Sildenafil (oral route)
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take sildenafil. This medication can significantly affect your treatment options and may also interact with other medications you are currently taking. If you ever require emergency medical care for a heart problem, it is crucial that your doctor knows precisely when you last took sildenafil in order to provide you with the safest and most effective care.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using a nitrate medicine often prescribed to treat angina or high blood pressure, as the combination can lead to severe side effects. Nitrate medicines include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, Nitrol® ointment, Nitrostat®, and Transderm Nitro®. Additionally, refrain from using any illegal drugs, referred to as "poppers," such as amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite. It is essential to avoid combining this medication with riociguat (Adempas®), as this can also lead to serious complications.
If you will be taking this medicine for pulmonary arterial hypertension, your doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits. These follow-up appointments will enable your doctor to monitor the medication's effectiveness and determine if adjustments to your treatment plan are necessary, ensuring optimal management of your condition.
If you take sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, do not take Viagra® or other PDE5 inhibitors, like tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®). Remember, Viagra® also contains sildenafil. Taking too much sildenafil or combining it with these other medications can significantly increase the risk of adverse effects, thus it's essential to adhere to your doctor's instructions.
Sildenafil should never be used in conjunction with any other medicine or device that is designed to cause erections, as this could exacerbate the risk of serious side effects.
It is crucial to inform your doctor about any heart problems you currently have or may have had previously. This medication can produce severe side effects for individuals with existing heart conditions, so full disclosure is necessary for safe prescribing.
If you experience a prolonged or painful erection lasting 4 hours or more, contact your doctor immediately. This condition, known as priapism, can require urgent medical treatment to prevent lasting damage to your penis, so it’s vital to act quickly.
If you experience a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, contact your doctor immediately. Vision changes can indicate serious side effects that must be addressed without delay.
Check with your doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease in hearing or experience loss of hearing, which may be accompanied by dizziness and ringing in the ears. These symptoms can signal a serious reaction to the medication that requires immediate medical attention.
If you are already using medication for high blood pressure (hypertension), be aware that sildenafil could lower your blood pressure too much. If you notice symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness upon standing, as well as sweating or unusual tiredness or weakness, it's critical to contact your doctor right away for further evaluation.
This medicine does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV or AIDS). It is imperative to use appropriate protective measures and consult your doctor if you have any questions regarding safe practices.
Do not take any other medicines unless they have been thoroughly discussed with your doctor. This includes both prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medications, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements, to avoid potential interactions with sildenafil.