Sildenafil
About Sildenafil
Sildenafil belongs to the group of medicines called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), to improve the ability to exercise and to slow down clinical worsening.
Sildenafil contains 'Sildenafil' that relaxes the blood vessels, increases the blood supply to the lungs and reduces the workload of the heart. Thereby, treats pulmonary arterial hypertension.
In some cases, Sildenafil may cause side effects such as headache, indigestion, flushing, insomnia, and diarrhoea. 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.
Uses of Sildenafil
Medicinal Benefits
Sildenafil belongs to the group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) to improve the ability to exercise and to slow down clinical worsening. Sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels, increases the blood supply to the lungs and reduces the workload of the heart. Thereby, treats pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sildenafil
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Flushing
- Insomnia (sleep disorder)
- Diarrhoea
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 (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) or 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, guanylate cyclase stimulators (riociguat), protease inhibitors (ritonavir), alpha-blockers, anti-hypertensive medicines (amlodipine), and other PDE-5 inhibitors.
Drug-Food Interactions: Concomitant use of grapefruit and its juice with Sildenafil is not recommended.
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
cautionIt is not known if alcohol affects Sildenafil. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Sildenafil passes into breastmilk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionSildenafil may cause dizziness; therefore, you are advised to drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Sildenafil in patients with liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Sildenafil in patients with kidney disease.
Children
unsafeSildenafil is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Lower your intake of salt. This helps in reducing the risk of developing oedema.
- Include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, poultry, fish, and fat-free/low-fat dairy products in your diet.
- Avoid canned foods, processed foods, pickled, and frozen food. Instead, consume fresh foods.
- Limit consumption of caffeine and alcohol as they can alter blood pressure.
- Monitor fluid intake to prevent swelling/fluid retention.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
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 belongs to the group of medicines called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), to improve the ability to exercise and to slow down clinical worsening.
Sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels, increases the blood supply to the lungs and reduces the workload of the heart. Thereby, treats pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Diarrhoea might be a side effect of Sildenafil. Eat non-spicy food and drink fluids if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
Do not to 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.
Sildenafil has vasodilation properties which may cause low blood pressure (hypotension). Therefore, inform your doctor if you have resting hypotension, fluid depletion, autonomic dysfunction (dysfunction of the nerves), or severe left ventricular outflow obstruction.
When taken along with vitamin K antagonists, Sildenafil might increase the risk of bleeding. Consult your doctor if you are taking any vitamin K antagonists.
