|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (sil
DEN a
fil) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Viagra® |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Phosphodiesterase Enzyme Inhibitor |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to sildenafil or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you taking any
nitrates.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for the treatment of
impotence.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Sildenafil affects response to stimulation. It strengthens the
response to a chemical produced by the body and then allows relaxation and
increased blood flow to the penis.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Best if taken 1 hour before sexual activity. Can be taken 30 minutes
to 4 hours before.
- Only take as needed, not on a daily basis.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice when using this
medicine.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- This medicine is taken on an as needed basis only. Take as directed by
healthcare provider.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. Many medicines do not mix
well with this medicine.
- Do not use this medicine if you are taking a nitrate (nitroglycerin
tablets, spray, or patch or isosorbide).
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). May be another cause
of impotence.
- Use caution if you have heart disease, especially if you get chest
pain with a little exertion.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- This medicine does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Take measures to prevent the spread of these diseases. Talk with healthcare
provider if help needed in choosing a method.
- Do not use with other impotence
medicines.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Flushing.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Effectiveness of medicine. If not working, then talk with healthcare
provider for other choices.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe headache.
- Chest pain or pressure, passing out, fainting, dizziness, or
lightheadedness.
- If erection lasts for longer than 4 hours (severe damage may
occur).
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in a tight container at room
temperature.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
|
|
|
Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
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