SILDENAFIL - ORAL (Viagra) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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SILDENAFIL-ORAL Index

sildenafil - oral, Viagra

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GENERIC NAME: SILDENAFIL - ORAL (sil-DEN-a-fil)

BRAND NAME(S): Viagra

USES: Sildenafil is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction) by blocking a certain enzyme (phosphodiesterase-PDE5) in the body. In combination with sexual stimulation, sildenafil works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Practice "safe sex" such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.Sildenafil is also available in other strengths for treating high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). Do not substitute one form of this drug for the other.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking sildenafil and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.To treat erectile dysfunction, take this drug by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually as needed. Take sildenafil at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours, before sexual activity (1 hour before is the most effective). Do not take more than once daily.A high-fat meal may delay how quickly the drug begins to work.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking (see also Drug Interactions section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, flushing, heartburn, nosebleeds, trouble sleeping, or swollen hands/ankles/feet (edema) may occur. Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or trouble telling blue and green colors apart may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Rarely, a sudden loss of eyesight in one or both eyes (NAION) may occur. This may or may not be due to sildenafil. Stop taking sildenafil and get medical help right away if this occurs. You have a slightly greater chance of developing this serious eye problem if you have heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, certain other eye problems ("crowded disk"), or high blood pressure, or if you smoke or are over 50.Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop taking sildenafil and get medical help right away: severe dizziness, fainting, chest/jaw/left arm pain, nausea.In the unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and get medical help right away or permanent problems could occur.Rarely, sildenafil may cause sudden hearing problems (such as decrease/loss of hearing in one or both ears, ringing in the ears). Stop taking sildenafil and get medical help right away if these effects occur.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.