

Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.

Stop using sildenafil and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss

Before taking this medicine

1.You should not use sildenafil if you are allergic to it, or:

2.if you take other medicines to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as riociguat (Adempas).

3.Do not take this medicine if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate. Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking sildenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.

4.To make sure sildenafil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart problems (chest pain, a heart rhythm disorder, heart attack);

high or low blood pressure;

blood circulation problems;

retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);

blindness in one or both eyes;

bleeding problems;

a stomach ulcer;

pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD);

liver or kidney disease;

a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;

a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease); or

if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.

How should I take sildenafil?

1.Take sildenafil exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

2.Revatio is usually taken three times each day, about 4 to 6 hours apart.

3.Viagra is usually taken only when needed, 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. You may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. Do not take Viagra more than once per day.

4.Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

5.Viagra can help you have an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor's instructions.

6.During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of sildenafil.

Sildenafil side effects

1.Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to sildenafil: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

2.Stop taking sildenafil and get emergency medical help if you have:

3.heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

4.vision changes or sudden vision loss;

5.erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection can damage the penis);

6.ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;irregular heartbeat; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; shortness of breath; seizure (convulsions); or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.