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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
SILDENAFIL - ORAL (sill-DEN-uh-fil)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Viagra
USES: This medication
is used to treat male sexual function problems (erection
problems).
HOW TO USE: This
drug is taken by mouth as needed between four hours
and one-half hour before sexual activity (about one
hour before is most effective). Take only as directed,
usually once daily as needed. Sildenafil works along
with sexual stimulation to help achieve an erection.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache,
flushing, stomach upset, nasal stuffiness, diarrhea
and dizziness might occur. If these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but
report promptly: painful or other urination problems,
vision problems, skin rash. Very unlikely but report
promptly: chest pain, fainting, foot or ankle swelling.
If you experience a painful or prolonged erection
(lasting longer than 4 hours), stop using this drug
and seek immediate medical attention. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before
using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history,
including: allergies (especially drug allergies),
penis conditions such as fibrosis/scarring (e.g.,
Peyronie's disease), history of painful/prolonged
erection (priapism), sickle cell anemia, blood system
cancers (such as leukemia or myeloma), eye problems
(retina diseases), kidney or liver disease, bleeding
disorders, active stomach ulcers, heart disease, stroke,
very high or low blood pressure. Limit alcohol intake,
as it may aggravate side effects of this drug. Since
this drug may cause dizziness, caution is advised
when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving).
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising
from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. This
drug is not to be used in women or children. The elderly
may be more sensitive to the side effects of this
drug, therefore caution is advised in this group.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell
your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription
medication you may use, especially of: nitrate medications
(e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside
(any "nitric oxide donor" medicines), cimetidine,
erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole,
ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin),
high blood pressure medicines, certain HIV protease
inhibitors (such as saquinavir, ritonavir, amprenavir),
delavirdine. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include severe dizziness, fainting, or prolonged
erection.
NOTES: Do not share
this medication with others, since they may have a
problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.
Use of this drug does not protect against sexually
transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B, gonorrhea,
syphilis)
MISSED DOSE: Not
applicable.
STORAGE: Store at
room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30
degrees C) away from light and moisture. |
