Hello! Has your doctor prescribed Sildenafil to you or someone in your family? You may be a little scared when you hear the name, because this drug is also known for other medical conditions. But don't be afraid. Sildenafil is a drug used to treat several different medical conditions. In this article, we'll talk about what you need to know about Sildenafil, especially when it comes to treating high blood pressure in the lungs, or medically known as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
What really happens with this medicine?
Okay, let's first understand what pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is. Imagine that you have some thin blood vessels that carry blood to your lungs. What happens in this condition is that those blood vessels gradually narrow, and the blood pressure in them increases unnecessarily. Then your heart has a hard time pumping blood through these narrowed vessels to your lungs. This is a big strain on the heart.
This is where Sildenafil comes in. It works by relaxing the blood vessels that are constricted and have increased pressure. This reduces the pressure in the lungs, allowing the heart to pump blood more easily. As a result, you can breathe easier, walk less, and do more of your daily activities. You may have heard of this medicine under the brand name `Revatio`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Sildenafil is a drug that should be used with extreme caution. Therefore, it is essential that your doctor gives you a complete picture of your health before prescribing this medication. If you have any of the conditions listed in the table below, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is it important to inform about it? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, a history of heart attacks, high or low blood pressure | Because sildenafil affects blood pressure, this can be risky for someone with heart disease. |
| Eye diseases, vision problems | Sildenafil can rarely affect vision, so if you already have vision problems, you should let your doctor know. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The kidneys and liver are the organs that remove drugs from the body. If these organs are not working properly, the dosage of the drug may need to be adjusted. |
| Bleeding disorders or stomach ulcers | It is important to be aware of these conditions, as sildenafil may slightly increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Blood cell related diseases (e.g. Sickle cell anemia, Leukemia) | There is a risk of complications from Sildenafil with these conditions. |
| Allergies to sildenafil or other medicines, foods, or dyes | If you have any allergies, your doctor should be aware of them. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In such cases, medical advice is essential to consider the potential impact on the child. |
| Penile problems (e.g. Peyronie's disease, history of priapism) | This is important to determine whether there is an increased risk of painful, prolonged sexual intercourse, a possible side effect of this medication. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple, but it is very important to follow the instructions exactly.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- You can take this before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with food.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time (usually every 4-6 hours) as prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Imagine that you have taken more medicine than prescribed. If that happens, don't delay. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital as soon as possible, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Sildenafil can interact with some other medications, which can lead to dangerous side effects. It is therefore important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Never take Sildenafil with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Types of Nitrates Eg: Isosorbide dinitrate, Isosorbide mononitrate, Nitroglycerin | These are medications commonly used to treat chest pain in heart disease. Taking them with Sildenafil can cause dangerously low blood pressure. |
| Riociguat | This is another medicine for pulmonary hypertension. Taking these two together can cause a very low blood pressure. |
| Cisapride, Cobicistat, Telaprevir | These are medications used to treat other conditions and may interact with Sildenafil. |
| If you are using these medications, be sure to tell your doctor. | |
| Antiretroviral drugs for HIV or AIDS | Bosentan |
| Some blood pressure medications | Some medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) |
| Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole) | Erythromycin, Cimetidine, Rifampin |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Sildenafil can cause some side effects. While most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.
| Side Effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to the hospital. | |
| 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 | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Increasing difficulty breathing | New or worsening shortness of breath after taking the medication. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | Redness of the face, stomach discomfort, nosebleeds, nasal congestion, insomnia. |
This medicine may make you feel a little dizzy . So don't do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or using machines, until you know how it affects you. Especially if you are elderly, don't get up or sit down too quickly . Do it slowly. Drinking alcohol can make this dizziness worse , so avoid it.
Take-Home Message
- Sildenafil is a very important medicine for pulmonary hypertension. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the right dose, and at the right time.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have (especially heart, eye, kidney, or liver disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- Never take Sildenafil with nitrates, which can cause dangerously low blood pressure.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as chest pain, sudden vision loss, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
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