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Sildenafil : Side Effects,Uses
24
Dec
Dec
About Sildenafil
Sildenafil (Generic Viagra) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men. Sildenafil is used to improve the ability to exercise in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood to the lungs, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and tiredness). Children should not usually take Sildenafil, but in some cases, a doctor may decide that Sildenafil is the best medication to treat a child’s condition. Sildenafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Sildenafil treats PAH by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow easily.
If you are taking Sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, you should know that it does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Sildenafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
How to use medicine
Take Sildenafil by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The dose is usually taken 1 hour before sexual activity. You should not take the dose more than once per day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of Sildenafil in children. Sildenafil is not used in children for this condition.
What should I do if I forget a dose
If you are taking Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, you are unlikely to miss a dose since this medication is taken as needed, not on a regular dosing schedule.
If you are taking Sildenafil for PAH, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side effects
Along with its needed effects, Sildenafil may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Most common side effects
These common side effects are connected to dehydration and usually diminish by increasing water intake.
- headache
- flushing
- upset stomach
- abnormal vision
- changes in color vision (such as having a blue color tinge)
- blurred vision
- stuffy or runny nose
- back pain
- muscle pain
- nausea
- dizziness
- rash
Serious side effects (uncommon)
Although serious side effects are rare, if you experience any the following serious side effects, stop taking Sildenafil and seek emergency medical care immediately.
- an erection that will not go away (priapism). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help right away. If it is not treated right away, priapism can permanently damage your penis
- sudden vision loss in one or both eyes (it can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
- sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss
- ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or dizziness
- If you have some of these symptoms, stop taking Sildenafil and contact a doctor right away.
Drugs that are known to interact with this medicine
- Organic nitrates: Nitrates are used in cardiac health issues to increase the blood flow in the blood vessels. Consumption of Sildenafil along with it may cause enhanced cGMP levels in the bloodstream which may cross the safety margin
- Alpha blockers: This class of category causes hypotension if used along with Sildenafil
- Stimulators of cGMP: This includes drugs such as Riociguat which can cause unsafe levels of cGMP in blood
- Protease inhibitors: Antivirals such as efavirenz and nevirapine cause the delay in the absorption of Sildenafil in the body
When to avoid taking the drug
Do not take this drug if it results into any:
- Allergic reactions:The patient may be sensitive to one of the drug constituents
- Hearing impairment: When ringing occurs in ears, the drug should be stopped immediately
- Cardiac issues: Any cardiac health issues in which sex is not allowed for the patient. This may cause stress on cardiac muscles
- Priapism: If the erection lasts for more than 4 hours which may prove extremely painful
Things to avoid when using the drug
- Taking grapefruit in diet along with the intake of the drug may delay the absorption of salt in the body
- Consuming heavy meals such as cheeseburger or fries may lead to delay in absorption
- Do not take any herbal medicines or vitamins along with Sildenafil. Tell your doctor about every medication you are currently taking before switching to Sildenafil
General Information
- Use Sildenafil only when recommended by your physician
- Take medicine as prescribed
- Avoid taking more than one pill in a day
- Visit your physician in case you experience any side effects
Precautions
- Alcohol: Taking alcohol along with the drug may lower down the blood pressure to an unsafe level. Hence avoid the use of alcohol during treatment.
- Pregnancy: Consumption of this drug in pregnant ladies can prove disastrous as it may cause deformities in the fetus
- Lactation: Use of Sildenafil in breastfeeding women is not recommended as the drug metabolites are secreted in milk
- Children: Use of this drug in children below than 18 years is not at all recommended. It increases the risk of death in children
- Driving: Use of this medicine while driving is not allowed as such the
Storage
The tablets pack should be stored at room temperature. Avoid direct fall of light on it as it may cause oxidation of the drug. Also, do not keep the drug in moist and humid areas as it may cause its destruction.
