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.
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