Uses

Viagra (Sildenafil) is known as a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor and works by increasing circulation to parts of the body such as the penis and lungs. It is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water.

Take this medication one hour before sexual activity.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

Important Information

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience loss of vision, or changes in vision in one or both eyes.

Contact a healthcare provider if you get an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours or feels painful. This is very important in order to decrease chance of possible permanent damage to your body.

If you experience nausea, dizziness, chest pain or arm pain when you begin sexual activity, do not continue the sexual activity and contact a healthcare provider.

It is important not to drink excessive amounts of alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not consume more than 5 alcoholic beverages. This is because of possible effects on your blood pressure, heart rate, along with risk of headaches and dizziness.

Using this medication dose not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Blood disorders, vision or eye conditions, retinitis pigmentosa, anatomical deformation of the penis, Peyronie’s Disease, previous priapisms(prolonged, painful erections), heart disease, angina, history of heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, all heart conditions, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, history of stomach bleeds, kidney disease, liver disease, strokes, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, changes in vision or hearing, chest pain, heartbeat changes(increased heart rate), painful or prolonged erection, seizures.

Other Side Effects

Back pain, runny nose, nausea, muscle aches, indigestion, headache, flushing, dizziness.

Adult Dose

Erectile Dysfunction(Viagra)

25-100 mg by mouth taken 1 hour before sexual activity. Do not take more than 1 per day.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension(Ravatio)

5 OR 20mg by mouth 3 times per day. The doses should be given 4-6 hours apart.

2.5 OR 10mg intravenously as a bolus 3 times per day.

Sources

1. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer; 2006.

2. Viagra ® oral tablets, sildenafil citrate oral tablets[package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Labs; 2008.

3. Revatio ® oral tablets, oral suspension, intravenous injection, sildenafil oral tablets, oral suspension, intravenous injection[package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Labs (per FDA); 2014.

4. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Labs; 2015.