Sildenafil (oral route)
It is very important to communicate to all of your healthcare providers that you are taking sildenafil. This information is crucial, especially if you ever require emergency medical assistance for a cardiovascular issue. Your doctor must know the last time you ingested sildenafil to provide you with the safest and most effective treatment options available during such emergencies.
Do not utilize this medication concurrently with any nitrate drugs, which are commonly prescribed for conditions like angina or hypertension. Nitrate medications consist of nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, Nitrol® ointment, Nitrolingual® spray, Nitrostat®, and Transderm Nitro®. Additionally, some illegal substances referred to as “poppers” (such as amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite) should also be avoided. Furthermore, if you are taking riociguat (Adempas®), you should not be prescribed sildenafil.
Should you need sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, your healthcare provider will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your condition. These visits are essential for assessing the medication's effectiveness and determining whether you should continue your treatment regimen.
When using sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, refrain from taking Viagra® or any other phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which include tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®). This is particularly important since Viagra® contains sildenafil, and consuming excessive amounts or combining it with these medications can significantly increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Sildenafil should not be paired with any other treatments or devices designed to induce erections, as this could lead to unwanted side effects.
It is vital to inform your healthcare provider about any present or past heart-related issues, as this medication can induce serious complications in individuals with existing heart conditions.
If you encounter a prolonged or painful erection lasting four hours or longer, you must contact your healthcare provider immediately. This condition is medically urgent and may necessitate immediate treatment to avert severe and irreversible damage to your penis.
Should you experience a sudden loss of vision in either eye or both, reach out to your doctor without delay. Immediate intervention may be necessary to address this issue effectively.
If you notice a sudden change in your hearing abilities, including a decrease or complete loss of hearing, which may be accompanied by tinnitus or dizziness, it is essential to inform your doctor at once. This could indicate a serious side effect that may require prompt attention.
For individuals already on hypertension management medications, be aware that sildenafil may further lower your blood pressure, posing potential health risks. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when standing up quickly, sweating excessively, or experiencing unusual fatigue or weakness.
Bear in mind that sildenafil does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections (including HIV or AIDS). It’s prudent to employ protective measures, and do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your healthcare provider.
Avoid taking additional medications without prior consultation with your doctor. This caution extends to both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, as well as herbal and vitamin supplements.