Sildenafil (oral route)
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take sildenafil. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it is crucial that your healthcare provider is informed about your sildenafil use and the last time you took the medication. This information can significantly influence the type of treatment you may receive in an emergency.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using a nitrate medicine, often prescribed for conditions like angina or high blood pressure. Nitrate medicines include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, Nitrol® ointment, Nitrolingual® spray, Nitrostat®, and Transderm Nitro®. Additionally, some illegal drugs commonly referred to as "poppers" (such as amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite) can pose serious risks when combined with sildenafil. It is also not recommended to use this medication if you are taking riociguat (Adempas®).
If you will be taking this medicine for pulmonary arterial hypertension, your doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits. Regular monitoring will enable your doctor to assess the effectiveness of the medication and determine the appropriate duration of treatment. Monitoring may include evaluations of your physical condition, symptoms, and any potential side effects.
If you take sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, be aware that you should not take Viagra® or other PDE5 inhibitors, such as tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®). Viagra® contains sildenafil itself. Taking too much sildenafil or combining it with these other medications heightens your risk of experiencing adverse effects.
Sildenafil should not be utilized in conjunction with any other medicine or device that causes erections, as this may lead to unwanted complications.
It is important to inform your doctor about any pre-existing or past heart problems you may have had. This medication can lead to serious side effects in individuals with cardiovascular issues, requiring careful consideration and oversight.
If you experience a prolonged or painful erection lasting for 4 hours or more, you must contact your doctor immediately. Such a condition, known as priapism, may necessitate urgent medical intervention to prevent severe and lasting damage to your penis.
If you notice a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, you must contact your healthcare provider without delay. This could indicate a serious complication that requires immediate attention.
Check with your doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease in hearing or loss of hearing, particularly if this is accompanied by dizziness and ringing in the ears. Such symptoms can signify a serious condition that necessitates prompt evaluation.
If you are currently on medication for high blood pressure (hypertension), be aware that sildenafil could potentially lower your blood pressure too much. Reach out to your doctor if you experience blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness upon standing up quickly, as well as unusual sweating or extreme tiredness.
This medicine does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV or AIDS). It is advisable to use appropriate protective measures and consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns in this regard.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been thoroughly discussed with your healthcare provider. This encompasses both prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements you may be considering.