Sildenafil (By mouth)

sil-DEN-a-fil

Treats erectile dysfunction. Also treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).

Drug classes

Antihypertensive, Peripheral Vasodilator, Erectile Dysfunction Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Sildenafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). Sildenafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where this enzyme works.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body’s normal response is to increase blood flow to his penis to produce an erection. By controlling the enzyme, sildenafil helps to maintain an erection after the penis is stroked. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, sildenafil will not work to cause an erection.

Sildenafil is also used in both men and women to treat the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is a type of high blood pressure that occurs between the heart and the lungs. When hypertension occurs in the lungs, the heart must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Sildenafil works on the PDE5 enzyme in the lungs to relax the blood vessels. This will increase the supply of blood to the lungs and reduce the workload of the heart.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

For erectile dysfunction: Take this medicine about 1 hour before you have sex. Do not take it more than once a day. Always allow at least 24 hours between doses.

For pulmonary arterial hypertension:

Take this medicine 3 times a day, 4 to 6 hours apart. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Oral liquid: Shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds. Use the oral syringe provided in the package to measure each dose. Wash the syringe after each use.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Throw away any unused mixed oral liquid after 60 days.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use this medicine if you also use riociguat or a nitrate medicine. Do not take other medicines that contain sildenafil or similar medicines, such as tadalafil or vardenafil.

Some medicines can affect how sildenafil works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

Amlodipine, atazanavir, bosentan, cimetidine, erythromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifampin, ritonavir, saquinavir Medicine for prostate problems or high blood pressure (including alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, terazosin)

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sildenafil.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, diabetes, bleeding problems, leukemia, multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, a stomach ulcer, or eye problems. Tell your doctor if you have angina or chest pain during sex, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high or low blood pressure, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Also tell your doctor if you smoke.

Tell any doctor who treats you that you take sildenafil.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Low blood pressure (especially if taken with other medicines that lower blood pressure) Heart problems Painful or prolonged erection Vision or hearing problems

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden or severe headache

Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

Lightheadedness, fainting

Painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours

Sudden loss of vision

Sudden decrease in hearing or hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Headache

Nosebleeds

Stuffy or runny nose

Upset stomach

Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Revatio, Viagra

There may be other brand names for this medicine.