What is the most important information I should know about sildenafil?
Do not take
sildenafil if you are also using a nitrate drug for
chest pain or heart
problems. This includes
nitroglycerin (
Nitrostat,
Nitrolingual,
Nitro-Dur,
Nitro-Bid, and others),
isosorbide dinitrate (
Dilatrate-SR,
Isordil,
Sorbitrate), and
isosorbide mononitrate (
Imdur,
ISMO,
Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite
("poppers"). Taking sildenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood
pressure, leading to fainting,
stroke, or
heart attack.
During sexual activity, if you become
dizzy or
nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or
tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be
having a serious side effect of sildenafil.
Do not take sildenafil more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or
lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (
priapism) can damage the penis.
Sildenafil can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision
loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking sildenafil, most of whom also had
heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye
problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether sildenafil is
the actual cause of vision loss.
Stop using sildenafil and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.
What is sildenafil?
Sildenafil relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.
Sildenafil under the name Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men.
Another brand of sildenafil is Revatio, which is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and
improve exercise capacity in men and women.
Sildenafil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sildenafil?
Do not take sildenafil if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart
problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others),
isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO,
Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite
("poppers"). Taking sildenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood
pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
Before taking sildenafil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take sildenafil.
Sildenafil can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden
vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking sildenafil, most of whom also
had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye
problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether sildenafil is
the actual cause of vision loss.
Stop using sildenafil and get emergency medical help
if you have sudden vision loss.
FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Do not use sildenafil without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known if sildenafil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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