Sildenafil (oral route)
It is paramount that you inform all of your healthcare providers that you are taking sildenafil. This information is especially crucial if you ever require emergency medical attention due to any heart-related issues. Your healthcare provider must be aware of the last time you ingested sildenafil to ensure your safety and to provide appropriate care during such emergencies.
Do not use sildenafil if you are concurrently taking any nitrate medications, which are typically prescribed for the treatment of angina or hypertension. Common nitrate medicines include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, and Nitrol® ointment, along with Nitrolingual® spray, Nitrostat®, and Transderm Nitro®. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid using this medication if you have consumed any illegal drugs often referred to as "poppers," which include substances such as amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite. Furthermore, do not use sildenafil in conjunction with riociguat (Adempas®), as this can lead to adverse effects.
For those who are prescribed sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, your physician will likely want to monitor your progress through regular follow-up appointments. These visits are essential as they allow your healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the medication and determine whether ongoing treatment is necessary. Your treatment plan will be tailored based on your response to the medication.
If you are utilizing sildenafil specifically for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is critically important not to take Viagra® or other medications classified as PDE5 inhibitors, which include tadalafil (Cialis®) and vardenafil (Levitra®). Do note that Viagra® itself contains sildenafil. Taking excessive amounts of sildenafil or combining it with these other medications significantly increases the risk of experiencing negative side effects.
Sildenafil is not intended to be used in conjunction with any other medications or devices that are designed to facilitate erections, as this combination could lead to complications.
It is vital to disclose to your healthcare provider any existing heart conditions you may currently have or have previously experienced. This medication can produce serious side effects in individuals with known heart issues, making it essential to provide complete transparency about your medical history.
If you happen to experience an erection that is prolonged or painful lasting for four hours or longer, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance. Such a condition could necessitate urgent treatment to avert serious and potentially irreversible damage to your penis.
If you notice a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, you must reach out to your doctor promptly. This symptom could indicate a serious health issue that warrants immediate medical evaluation.
It is important to consult your physician without delay if you experience a sudden drop in hearing or complete loss of hearing, which may be accompanied by dizziness and a ringing sensation in the ears. These symptoms could signify an urgent medical condition requiring assessment.
If you are already taking medications for hypertension, it's important to know that sildenafil could cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you encounter symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness upon standing, excessive sweating, or unusual fatigue or weakness.
This medication does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV or AIDS. It is advisable to utilize protective measures and consult your healthcare professional if you have any inquiries regarding this matter.
Do not initiate the use of any other medications unless they have been discussed in detail with your healthcare provider. This encompasses both prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) drugs, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements you may be considering. Your safety and wellbeing should always be the priority when incorporating new therapies into your regimen.