Sildenafil: A Comprehensive Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Sildenafil, popularly known under the brand name Viagra, is a medication primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. This guide covers various aspects of Sildenafil, including dosing, potential side effects, contraindications, drug interactions, usage during pregnancy and breastfeeding, cost, and possible alternatives. Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before making changes to your medication regimen.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Viagra (Sildenafil)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the chemical name of a drug that’s universally recognized, regardless of the brand. In this case, Sildenafil is the generic name (indicated in parentheses).

Pharmacologic Category

Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Other medications in this category include Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardenafil (Levitra), and Avanafil (Stendra).

Dosing

• Erectile Dysfunction: Initial dose is typically 50 mg taken as needed about one hour before sexual activity, but may be adjusted between 25 mg and 100 mg based on effectiveness and tolerability. Sildenafil should not be taken more than once daily.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: 20 mg, three times a day taken approximately 4 to 6 hours apart.
• Altitude Sickness (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema): A dose of 50 mg, twice daily has been used.

Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before adjusting your dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Sildenafil is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Tablets: 20 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
• Oral suspension: 10 mg/mL

Administration Instructions

Tablets are taken orally with or without food. If using the oral suspension, shake well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use the provided oral syringe to measure each dose.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Common side effects of Sildenafil include headaches, flushing, upset stomach, abnormal vision, stuffy or runny nose, back pain, muscle pain, and nausea. Rare, but serious side effects include an erection that will not go away (priapism), sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, and sudden hearing decrease or loss. If you experience any of these, seek medical help immediately.

Contraindications

Contraindications are conditions or factors that serve as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. Sildenafil is contraindicated in patients with:

• A known hypersensitivity to Sildenafil or any component of the tablet.
• Those using nitrate drugs for chest pain or heart problems. This combination can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Sildenafil may interact with certain drugs, including:

• Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, others)
• Isosorbide mononitrate and dinitrate (Monoket, Imdur, ISMO)
• Certain antifungals like Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Itraconazole (Sporanox)

Sildenafil in Pregnancy

There’s no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Sildenafil should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Sildenafil while Breastfeeding

It’s not known if Sildenafil is excreted into breast milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Estimated Cost of Medication

As of this writing, the estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Sildenafil 50mg with a GoodRx coupon is around $15-$30 without insurance, though prices may vary based on location and pharmacy.

Possible Alternatives

For erectile dysfunction, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and exercise, and psychological counseling may help. For pulmonary arterial hypertension, other medications like bosentan, ambrisentan, or treprostinil may be alternatives. For altitude sickness, descent and oxygen supplementation are first-line treatments. Always discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before making any changes.

Recent Updates on Sildenafil Research

Recent research suggests potential uses of Sildenafil beyond its approved indications. Studies are ongoing to evaluate its efficacy in conditions such as heart failure, stroke, and dementia. However, these uses are not yet approved, and more research is required to determine their safety and effectiveness.

Our primary care practice is here to help you navigate your health concerns. Through telemedicine, you can discuss any questions or concerns about Sildenafil with our providers, from the comfort of your home. As new research emerges, our team stays updated to provide you with the most accurate information and personalized care.

Conclusion

Understanding your medications is a vital part of managing your health. We encourage you to continue educating yourself and engaging in open conversations with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team about any questions or concerns. Remember, the information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and changes may occur that may not be reflected here. Please discuss any concerns or questions you have about your health or medications with your healthcare provider.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.