Sildenafil tablets
What do sildenafil tablets do?
SILDENAFIL (Viagra(TM)) is used to treat erection problems in men.
What should my health care professional know before I take sildenafil?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anatomical deformity of the penis
• bleeding disorder
• cancer
• diabetes
• heart disease, angina, high or low blood pressure, a history of heart attack, or other heart problems
• high cholesterol
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• sickle cell disease
• stomach disease
• stroke
• eye or vision problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sildenafil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
How should I take this medicine?
Take sildenafil tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The dose is usually taken 1 hour before sexual activity. You should not take this dose more than once per day. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take double or extra doses.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What other medicines can interact with sildenafil?
Do not take sildenafil if you are taking the following medications:
• nitroglycerin-type drugs for the heart or chest pain such as amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin, even if these are only taken occasionally
Sildenafil may also interact with the following medications:
• cimetidine
• cisapride
• clarithromycin
• diltiazem
• erythromycin
• fluconazole
• grapefruit juice
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• mibefradil
• niacin
• certain medicines for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
• nitroprusside
• omeprazole
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• quinidine
• quinine
• some drugs for treating depression, anxiety or other mood problems (examples: fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone)
• verapamil
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking sildenafil?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in vision
• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• chest pain or palpitations
• prolonged erection (lasting longer than 4 hours)
• skin rash, itching
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• flushing
• headache
• indigestion
• nasal congestion