Sildenafil (oral route)
It is crucial that you inform all healthcare providers about your use of sildenafil. In scenarios where you may require urgent medical assistance for a cardiovascular issue, it is essential for your medical team to be aware of the last time you administered sildenafil, as this information can significantly influence your treatment.
Under no circumstances should you take this medication if you are currently using nitrate drugs, which are frequently prescribed for conditions such as angina or hypertension. Common nitrate medications include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, Nitrol® ointment, Nitrolingual® spray, Nitrostat®, and Transderm Nitro®. Additionally, avoid combining this medicine with illegal substances known as "poppers"—specifically amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite. Furthermore, do not use sildenafil alongside riociguat (Adempas®), as this combination could pose serious health risks.
In the event you are prescribed sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, your physician will likely schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your condition. This ongoing assessment is vital to determine the effectiveness of the medication and to decide if continued use is appropriate for your health situation.
If your treatment plan includes sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is advised not to take Viagra® or other phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®). Since Viagra® contains sildenafil itself, using these medications together could increase the risk of adverse effects significantly.
Sildenafil should be taken with caution and should never be combined with any other medications or devices intended to induce erections.
Be proactive in discussing any existing heart conditions you may have, whether current or past, with your physician. The utilization of this medicine in individuals with heart issues can lead to serious complications.
Should you experience an erection that lasts for 4 hours or more, please seek medical attention immediately. This condition, known as priapism, may require urgent treatment to prevent irreversible damage to your penis.
If you suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes, seek medical care without delay. This could indicate a serious reaction or underlying issue that must be evaluated by an eye specialist.
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any sudden changes in hearing or experience hearing loss, particularly if accompanied by dizziness or ringing in the ears. Such symptoms may necessitate further investigation.
If you are already on medications for high blood pressure (hypertension), remember that sildenafil could potentially lower your blood pressure too much. If you encounter symptoms like blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when transitioning from lying down or sitting to standing, as well as excessive sweating or unusual fatigue, it’s critical to contact your physician right away.
Be aware that sildenafil does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV or AIDS. It is advisable to employ protective measures during sexual activity and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or queries.
Before taking any other medications, it is vital to discuss them with your doctor. This includes any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, as well as herbal or vitamin supplements, to ensure there are no harmful interactions with sildenafil.