Sildenafil: MedlinePlus Medications

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/meds/a699015-es.html

Sildenafil (Viagra) is primarily prescribed to address erectile dysfunction in men, a condition that renders them incapable of achieving or maintaining an erection. Beyond this common use, sildenafil—marketed under the brand names Liqrev and Revatio—also plays a role in enhancing exercise capacity in adults and children aged one and older who are afflicted with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is marked by elevated blood pressure in the vessels supplying the lungs, potentially leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue.

This medication falls under a class known as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, which serve to amplify blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, thereby supporting the natural process of achieving an erection. Regarding its application for PAH, sildenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs, facilitating smoother blood circulation.

It is important to note that while sildenafil is effective for erectile dysfunction, it does not remedy the underlying condition or boost sexual desire. Additionally, this medication does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV.

Sildenafil is available in both tablet form and a liquid suspension designed for oral administration.

For those utilizing sildenafil to combat erectile dysfunction, it is imperative to strictly adhere to your healthcare provider’s guidance and to follow the instructions provided. The usual recommendation is to take sildenafil as needed, ideally about one hour before engaging in sexual activity. However, it can be taken any time within a window of 30 minutes to 4 hours prior to sexual intercourse. Generally, sildenafil should not be ingested more than once every 24 hours. Your healthcare provider may suggest a reduced frequency of use, depending on your medical history or if you are taking certain other medications. It can be taken with or without food; however, consuming it alongside a high-fat meal may delay its effects.

For individuals taking sildenafil for PAH, the medication is typically administered three times daily, with or without food, ideally at the same times each day to maintain consistent levels in the bloodstream.

Always follow the directions on your medication label meticulously, and don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if anything is unclear. It is crucial to take sildenafil exactly as prescribed and not to adjust the dose or frequency without a healthcare provider’s approval.

If you’re using the liquid formulation of sildenafil, ensure you shake the bottle thoroughly for about 10 seconds before each use to guarantee the medication is well mixed. Utilize the oral syringe included with your prescription to measure and take your dose, and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use and cleaning of the syringe.

For erectile dysfunction, your doctor might start you on a standard dose of sildenafil, which may be modified based on your individual response to the treatment. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider if sildenafil fails to deliver the expected results or if you encounter any side effects.

In the context of PAH, understanding that sildenafil helps manage the condition but does not cure it is essential. Continue your medication regimen even if you feel well, and do not discontinue use without first consulting your doctor.

For further details, do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s patient information.

This medication may sometimes be prescribed for other medical conditions. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more details on its alternative uses.

Before taking sildenafil,

• inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist of any known allergies to sildenafil or any other medications, and please disclose any ingredient sensitivities related to the tablet or suspension forms.
• Certain medications are contraindicated when used with sildenafil. Inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are currently on any nitrates (medications used for relieving chest pain) such as isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), or nitroglycerin (Nitromist, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat). It's critical that you discuss all medications you are taking or plan to take prior to starting sildenafil.
• Alert your healthcare provider if you are using illicit drugs that contain nitrates ('poppers') like amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or amyl nitrite while undergoing sildenafil treatment. Your doctor will advise against using sildenafil if you are taking these substances.
• Make sure to inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are currently taking or plan to take. Adjustments to your medication dosages may be necessary based on this information, and your healthcare provider may monitor you closely for potential side effects.
• Be aware that sildenafil is marketed under the brand names Liqrev, Revatio, and Viagra. You should only receive treatment with one of these products at any point in time.
• Some over-the-counter products or herbal supplements, including cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and St. John's Wort, may interact with sildenafil. Ensure to notify your healthcare provider and pharmacist if you are using any of these products before beginning sildenafil.
• Let your healthcare provider know if you smoke, have undergone heart surgery in the past six months, have experienced a prolonged erection lasting over four hours, or have experienced significant fluid loss (dehydration) due to various medical conditions or excessive perspiration. In addition, inform them of any history relating to pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), ulcers, heart disease, kidney or liver disorders; previous heart attacks, heart failure, chest pains, irregular heartbeat, strokes; as well as high or low blood pressure, high cholesterol, bleeding disorders, or circulation issues. Also, communicate if you have faced any eye-related conditions.
• For women using sildenafil for PAH, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Notify your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during your treatment.
• Should you need to undergo surgery—dental or otherwise—inform your healthcare provider and dentist that you are currently taking sildenafil.
• If you are being treated for erectile dysfunction, alert your healthcare provider if you have ever been advised against sexual activity for medical reasons or if you have experienced chest pain while engaging in sexual activity, as such activity can strain your heart, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pains, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity, and refrain from engaging in sexual activities until instructed otherwise.
• Ensure that all of your healthcare providers are aware that you are taking sildenafil. In the event of a medical emergency involving cardiac issues, medical personnel will need to know your last dose of sildenafil.

