Sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs).
Take Sildenafil exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Sildenafil is available as a tablet or as an oral suspension.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure out your prescribed dose.
Sildenafil must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor. Your doctor may gradually reduce the dose of Sildenafil before stopping it completely.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- problems with your eyesight such as poor blood circulation of the nerves of the eyes
- severe liver disease
- history of heart attack
- very low blood pressure (<90/50 mmHg)
as Sildenafil may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Sildenafil with medicines to treat heart disease. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- blood disorder
- bleeding disorder
- penis deformity or disorder
- stomach ulcer
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sildenafil may cause dizziness and blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
You may experience sensitivity to light. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: nosebleed, headache, diarrhoea, indigestion, flushing, fever and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- sudden loss of hearing or vision
- any colour changes in your eyesight
- low blood pressure
- prolonged erection for males
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Sildenafil if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart disease e.g. nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, amyl nitrate
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines to treat pulmonary hypertension e.g. bosentan, iloprost, ambrisentan
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. doxazosin, amlodipine, atenolol
- antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin
- medicines to treat depression e.g. nefazodone
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sildenafil.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Store oral suspension in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used. Throw away any unused portion 60 days after first opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.