Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SILDENAFIL - ORAL

(sill-DEN-uh-fil)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Viagra

Uses

Sildenafil is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction). It blocks a certain enzyme (phosphodiesterase-PDE5). In combination with sexual stimulation, sildenafil works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. This drug is not indicated for use in women. Use of this drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Use "safe sex" practices (e.g., latex condoms). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How To Use

This drug is taken by mouth as needed, between four hours and one-half hour before sexual activity (about one hour before is most effective); or use as directed by your doctor. Do not take more often than once daily as needed. A high fat meal may delay the time of onset of this drug. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and other medications you may be taking (see also Drug Interactions section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Side Effects

Headache, flushing, stomach upset, heartburn, nasal stuffiness, diarrhea, dizziness, or lightheadedness may occur. Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or impaired blue/green color discrimination may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop having sex and tell your doctor immediately of: severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, nausea. In the unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, unusual swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: penis conditions (e.g., angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie's disease), history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism), sickle cell anemia, blood system cancers (e.g., leukemia or myeloma), eye problems (e.g., retina diseases like retinitis pigmentosa), kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders, active stomach ulcers, heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack or serious arrhythmia within past 6 months, heart failure, coronary artery disease with unstable angina, aortic stenosis, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis), recent stroke within past 6 months, very high or low blood pressure, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This drug is not indicated for use in women or children.

Drug Interactions

See also How To Use section for drug-food interactions. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur: nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide), nitroprusside (or any "nitric oxide donor" drugs), recreational drugs called "poppers" containing amyl or butyl nitrite. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting sildenafil. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other medications for impotence, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), cimetidine, erythromycin, mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), high blood pressure medicines, delavirdine. If you are taking an HIV protease inhibitor (e.g., ritonavir, saquinavir), do not take more than a 25mg dose of sildenafil in a 48 hour period. If you are taking more than a 25mg dose of sildenafil and are also taking an alpha-blocker medication (e.g., doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin) for various conditions (e.g., enlarged prostate), separate the time between taking these medications by more than 4 hours. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, or prolonged erection.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug, or they may have a condition that is complicated by this drug.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.