Sildenafil Citrate is prescribed to treat male sexual impotence also known as ED (erectile dysfunction). Sildenafil citrate was the first drug that came out for impotence. Sildenafil citrate works by controlling the enzyme phosphodiesterase TYPE 5(PDE5), which in turn causes higher level of Nitric oxide that dilates blood vessels in the male organ by allowing the influx of blood needed to sustain an erection.
Sildenafil citrate is effective only during sexual arousal. Sildenafil citrate does not work in the absence of libido. For best results use Sildenafil citrate approximately 1 hour before sexual activity, though for some people as little as half hour or as much as 4 hours are needed for Sildenafil citrate to function properly.
Sildenafil citrate is effective in about 70% of men, though it is effective only when poor blood circulation is the cause of the ED.
SILDENAFIL CITRATE SIDE EFFECTS
Recently some patients have reported blindness after using Sildenafil citrate, though such cases are rare.
Common side effects of using Sildenafil citrate may include acid indigestion, diarrhea, flushing, headache, and nasal congestion. Rare side effects may include blindness, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, asthma, asthma, and sudden death.
Heart attack, stroke, sudden rise in blood pressure, and sudden
death have all been reported usually in men with pre-existing heart
problems.
SILDENAFIL CITRATE WARNING
People with pre-existing heart related problems such as severe high
or low blood pressure, heart failure, or unstable angina or those taking
medications called nitrates should avoid using Sildenafil citrate.
If you take Sildenafil citrate and experience cardiac symptoms like
dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or chest pain during sexual activity,
stop immediately. Alert your physician as soon as possible.
If you have a condition that might result in long-lasting
erections, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, Peyronie's
disease or leukemia, use Sildenafil citrate with caution. If an erection
lasts more than 4 hours, seek medical help immediately.
Use caution if you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or
the inherited eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa.
To avoid low blood pressure, do not take the 50mg-100mg dose of
Sildenafil Citrate within 4 hours of taking an alpha-blocking drug such as
Cardura.
People with kidney or liver problem should begin with lower
doses.
CAUTION
Do not take Sildenafil citrate if you are taking any nitrate-based
drug, including nitroglycerin patches, nitroglycerin ointment,
nitroglycerin pills, and isosorbide pills (Isordil). Combining Sildenafil
citrate with these drugs may result in a severe drop in blood
pressure.
If an allergic reaction happens with Sildenafil citrate, stop
using it right away.
SILDENAFIL CITRATE DRUG INTERACTION
Do not take herbs like ginseng, ginkgo, or hawthorn when using
Sildenafil citrate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any
of the following:
Other impotence drugs
Alpha-blockers such as
Cardura
Norvasc
Tagamet
Erythromycin
Sporanox
Nizoral
Nitrates
such as Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and
Nitro-Dur
Rifampin
Ritonavir
Saquinavir
DOSES
Sildenafil citrate doses range from 25mg-100mg. The usual dose is 50mg. Your physician will adjust the dosage if you are over 65, have liver or kidney problems, or are taking erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or saquinavir. A dose of 25mg may be adequate in that case.
Take Sildenafil citrate only before sexual activity. The
manufacturer recommends a maximum of 1 dose per day.
To avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure, do not take the
50mg-100mg dose of Sildenafil citrate within 4 hours of taking an
alpha-blocking drug such as Cardura.
SILDENAFIL CITRATE OVERDOSE
No overdose of Sildenafil citrate has been reported as of yet.
However, any medicine taken in excess can have grave consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention right away.
Disclaimer:
The
information provided in this website is not intended to be used for
self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please consult your licensed health care
provider regarding all medical problems. You should never stop taking a prescription
drug or alter the dosage or dosing schedule without first consulting your
physician or health-care provider.
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