Sildenafil tablets (Erectile Dysfunction)

July 17, 2018

Sildenafil tablets (Erectile Dysfunction)

What is this medicine?

SILDENAFIL (sil DEN a fil) is used to treat erection problems in men.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The dose is usually taken 1 hour before sexual activity. You should not take the dose more than once per day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not used in children for this condition.

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

  • chest pain

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • prolonged or painful erection

  • seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • back pain

  • dizziness

  • flushing

  • headache

  • indigestion

  • muscle aches

  • nausea

  • stuffy or runny nose

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • cisapride

  • nitrates like amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin

  • riociguat

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

  • bosentan

  • certain medicines for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

  • certain medicines for blood pressure

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

  • cimetidine

  • erythromycin

  • rifampin

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. Do not take double or extra doses.

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.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bleeding disorders

  • eye or vision problems, including a rare inherited eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa

  • anatomical deformation of the penis, Peyronie's disease, or history of priapism (painful and prolonged erection)

  • heart disease, angina, a history of heart attack, irregular heart beats, or other heart problems

  • high or low blood pressure

  • history of blood diseases, like sickle cell anemia or leukemia

  • history of stomach bleeding

  • 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

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

If you notice any changes in your vision while taking this drug, call your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible. Stop using this medicine and call your health care provider right away if you have a loss of sight in one or both eyes.

Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if you have an erection that 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 upon initiation of sexual activity after taking this medicine, you should refrain from further activity and call your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible.

Do not drink alcohol to excess (examples, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey) when taking this medicine. When taken in excess, alcohol can increase your chances of getting a headache or getting dizzy, increasing your heart rate or lowering your blood pressure.

Using this medicine does not protect you or your partner against HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018