Discuss with your healthcare provider the potential effects of consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on this medication, as these items may affect how sildenafil works in your body.

If you are using sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, it is unlikely that you will forget to take a dose, as it is administered on an as-needed basis rather than on a regular schedule.

If you are using sildenafil for PAH and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next dose is nearing, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for the missed one.

Sildenafil may cause side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if any of the following symptoms become severe or persist:

• headache
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• nausea
• flushing (warmth, redness, or a tingling sensation)
• nasal bleeding
• numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
• muscle, back, arm, or leg pain
• color vision changes (such as seeing a blue tint in objects or difficulty distinguishing between blue and green)
• light sensitivity
• nasal congestion

Some side effects may be more serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• sudden and severe vision loss (see below for further details)
• blurry vision
• sudden hearing loss or decrease in hearing
• ringing in the ears
• dizziness or feeling faint
• fainting
• chest pain
• worsening breathlessness
• painful or prolonged erection lasting over 4 hours
• skin rash; itching; hives; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, or lips

Some patients have reported sudden partial or total vision loss following the intake of sildenafil or similar medications. In certain cases, this vision loss was permanent. The connection between the vision loss and the medication remains uncertain. Should you experience any sudden vision loss while on sildenafil, promptly contact your healthcare provider. Refrain from taking any additional doses of sildenafil or comparable drugs like tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra) until you have consulted with your healthcare provider.

There have been reports of serious cardiac events, including heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeats, brain or lung hemorrhages, elevated blood pressure, and even sudden death among men taking sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. In most cases, but not all, these individuals had prior heart conditions. The exact cause of these events—whether related to sildenafil, sexual activity, existing heart disease, or a combination of factors—remains unclear. Discuss the potential risks of using sildenafil with your healthcare provider.

Some patients experienced a sudden decrease or loss of hearing following the use of sildenafil or similar medications. The causal relationship between the drug and hearing loss is still unknown. If you experience sudden hearing loss, often with accompanying tinnitus or dizziness, while taking sildenafil, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For those using sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction, do not take more doses until you consult with your healthcare provider. If you are undergoing treatment with sildenafil (Liqrev, Revatio) for PAH, do not discontinue treatment without first consulting your healthcare provider.

Sildenafil may lead to various other side effects. If you notice any atypical symptoms while on this medication, reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

If you encounter a serious side effect, you or your doctor may report the incident to the 'MedWatch' adverse event reporting system of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) either online at https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by calling 1-800-332-1088.

Store this medication in its original packaging, ensuring it remains well-sealed and out of children’s reach. Keep tablets at room temperature, away from excessive moisture and heat (do not store in the bathroom). The suspension should be stored in the same temperature range but can also be placed in the refrigerator—just be sure not to freeze it. Dispose of any unused suspension after 60 days to ensure effectiveness and safety.

It is crucial to keep all medications secure, out of children's sight and reach, as many packaging types (like weekly pill organizers, eye drop bottles, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-proof and could be inadvertently accessed. To avert accidental poisoning, always use safety caps and store medications in a secure location, above and away from children’s reach. For further details, consult https://www.upandaway.org/es/.

Unwanted medications should be disposed of properly to ensure they are not accessible to children, pets, or others. However, avoid flushing these medications down the toilet. The safest way to dispose of unused medications is through a medication take-back program. Speak with your pharmacist or reach out to your local waste/recycling department for details on community medication return initiatives. For more information regarding safe medication disposal, visit the FDA’s website at https://goo.gl/xRXbPn.

If an overdose occurs, immediately contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Additional information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Should the individual collapse, have a seizure, encounter breathing difficulties, or become unresponsive, call emergency services right away by dialing 911.

Ensure you attend all appointments with your healthcare provider.

Avoid allowing anyone else to use your medication. If you have any questions regarding prescription refills, reach out to your pharmacist for assistance.

Maintaining a written record of all medications you are taking—prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements—is vital. Bring this list with you during each visitation with your healthcare provider or when you get admitted to a hospital. This information becomes critical in emergency situations.

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• Revatio^®
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