Sildenafil

About sildenafil

Sildenafil can be used to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to perform sexual intercourse.
Sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to enter to achieve an erection.
Sildenafil can also be used in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessel between the heart and the lungs. Sildenafil relaxes the artery which reduces the blood pressure.

Before taking sildenafil

Before taking sildenafil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking medicine called nitrates for various heart conditions.
• If you suffer from, or have ever suffered from, sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia.
• If you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems.
• If you have recently had a stroke or a heart attack.
• If you suffer from low blood pressure or have a bleeding disorder.
• If you have a stomach ulcer or if you have ever suffered an ulcer.
• If you have any disease, injury or deformity of your penis.
• If you suffer from any condition affecting the eye or if there is a family history of eye problems.
• If you are using any other products to treat erectile dysfunction.

How to take sildenafil

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
• If you are taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction it should be taken one hour before sexual activity. If it is taken with or just after food it will take longer to work. You should not take more than one dose in any twenty four hour period.
• If you are taking sildenafil to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension it is usually taken three times a day.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of sildenafil contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking sildenafil.
• Sildenafil may cause dizziness and visual disturbances. Make sure your reactions and sight are normal before driving operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous, if you were not fully alert.

Can sildenafil cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other less common side effects include flushing, painful, red eyes, a skin rash, palpitations (being aware of your heart beat), nasal congestion, a painful erection with no sexual desire, cough, problems sleeping, nose bleeds, or a fever.

Note: if you have a persistent erection for four hours or more, contact your doctor at once.

Important: If you experience chest pains, an irregular heartbeat or a sudden sharp headache with numbness or tingling on one side of the body contact your doctor or seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How to store sildenafil

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines