Sildenafil (oral route)
It is imperative that you inform all of your healthcare providers that you are taking sildenafil. This information is crucial, especially in urgent medical situations, as it allows your medical team to provide the safest and most effective care for your heart. Should you require emergency treatment for any cardiac issues, your doctor will need to be aware of the last dosage of sildenafil you consumed to avoid potential complications.
Furthermore, it is essential to refrain from using this medication if you are concurrently on nitrates, which are often prescribed for conditions such as angina or hypertension. Nitrate medications include well-known names like nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, Nitrol® ointment, and Nitrolingual® spray, among others. Be particularly cautious, as some illicit substances known as “poppers,” including amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate, can interact dangerously with sildenafil. Additionally, avoid the use of riociguat (Adempas®) alongside sildenafil.
If you are prescribed sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, your healthcare provider will want to monitor your response to the medication during regular follow-up visits. These appointments are vital for assessing the efficacy of the treatment and determining whether ongoing usage is advisable.
For patients using sildenafil to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is critical to avoid taking Viagra® or any other PDE5 inhibitors, such as tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®). This is due to the fact that Viagra® is another drug that contains sildenafil, and taking them together can increase the risk of adverse effects significantly.
Sildenafil must not be combined with any other medications or devices intended to induce erections, as this poses additional risks.
Moreover, it is vital to disclose any existing or past heart ailments to your physician. Sildenafil can lead to serious complications for individuals with cardiac issues, and your doctor needs to be aware of these conditions before prescribing this medication.
If you find yourself experiencing an erection lasting four hours or more, it is critical that you seek medical assistance immediately. This situation, known as priapism, can lead to irreversible damage to the penile tissue if not promptly addressed.
Similarly, if you notice a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, you should contact your healthcare provider without delay.
Be vigilant for any sudden changes in hearing, including a decrease or loss of hearing, often accompanied by symptoms like dizziness and ringing in the ears. If you experience these signs, it is essential to check in with your doctor immediately.
For individuals already on antihypertensive medications, it’s important to note that sildenafil may lower blood pressure further. Should you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, or faintness upon standing up, along with excessive sweating or unusual fatigue, call your physician right away.
Remember that sildenafil does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV or AIDS. Always use appropriate protective measures and consult your doctor if you have any uncertainties regarding sexual health.
Lastly, do not initiate any new medications without first discussing them with your healthcare provider. This advice encompasses both prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements you may be considering.