Sildenafil

 What is sildenafil?

Sildenafil is a drug indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in males. It may also be used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, but it is a very popular drug used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is a drug intended for oral administration, which makes it easy to administer and accessible for all ages, except adults younger than 18 years old. Sildenafil takes part from the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors and is very similar in action with other phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as tadalafil and others. We shall further distinguish the differences between other drugs. What we need to know about sildenafil is that it treats erectile dysfunction by relaxing the muscles and stimulating the blood flow to the penis during erection. Sildenafil is well tolerated by most of the users, and it is a very safe drug. It is recommended however to get well informed about the dosage, length of therapy, possible side effects and other risks associated with the use of this drug.

Brand names

Sildenafil is very popular under the Viagra brand name, originally developed by the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer. It may also be found under the Revatio trade name and others. It is widely available by many research companies and underground labs; however, one must pay attention to the ingredients and dosage.

Warnings

Avoid the drug if after a couple of days after administration you experience such adverse reactions as swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat, acne, rash, hives and others. Most of the time such symptoms indicate for an increased sensitivity to the drug. Discontinue with it if this is the case.

Important things to consider before initiating the therapy with sildenafil

·        Sildenafil may be taken by the athletes in the post cycle therapy in order to improve the erectile function and libido. After a cycle with a strong anabolic steroid, athletes may experience reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil may be a good choice for athletes with similar conditions. However, if you already administer medicine to help you improve endogenous testosterone levels, there is no need to additionally take sildenafil.

·        Get the most from the therapy with sildenafil. Use it as indicated and do not exceed the dose. If the drug does not bring you the desired results, replace it with other phosphodiesterase inhibitor.

·        Before initiating the therapy with sildenafil it is indicated to consult a physician to make sure the medicine is appropriate for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

·        Some users may have an increased sensitivity to the drug, manifested through such symptoms as swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat, hives, rash, and other anaphylactic reactions. Discontinue with the drug right away and treat the symptoms.

·        It is not indicated to take sildenafil (Sildenaxyl 100) concurrently with such medicines as nitrates. Consult a pharmacist or a physician and get more information about the concomitant administration of sildenafil with other drugs.

·        It is not recommended the use of sildenafil in males with pre-existent cardio-vascular diseases. If you have had a heart attack or have a history of heart disease, avoid this drug. Sildenafil by itself is not toxic or dangerous, but the effect it may cause on stimulating erection may be too strong and overwhelming and by that may worsen the existing condition.

·        Do not drink alcohol while using the drug as it may reduce the ability of getting an erection.

·        It is not recommended to drink grapefruit juice while administering the tablet in order to avoid the increase of sildenafil in your bloodstream.

Indications of use and dosage

Sildenafil comes in form of tablets of either 25.5mg or 100mg. It is easy to administer and to follow the indications of use. It is usually recommended to take the drug at least one hour before sexual activity, no more than once a day. The tablet may be taken with or without food. However, it is not indicated to administer the tablet with a high-fat meal, because in this case it might take longer for the medicine to start acting. It is indicated to take the drug no more than once per day due to the fact that sildenafil acts for period of 6-8 hours and it has to be taken at least one hour before sexual activity. Do not take the drug more often than indicated or in higher doses. Even if it is considered a safe drug, it may not be so beneficial in high doses in males with pre-existent cardiovascular diseases, especially in males over 55 years old. Another important thing to take into consideration is quantity of the drug contained in each tablet. As we already mentioned, sildenafil is available in either 25.5mg or 100mg tablets. Therefore, exercise caution to the dosage and make sure you are not prone to any side effects. Follow the dosing schedule as mentioned above, do not double the dose at your consideration.

Possible side effects with sildenafil

Like in case of other phosphodiesterase inhibitors, sildenafil may cause side effects. Generally, these are mild and transient. Sildenafil is also safe when used for an extended period of time. The side effects that may occur while using sildenafil are as follows:

·        Nausea and vomiting;

·        Diarrhea;

·        Headache;

·        Dizziness;

·        Stomach upset.

These may occur at the initial stage of using the drug as a response to it. However, these are not severe and can be easily treated with appropriate medicines.

Other rare but possible side effects with sildenafil are the following:

·        Blurred vision;

·        Prolonged and painful erection;

·        Indigestion;

·        Chest pain;

·        Elevation in cardiovascular pressure.

The enumerated above side effects depend on how prone the user is to them. If such adverse reactions occur, discontinue with the drug and treat the symptoms.

Storage

It is indicated to store sildenafil tablets at the room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. Do not leave the tablets at the reach of children or pets. Do not store the medicine in the bathroom in order to avoid moisture. Also, keep them away from direct sunlight exposure. Safely discard the drug, if no longer needed or expired.