Sildenafil (Generic)

Sildenafil belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body.

• In Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Sildenafil increases blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, helping men achieve and maintain an erection. It does not cause an erection without sexual arousal.
• In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels in the lungs, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the workload on the heart.

Health Benefits:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Helps men with ED achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Improves exercise capacity and reduces symptoms associated with high blood pressure in the lungs.

Dosage:

The dosage of sildenafil varies depending on the condition being treated:

• Erectile Dysfunction:

1. The typical starting dose is 50 mg, taken orally about 1 hour before sexual activity (it can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours beforehand).
2. The dose may be adjusted to 25 mg or 100 mg based on effectiveness and side effects.
3. The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg once daily.

• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension:

1. The usual starting dose is 20 mg, taken orally three times a day, about 4-6 hours apart.
2. The dose may be increased up to 80 mg three times a day based on response and tolerability.

Important Precautions:

Sildenafil can interact with other medications and may not be suitable for everyone. Important precautions include:

• Nitrates: Do not take sildenafil if you’re using nitrate medications (for chest pain or heart problems), as this can cause a dangerous and sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Alpha-blockers: If you’re taking alpha-blockers for high blood pressure or prostate problems, sildenafil should be started at the lowest dose (25 mg for ED) to avoid a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Other PDE5 inhibitors: Do not take sildenafil with other PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., tadalafil, vardenafil).
• Heart conditions: People with certain heart problems should use sildenafil cautiously and only under the guidance of a doctor.
• Blood pressure: Sildenafil can lower blood pressure, so it should be used cautiously by individuals with very low or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Vision problems: A rare but serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) has been associated with PDE5 inhibitors. Use with caution if you have a history of NAION or other eye conditions.
• Hearing problems: Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears has been reported with sildenafil.
• Priapism: In rare cases, sildenafil can cause a prolonged and painful erection (priapism) lasting more than 4 hours, which requires immediate medical attention.
• Liver or kidney disease: Individuals with liver or kidney problems may need dosage adjustments.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of sildenafil include:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Upset stomach
• Abnormal vision (e.g., blurred vision, changes in color vision)
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Muscle pain
• Dizziness

Serious side effects are rare but may include:

• Sudden vision loss
• Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Chest pain
• Severe allergic reaction
• Seizures
• Prolonged erection (priapism)

It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using sildenafil. They will evaluate your medical history, any other medications you’re taking, and the condition you’re treating to determine if sildenafil is safe for you, as well as the correct dosage. Always take this medication with a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider.