Sometimes doctors prescribe us special medications for more complicated health conditions. One such drug is Sildenafil. You may be confused by the name, but this is an important drug that is often prescribed to treat a specific type of high blood pressure that occurs in the lungs. So, today we will talk briefly about this drug called Sildenafil, what it does, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is Sildenafil?
Simply put, sildenafil is a medication used to treat a condition called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) , which is a condition in which the blood vessels in the lungs become narrowed, making it harder for the heart to pump blood through them.
Sildenafil works by widening (relaxing) these blood vessels in the lungs. This then causes:
- The blood pressure in the lungs decreases.
- The heart can easily pump blood to other parts of the body without having to work as hard.
- This will make it easier for you to breathe and will also help you to actively engage in daily activities.
This medication may also sometimes be available under the brand name Revatio. Your doctor may also prescribe it for other conditions.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or issue | What to inform |
|---|---|
| Heart Disease | If you have any type of heart disease, high or low blood pressure. |
| Eye Problems | If you have eye diseases, vision impairment, or any vision-related problems. |
| Blood Disorders | About blood diseases or bleeding conditions like Sickle Cell Anemia and Leukemia. |
| Kidney or Liver Disease | If there is any problem with kidney or liver function. |
| Other medical conditions | Conditions such as stomach ulcers, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), penile deformities or Peyronie's disease. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergic reaction to sildenafil or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This comes as a liquid medicine (suspension). So be careful about these things when using it.
- Shake well: Before each use, shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds .
- Do not mix anything: Do not add any other medicines or flavourings to this medicine.
- Use the correct syringe: Only use the oral syringe with the measurement that comes with the medicine package. Using things like teaspoons and syrup cups can cause inaccurate measurements.
- Before or after meals: This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Take your medicine at the right time: As your doctor tells you, take your medicine every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not stop suddenly: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.
About Overdose
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Sildenafil is a drug that can interact with other medications, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Medications that should never be taken with sildenafil | |
|---|---|
| |
| Other medications that can cause problems | |
|
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the vitamins, herbal products, and over-the-counter medications you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like any medication, sildenafil can cause some side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in vision or hearing | Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, decreased hearing, or ringing in the ears. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Chest, shoulder, or arm tightness or pain, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, or walking. |
| Other serious symptoms | Heart palpitations, dizziness, increased shortness of breath, and prolonged painful erections. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Headache, dizziness | Facial flushing, headache, dizziness (especially if you are elderly, be careful when standing or sitting). |
| Other minor ailments | Nosebleeds, stuffy nose, insomnia, stomach upset. |
How to store the medicine?
To preserve the quality of the medicine, it is important to store it properly.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- After mixing it at the pharmacy, store it below 30 degrees Celsius (room temperature) or in the refrigerator (between 2-8 degrees Celsius).
- Never freeze.
- Discard any remaining amount after 60 days of mixing the medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Sildenafil is an important drug that treats a specific condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about your complete health history and all other medications you are taking.
- When taking medication, always use the correct syringe and take it exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Taking sildenafil with certain medications, such as nitrates, can be very dangerous, so be careful.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as changes in vision or chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
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