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What is this medicine?
SILDENAFIL (sil DEN a fil) is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is a serious heart and lung condition. This medicine helps to improve symptoms and quality of life.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•eye or vision problems, including a rare inherited eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa
•heart disease, angina, high or low blood pressure, a history of heart attack, or other heart problems
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•stroke
•an unusual or allergic reaction to sildenafil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals about 4 to 6 hours apart. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•cisapride
•methscopolamine nitrate
•nitrates like amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin
•nitroprusside
•other sildenafil products (Viagra)
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•certain drugs for high blood pressure
•certain drugs for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
•certain drugs used for fungal or yeast infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole
•cimetidine
•erythromycin
•rifampin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Do not change the dose of your medicine without asking your doctor. Call your doctor if your medication is not working for you. This may be a sign that your condition has become worse.
Call your health care provider right away if you have any changes in vision.
Contact you doctor or health care professional right away if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage.
If you experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, chest pain, or arm pain after taking this medicine, you should discuss the episode with your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•breathing problems
•changes in hearing
•changes in vision, blurred vision, trouble telling blue from green color
•chest pain
•fast, irregular heartbeat
•men: prolonged or painful erection (lasting more than 4 hours)
•seizures
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•flushing
•headache
•indigestion
•stuffy or runny nose
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
