Sildenafil Citrate Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Sildenafil Citrate Tablet (generic name: Sildenafil) is a prescription medicine belonging to the PDE5 inhibitor drug class. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults and some children. It works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow, and it is available in several forms including tablets, oral film, oral suspension, and injection.

What is Sildenafil Citrate Tablet

Sildenafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs) in adults and some children.

Sildenafil Citrate Tablet uses

• Treats erectile dysfunction (impotence) in adult men
• Improves ability to exercise in adults and children 1 year and older with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Benefits of Sildenafil Citrate Tablet

• Helps increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, helping produce an erection
• Relaxes blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the heart's workload and improving exercise capacity in PAH

How Sildenafil Citrate Tablet works

Sildenafil blocks an enzyme called PDE5, which allows blood vessels to relax and blood flow to increase. In erectile dysfunction, this increases blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation to help produce an erection. In pulmonary arterial hypertension, it relaxes blood vessels in the lungs, easing blood flow and reducing strain on the heart.

Sildenafil Citrate Tablet dosage

This medicine can be taken with or without food, though a high-fat meal may make it take longer to start working. For erectile dysfunction, take as needed before sexual activity, about 1 hour beforehand, but it can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before. Do not take more than once a day for erectile dysfunction.

For pulmonary arterial hypertension, take at the same times each day, spaced several hours apart as directed by your doctor. Continue taking the medicine for pulmonary arterial hypertension even if you feel well; do not stop without talking to your doctor.

An erection will not happen just from taking the medicine — sexual stimulation is still needed. Use only the brand your doctor prescribed, since different brands may not work the same way.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Oral film
• Oral suspension (liquid)
• Injection
• Powder for suspension

Side effects of Sildenafil Citrate Tablet

Common

• Headache
• Flushing (feeling of warmth)
• Upset stomach or indigestion
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Back pain
• Muscle pain or aches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Rash
• Nosebleeds
• Diarrhea
• Trouble sleeping

Serious

• An erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism)
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness
• Chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity
• Signs of very low blood pressure such as fainting, blurred vision, or lightheadedness when standing up
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips
• Signs of heart attack, stroke, or irregular heartbeat

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take sildenafil with nitrate medicines used for chest pain or heart problems, or with recreational drugs called 'poppers,' since this combination can cause a sudden, serious drop in blood pressure. Do not take sildenafil together with riociguat, a medicine for pulmonary hypertension.
• Sildenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
• Sexual activity can put extra strain on the heart, especially if the heart is already weak from a heart attack or heart disease. Stop sexual activity and get medical help right away if you have chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sex.
• Do not take Viagra and Revatio at the same time, since both contain sildenafil and taking them together increases the risk of side effects.
• Tell all your healthcare providers that you take sildenafil, since this information is important if you ever need emergency care for a heart problem.
• Sildenafil is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Women being treated for pulmonary arterial hypertension should not stop taking sildenafil without first talking to their doctor if they become pregnant.
• It is not known whether sildenafil passes into breast milk or could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• People with severe kidney disease should use this medicine with caution, since the body may remove it more slowly, increasing its effects.
• People with severe liver disease should use this medicine with caution, since the body may remove it more slowly, increasing its effects.
• Drinking alcohol while taking sildenafil can cause side effects.
• Do not use with nitrate medicines (such as nitroglycerin) because it can cause dangerous blood pressure drops.

Storage

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light
• Keep from freezing
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed
• Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use
• Store mixed oral liquid in the refrigerator and throw away any unused mixed oral liquid after 60 days

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, since this can permanently damage the penis if not treated quickly.
• Stop taking sildenafil and call your doctor right away if you have sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
• Stop taking sildenafil and contact a doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness.
• Stop sexual activity and get medical help right away if you have chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sex.
• Lie down and seek help if you feel faint or dizzy, as sildenafil can cause low blood pressure.
• If you take too much sildenafil, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Udenafil
• Avanafil
• Vardenafil
• Tadalafil