Sildenafil

Sildenafil

Uses

Sildenafil works for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or impotence or inability to get or keep an erection during sexual activity. It is also used to improve exercise capacity in men and women with Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (high blood pressure in the arteries carrying blood to the lungs from the heart).

How it Works

Sildenafil for patients with erectile dysfunction, works by preventing the action of a chemical called, phosphodiesterase type-5. This works to widen and relax the muscles in blood vessels in the penis and increases blood flow. This helps to produce and maintain an erection .For Pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH Sildenafil works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the arteries, which then allows the blood vessels to become wider, This reduces the pressure in the arteries and allows blood to flow more easily through them. This then increases the supply of blood to the lungs and directly improves the ability to do exercise

Common Side effects

Patients who take Sildenafil may suffer from such side effects;

Headache,
Muscle Aches,
Erythema,
Breathlessness,
stomach pain,
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping),
Dyspepsia,
Nose bleed,
Nausea,
Diarrhea,
Eyesight problems

Introduction

Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. 

Warning

Sildenafil should not be taken by :

-People who also take nitrates such as nitroglycerin (glycerin trinitrate),
as this may drop in blood pressure.
-Under 18 years
-Female
-Men hypertensive to Sildenafil
-Alpha -blockers (anti hypertensive drug)
-Prostate medicine
-Men with end-stage illnesses like liver or kidney disorder , anemia or leukemia, prostate enlargement, serious heart complications, uncontrolled high blood pressure, longstanding nervous disorders

Important Precautions

Sildenafil can produce mild dizziness as side effects; hence, it is advisable not to indulge in outdoor activities or operate heavy machinery. Patients should only take the dosage when needed.

Overdosage

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, severe dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat.
If you experience any of the symptoms above, seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store Sildenafil at room temperature away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Keep the medicines out of the reach children.

Introduction

Sildenafil is also known as Viagra is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction or impotence in men. Sildenafil is also used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. There are many brands of sildenafil out there such as Sildisoft, Kamagra, Vega, Caverta, Silagra, Zenegra, and Suhagra. Sildenafil is mainly manufactured by Ajanta, Pfizer, Hab Pharmaceuticals, Ranbaxy, Cipla, and AUROCHEM. Sildenafil comes in various forms such as tablets, soft tablet, dissolvable tablets and also in gel form. The strength of the drugs varies from 25mg to 100mg.

Composition

The active ingredient in this drug is sildenafil citrate; however, each tablet also contains inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, triacetin, and FD & C Blue #2 aluminium lake. Sildenafil citrate is a white to off-white colour crystalline powder with a solubility of 3.5 mg/mL in water and a molecular weight of 666.7.

Use

Sildenafil is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and also pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Dosage and administration

The dosage of this medication should be as per prescribed by your doctor.The dosage necessary varies for the different ages in men. The dosage usually starts from 20mg and goes up to 100mg once a day, orally, 1 hour before sexual activity.

Contraindication

Doctor's advice should be obtained prior to taking sildenafil. You need to follow the instructions that are given by the doctors. If your partner is pregnant it is best to not use sildenafil. if you have unstable angina pectoris, it is not advisable to take sildenafil.

Important Precautions

Your doctor should know you are taking sildenafil especially if you have any conditions affecting your heart. Do not use sildenafil if you are also using a nitrate medicine, which is used to treat angina or high blood pressure. Sildenafil should not be used with any other medication or device that causes erections.If you experience a prolonged or painful erection for 4 hours or more, Seek medical treatment immediately.

Side effects

SIldenafil can cause some unwanted side effects such as headaches, dizziness, abnormal vision, insomnia, muscle pain, upset stomach, bladder pains, indigestion, pain during urination or chest pains. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical treatment.

Storage

Sildenafil should be stored in a cool dry place at room temperature. It should be kept away from the reach of children and pets.