Sildenafil (oral route)
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take sildenafil. This is critical because your medical history and current medication regimen can significantly impact the effectiveness of your treatment and your overall safety. If you find yourself in a situation where you require emergency medical care for a heart problem, it is vital that your doctor is fully informed about when you last took sildenafil to make informed decisions regarding your care.
Be aware that you should not use this medicine if you are simultaneously using a nitrate medicine, which is typically prescribed for conditions like angina or high blood pressure. These nitrate medicines include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, and more. Furthermore, some recreational drugs commonly referred to as "poppers" that may contain amyl nitrate or butyl nitrate should also be avoided during sildenafil treatment. Additionally, if you are prescribed riociguat (Adempas®), it is imperative that you refrain from using sildenafil, as this combination could pose serious health risks.
For those prescribed this medication for pulmonary arterial hypertension, regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential. These visits allow your doctor to monitor your progress effectively, assessing whether the medication is delivering the desired therapeutic effects and determining if ongoing treatment is appropriate for your condition.
If your treatment plan includes sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is crucial that you do not use Viagra® or any other PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®), as these medications also contain sildenafil. Taking multiple doses or combining these medications increases the likelihood of adverse side effects and complications.
Moreover, sildenafil is not intended for use in conjunction with any other medicines or devices aimed at inducing erections. Consult your healthcare provider regarding complementary therapies to ensure holistic and safe management of your erectile function.
It is essential to disclose any current or past heart problems to your doctor. The use of this medicine can result in serious side effects, particularly in individuals with underlying heart conditions. Regular monitoring and communication with your healthcare professional can mitigate some risks associated with sildenafil.
If you experience a prolonged or painful erection lasting 4 hours or more, contact your doctor immediately. This condition, known as priapism, can lead to significant and lasting damage to the penile tissue if not addressed promptly. Seeking timely medical intervention is crucial in these scenarios.
If you notice a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, it is imperative to reach out to your doctor immediately. Sudden vision changes can be indicative of serious complications that require urgent attention.
Check with your doctor right away if you notice a sudden decrease in hearing or experience hearing loss, especially if this is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness or ringing in the ears. These sensory changes should not be ignored, as they may signal potential side effects related to sildenafil use.
If you are currently using medications for high blood pressure (hypertension), be cautious, as sildenafil has the potential to cause your blood pressure to drop too low. In such cases, if you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness upon standing up, excessive sweating, or an unusual state of fatigue or weakness, you should contact your doctor promptly for guidance.
This medication does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV or AIDS. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize appropriate protective measures during sexual encounters and to consult your doctor if you have any uncertainties related to sexual health.
Before initiating any additional medications, you must discuss them with your healthcare provider. This holds true for both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements you may be considering. Proper management of your health should involve collaborative efforts with your healthcare professional.