How and when to take sildenafil?

 

It is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; the inability to get or maintain an erection) among males. Adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension take Sildenafil (Revatio) to make it easier for them to exercise (PAH; high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood to the lungs, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and tiredness). The drug sildenafil (Revatio) is generally not prescribed for children, but a doctor may decide that it is the appropriate treatment for a child's disease in some situations. In the class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, you'll find Sildenafil. By boosting blood flow to the penis during intercourse, Sildenafil improves erectile dysfunction. An erection can be induced as a result of the elevated blood flow. Sildenafil tablets eases blood flow across the lungs by relaxing pulmonary blood arteries.

It is important to note that sildenafil does not cure erectile dysfunction or improve sexual desire if you are taking it to treat it. Sexually transmitted infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are not prevented by sildenafil (HIV).

What's the best way to take this medication?

For oral use, Sildenafil is available as a tablet and a suspension (liquid; Revatio only).

You should adhere to your doctor's instructions and the suggestions in this section if you're taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Before engaging in sexual activity, take Sildenafil tablets as prescribed. Sildenafil is most effective when taken one hour before sexual activity, however it can be taken up to 30 minutes before the activity at any time between four hours and one hour before. When taking sildenafil, it's best not to take it more than once a day. You may be advised to take sildenafil less frequently if you have certain medical issues or are using certain drugs. If you're taking it with food, you'll want to eat something before you take it. The medicine will take longer to function if you take sildenafil with a high-fat diet.

If you're taking sildenafil to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), follow your doctor's instructions and this paragraph's advice. You may take sildenafil three times a day, either with or without food, depending on your condition. Take sildenafil at regular intervals of 4 to 6 hours, about the same time each day.

If you have any questions about the instructions on your prescription label, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Sildenafil should be used as prescribed. Do not exceed your doctor's recommended dosage or take it more frequently.

Before each usage, shake the liquid vigorously for 10 seconds to ensure that the drug is thoroughly mixed. To take your prescription, use the oral syringe that came with your medication. Use and clean the oral syringe in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. No flavoring or other additives should be added to the medication.

Starting with an average dose of sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, your doctor may gradually increase or reduce it based on how well the prescription works for you. If you are not getting the desired results from sildenafil, or if you notice any negative effects, speak with your doctor right away.

When taking sildenafil for PAH, you should be aware that the drug only slows the progression of the disease. Even if you feel fine, you should keep taking sildenafil. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking sildenafil.

Obtain a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient from your pharmacist or doctor.

This medication may also be utilized for the following purposes:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this drug is also given for another purpose.

What steps should I take to ensure my safety?

1. Make sure you notify your doctor and pharmacist about any allergies you may have to sildenafil or any of the components in sildenafil products before taking sildenafil. Obtain a list of the product's ingredients from your pharmacist.
2. Do not take sildenafil if you are taking riociguat or nitrates for chest pain such as isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), nitroglycerin, or any other nitrates (Minitran, Nitro-Dur, Nitromist, Nitrostat, others). Tablets, sublingual tablets, sprays, patches, pastes, and ointments are all forms of nitrates. Make an appointment with your doctor to find out whether any of your drugs contain nitrates.
3. If you're taking sildenafil, don't use street drugs like amyl nitrate ('poppers'), as they contain nitrates.
    
4. Prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins and nutritional supplements you use or plan to take should be disclosed to your doctor and pharmacist. Alpha blockers such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), tamsulosin (Flomax, in Jalyn), and terazosin; amlodipine (Norvasc, in Amturnide, in Tekamlo); certain antifungals such as itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); certain barbiturates such as butalbital (in Butapap, in Fioricet, in Fior (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). To avoid adverse effects, your doctor may need to adjust the dosages of your drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor about all of your drugs, even if they don't appear on this list, because sildenafil may interact with them.
    
5. Herbal products, notably St. John's wort, should be discussed with a doctor prior to use.
    
6. It is important for you to disclose to your doctor any medical conditions you may have, such as smoking, the duration of your previous erection, or the amount of fluid you have recently lost (dehydration). If you have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, sweat a lot, or don't drink enough water, you may experience this. Please inform your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following: PVOD (blockage of veins in the lungs), stomach ulcers, kidney or liver disease, heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, strokes, chest pains, high or low blood pressure, high cholesterol, bleeding disorders, blood circulation issues, and problems with red blood cells such as sickle cell anemia and multiple myeloma (plasma cancer). Retinitis pigmentosa (a genetic eye condition that causes vision loss) and sudden severe vision loss should be reported to your doctor if you or any members of your family have or have ever had an eye disease like this or if you have ever been told that the vision loss was caused by a blockage of blood flow to the nerves that help you see.
    
7. Pregnancy, breast-feeding, or plans to become pregnant should be disclosed to your doctor before starting sildenafil therapy for PAH. Call your doctor if you get pregnant while taking sildenafil.
    
8. Sildenafil should be mentioned to your doctor or dentist if you are undergoing any type of surgery, including dental surgery.
    
9. Please inform your doctor if you have ever received medical advice to avoid sexual activity or have had chest pain when engaged in sexual activity while taking the medication sildenafil. If you have heart problems, having sex may put a burden on your heart.
    
10. Consult your doctor if you suffer any of these symptoms while having a sexual encounter. Until you do, you should refrain from having another sexual encounter until your doctor says otherwise.
     
11. Sildenafil should be made clear to all healthcare providers. Medical professionals treating you for a heart disease will need to know when you last took sildenafil if you ever require emergency care.