Sildenafil (oral route)
It is crucial that you inform every physician you see about your sildenafil usage. This becomes particularly significant in the event you require urgent medical assistance for any heart-related issues, as your healthcare provider will need to be aware of the last time you ingested sildenafil. This information can be vital not only for your immediate care but also for ensuring that any treatments you receive are appropriate and safe given your current medications.
Avoid using this medication if you are concurrently taking any nitrate medications, which are commonly prescribed for conditions such as angina or hypertension (high blood pressure). Nitrate medications comprise nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, the Nitrol® ointment, Nitrostat®, and the Transderm Nitro® patch. Additionally, steer clear of certain illegal substances, often referred to as "street drugs," known as "poppers," including amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite. The combination of these substances with sildenafil can lead to serious health complications. Furthermore, you should not use sildenafil alongside riociguat (Adempas®) as this can also provoke adverse effects.
For patients prescribed sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential. These visits allow your healthcare provider to monitor your treatment's effectiveness and make informed decisions about the continuation or adjustment of your dose based on your health status and response to the medication.
If your treatment involves sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, do not take Viagra® or any other PDE5 inhibitors, which include tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®), as Viagra® itself contains sildenafil. The use of these medications together increases the risk of experiencing adverse side effects, which can be serious.
Sildenafil should not be taken with other medications or devices that promote erections. The unsafe combination of these substances could lead to prolonged and unwanted effects.
It's vital to disclose to your healthcare provider any existing heart conditions, past or present. The use of sildenafil can result in severe side effects, particularly for individuals with cardiac issues, making this disclosure essential for your safety.
If you experience an erection lasting longer than 4 hours or one that is painful, seeking medical assistance immediately is of utmost importance. Such a condition may necessitate urgent intervention to prevent lasting damage to your penis, ensuring that you avoid any permanent complications.
Should you notice a sudden loss of vision in either one or both eyes, it is critical to reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. This could signify a serious issue that needs to be addressed without delay.
Additionally, consult your doctor right away if you encounter any sudden changes in hearing or experience hearing loss, especially if accompanied by dizziness or ringing in the ears. These symptoms are concerning and warrant prompt medical evaluation.
For individuals already on medications for hypertension, be mindful that sildenafil might lower your blood pressure excessively. If you notice blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness upon standing, unusual sweating, or fatigue, contact your physician without delay.
Please remember, this medication does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV or AIDS. It's imperative to take preventive measures and ask your healthcare provider if you have any queries regarding safe practices.
Finally, do not initiate or discontinue any other medications unless you have discussed them thoroughly with your doctor. This encompasses prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, as well as any herbal supplements or vitamins, to ensure that your treatment plan remains safe and effective.