Sildenafil
About
Sildenafil belongs to the group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE 5) inhibitors primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in adult men. Additionally, Sildenafil may also be used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) in adults to improve the ability to exercise and to slow down clinical worsening.
Sildenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, thereby allowing the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited. Thus, Sildenafil helps treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels, increases the blood supply to the lungs and reduces the workload of the heart. Thereby, treating pulmonary hypertension.
You are advised to take Sildenafil for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Sildenafil may cause side effects such as headache, nausea, dizziness, indigestion and stomach upset. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Sildenafil if you are allergic to any of the components or if you are taking nitrate medicines or riociguat (a drug used to treat pulmonary hypertension). Sildenafil is not recommended for use in children. Consult your doctor if you experience hearing or visual impairment. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may impair your ability to get an erection. Taking Sildenafil after a heavy meal might take longer time for the medicine to work; therefore you are advised to take Sildenafil with light meals.
Uses of Sildenafil
Medicinal Benefits
Sildenafil belongs to the group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE 5) inhibitors, primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in adult men and pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) in adults to improve the ability to exercise and to slow down clinical worsening. Sildenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, thereby allowing the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited. However, Sildenafil helps the person to get an erection only if he is sexually stimulated. Sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels, increases the blood supply to the lungs and reduces the workload of the heart. Thereby, treats pulmonary hypertension.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sildenafil
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
- Stomach upset
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Sildenafil if you are allergic to any of the components, if you are taking medicines called nitrates which are used to treat angina or chest pain, or guanylate cyclase stimulator medicines (used to treat heart failure and PAH). Inform your doctor if you have/had heart problems such as angina, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure, blood circulation problems, low blood pressure, eye or ear problems, sickle cell anaemia (an abnormality of red blood cells), multiple myeloma (cancer of bone marrow), leukaemia (cancer of blood cells), stomach ulcer, bleeding problems, problems with the shape of the penis or Peyronie's disease (a condition that causes painful erections).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Sildenafil may interact with nitrate medicines (nitroglycerin), guanylate cyclase stimulator (riociguat), protease inhibitors (ritonavir), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole), alpha-blockers/anti-hypertensive medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: Consuming Sildenafil after a heavy meal might take longer for the medicine to work; therefore, you are advised to take Sildenafil with light meals. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may temporarily impair your ability to get an erection.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have/had heart problems, blood circulation problems, stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, penis deformity or Peyronie's disease (a condition that causes painful erections).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are advised not to consume alcohol as it might temporarily impair your ability to get an erection.
Pregnancy
cautionFor erectile dysfunction: Sildenafil is not indicated for the treatment of sexual problems in women. For pulmonary arterial hypertension: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionFor erectile dysfunction: Sildenafil is not indicated for the treatment of sexual problems in women. For pulmonary arterial hypertension: Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionSildenafil may cause dizziness and blurred vision, therefore you are advised to drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionSildenafil should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed in such patients.
Kidney
cautionSildenafil should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed in such patients.
Children
unsafeSildenafil is not recommended for children under the age of 18.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintaining a healthy weight, eating balanced diet and regular exercising may help you manage erectile dysfunction.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may temporarily impair your ability to get an erection.
- Avoid usage of tobacco.
- Share intimate time with your partner.
Special Advise
- Do not take Sildenafil more than once in a day if prescribed for erectile dysfunction.
- Talk to your doctor if the erection persists for greater than four hours after the sexual intercourse.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Erectile dysfunction: It is the inability to keep a hard and erect penis suitable for sexual intercourse. It could be a sign of physical or psychological conditions such as fear of sexual failure, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or stress. Certain health-related factors such as smoking, drinking, being overweight, being physically inactive, and high blood pressure also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include difficulty in getting an erection, difficulty in maintaining the erection during intercourse and decreased sexual desire.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): High blood pressure affects the arteries in the lungs and heart, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. It occurs due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels which increases the workload on the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles.
FAQs
Sildenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, thereby allowing the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited.
No, do not take Sildenafil with nitrates. Taking Sildenafil with medicines used to treat angina/chest pain such as nitrates/nitroglycerin may cause severe lowering of blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you have a history of heart attack/stroke.
Caution is advised if Sildenafil is taken with alpha-blockers or blood-pressure-lowering medicines. Sildenafil relaxes and widens the blood vessels; this causes a decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, if Sildenafil is taken along with blood-pressure-lowering medicines it might cause further lowering in blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you are taking alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives.
In some cases, Sildenafil may cause sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Stop taking Sildenafil and consult your doctor immediately if you experience a sudden decrease or loss of vision.
Sildenafil may cause low blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing. If you experience this, do not try to stand up suddenly or start walking; instead, lie down and get up slowly only when you feel better.
