Sildenafil (Viagra): functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Sildenafil (Viagra) What Medicine?

What is Sildenafil for?

Sildenafil is a drug with a function to treat high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). This drug works by relaxing and dilating blood vessels. By lowering high blood pressure in the lungs, the heart and lungs can work properly and improve physical abilities.

This treatment is not recommended for children. Please discuss with your doctor to find out the benefits and risks of this treatment.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

Sildenafil is also available in other brands and strengths to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Do not take this medication with other products containing sildenafil or other similar medicines for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension (such as tadalafil, vardenafil).

The sildenafil dosage and the side effects of sildenafil are detailed below.

How do you use Sildenafil?

Read the drug's guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by the pharmacy, if available, before you get this medication and each time you buy it again. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

To treat high blood pressure in the lungs, take this medication 3 times a day (about 4-6 hours apart) by mouth, with or without food, or as recommended by your doctor. The dosage is always given based on your health condition, how you respond to therapy, and other medicines that you are currently taking. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you are currently using, including prescription / nonprescription drugs and herbal medicines. It is not recommended to take these medicines in excess of the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Increasing the dose does not guarantee the speed of the healing process, and will increase the risk of side effects.

Your pharmacist mixes this drug. Shake the bottle for 10 seconds before using. To make sure you are taking the right dose, use the spoon or glass that is specially provided for the medicine. It is not recommended to measure the dose using a tablespoon. If you don't have a medicated spoon, ask your pharmacist.

Do not mix it with other drugs or liquids.

Take sildenafil regularly to get the best properties. To help you not to forget, take this medication at the same time every day.

Talk to your doctor if your condition does not improve, or if it gets worse.

How do I store Sildenafil?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Sildenafil (Viagra) dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Sildenafil for adults?

Dosage for adult men with erectile dysfunction:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a day if needed, one hour before sexual activity.

Periodic dosage: 25-100 mg orally once a day if needed, one hour before sexual activity

This medicine can be taken any time between 30 minutes and 4 hours before sexual activity

Dosage for adults with pulmonary hypertension:

Revatio (R)

Oral:

Initial dose: 5 or 20 mg orally three times a day, every 4-6 hours.

Maximum dose: 20 mg orally three times a day

Injection

- Initial dose: 2.5 or 10 mg IV bolus three times daily

Comment

- No efficacy can be achieved with an oral dose higher than the maximum recommended dose.

- An injectable dose of 10 mg is predicted to provide pharmacological effects equivalent to 20 mg orally

Dosage for seniors with erectile dysfunction:

Initial dose: 25 mg orally once a day. 1 hour before sexual activity

What is the dosage of Sildenafil for children?

The level of safety and effectiveness of this drug has not been studied in pediatric patients (under 18 years).

In what dosage is Sildenafil available?

• Tablets: 20 mg, 25 mg, 100 mg
• Injection: 10 mg / 12.5 ml
• Powder, oral suspension: 10 mg / ml

Sildenafil (Viagra) side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Sildenafil?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Not everyone experiences side effects. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Sildenafil (Viagra) Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Sildenafil?

If you feel dizzy or nauseous, or have pain, numbness, tingling in the chest, arms, neck, and chin during sexual activity, stop medication immediately and contact your doctor. More serious side effects can arise.

Stop using this drug and call your doctor if you experience serious side effects such as:

• Loss of vision focus suddenly
• Ears ringing or hearing loss
• Pain in the chest or feeling weak, pain radiating to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, etc.
• Unusual heartbeat
• Swollen palms, ankles, and feet
• Short breath
• Blurred vision
• The head feels heavy
• Penile erection is painful or lasts 4 hours or more

Other possible side effects:

• Cheerful, flushed face, neck and chest
• Runny
• Headache
• Memory problems
• Heartburn
• Back pain

Is Sildenafil safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions Sildenafil (Viagra)

What medicines may interact with Sildenafil?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Taking this drug with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this drug to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.

• Amprenavir
• Amyl Nitrite
• Atazanavir
• Boceprevir
• Cobicistat
• Darunavir
• Erythrityl Tetranitrate
• Fosamprenavir
• Indinavir
• Isosorbide Dinitrate
• Isosorbide Mononitrate
• Lopinavir
• Molsidomine
• Nelfinavir
• Nitroglycerin
• Nitroprusside
• Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
• Riociguat
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• Telaprevir
• Tipranavir

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Cannabis
• Carbamazepine
• Ceritinib
• Clarithromycin
• Dabrafenib
• Dihydrocodeine
• Eslicarbazepine Acetate
• Fluconazole
• Idelalisib
• Mitotane
• Nefazodone
• Nilotinib
• Piperaquine
• Primidone
• Siltuximab
• Simeprevir
• Telithromycin
• Voriconazole

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Alfuzosin
• Bored
• Bunazosin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Delavirdine
• Doxazosin
• Erythromycin
• Etravirine
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Moxisylyte
• Nebivolol
• Prazosin
• Rifapentine
• Silodosin
• Tamsulosin
• Terazosin
• Trimazosin

Can food or alcohol interact with Sildenafil?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

• Grapefruit juice

What health conditions may interact with Sildenafil?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Abnormal penis shape, including penis curvature or birth defects
• Angina (pain in the chest)
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), within the last 6 months
• Bleeding problems
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack (in the last 6 months)
• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Leukemia (a type of blood cancer)
• Multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer)
• Priapism
• Retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye disorder)
• Sickle cell anemia (a blood disorder)
• Gastric ulcers, or history
• Stroke (within the last 6 months) - Use with caution. May cause worse side effects
• Age more than 50 years
• Coronary heart disease
• crowded disc or low cup to disc ratio in the eye (eye disorder)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hyperlipidemia (high fat in the blood)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), is a serious eye condition, or a history of
• Smoking - May increase the risk of serious side effects to the eyes (NAION)
• Veno-occlusive lung disease or PVOD (a type of lung disease) - might make this condition worse

Sildenafil (Viagra) overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.