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Sildenafil Citrate
What Is Sildenafil Citrate?
Sildenafil citrate ( Viagra®) is a prescription medication used for treating problems with obtaining or maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction ( ED), also known as impotence, can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Essentially, erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Sildenafil citrate is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.
Sildenafil citrate works by blocking a chemical that causes blood to flow out of the penis. More blood in the penis means an improved erection.
Effects of Sildenafil Citrate
In previous clinical studies, up to 88 percent of men reported that the medication improved their erections. Sildenafil citrate was also shown to be effective in men with certain medical conditions and following various types of surgeries.
When Does It Start Working?
How long a person has to wait for sildenafil citrate to work depends on the individual. In clinical studies, the medication began to work in as little as 14 minutes. For most people, though, it begins working within 30 minutes. Sildenafil citrate can continue to work for at least four hours, but on average, the response decreases after about two hours.
When and How Do I Take It?
Here are some general considerations regarding when and how to take sildenafil citrate:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken as needed, usually one hour before sexual activity. However, you should not take sildenafil citrate more than once in a day.
- Take your dose with a glass of water. You may take it with or without food. If you take sildenafil citrate with food, keep in mind that fatty meals may decrease the levels of medication in the blood.
- For sildenafil citrate to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of sildenafil citrate your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Sildenafil Citrate Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with sildenafil citrate. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. If people do develop side effects, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
The most common side effects include:
- Headache --in up to 16 percent of people
- Facial flushing -- up to 10 percent of people
- Indigestion (dyspepsia) -- up to 7 percent of people
- Nasal congestion -- up to 4 percent of people
- Urinary tract Infections (UTI) -- up to 3 percent of people
- Vision problems, including trouble telling the difference between blue and green, increased sensitivity to light, or blurred vision -- up to 3 percent of people
- Diarrhea -- up to 3 percent of people
- Dizziness -- up to 2 percent of people
- Unexplained rash -- up to 2 percent of people.
There are two other rare side effects to be aware of. If you have a heart or blood vessel disease ( cardiovascular disease) or significant heart disease risk factors, you will have an increased chance of developing serious problems with the heart, brain, and blood vessels. These problems can result in a heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
In people taking sildenafil citrate or other PDE5 inhibitors, there have been rare cases of a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition can lead to sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. If you experience any loss of vision while taking this drug, contact your healthcare provider immediately (see Viagra and Blindness).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking sildenafil citrate, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Who Should Not Take Sildenafil Citrate?
You should not take sildenafil citrate if you are:
- Allergic to sildenafil citrate, Viagra, or any inactive component of the drug. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
- Taking a nitrate for angina (chest pain).
What If I Take an Overdose?
Only a small number of people have overdosed on sildenafil citrate. Therefore, overdose symptoms are not well-known. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Sildenafil Citrate Be Stored?
Sildenafil citrate should be stored at room temperature. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Several strengths of sildenafil citrate are available. These include:
- Sildenafil citrate 25 mg
- Sildenafil citrate 50 mg
- Sildenafil citrate 100 mg.
Generic Sildenafil Citrate
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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