Important safety information for Sildenafil (Generic Viagra®)
Brand names (US):
Viagra
Sildenafil is:
Used for treatment of erectile dysfunction(ED).
What to know before taking sildenafil
Do not use sildenafil if you are:
- Allergic to any of the ingredients in sildenafil.
- Using nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) or nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form.
Before taking sildenafil, talk to your healthcare provider if you have:
- Pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
- Anatomical deformation of the penis or conditions that predisposes you to priapism anatomical deformation of the penis.
- A history of bleeding disorders.
Use in pregnancy:
- There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of sildenafil in pregnant women.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
Use in children and adolescents:
Sildenafil is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.
Interactions with sildenafil:
There are products that may interact with your medication that can change its effectiveness and increase the risk for serious side effects. Before starting sildenafil, talk to your healthcare providerfor more details about how this medicine might interact with other products and if you're taking any of the following:
- Alpha-blockers such as:
- Tamsulosin
- Alfuzosin
- Doxazosin
- Anti-hypertensives, such as amlodipine. Using these medications together may lead to a lowering of blood pressure significantly.
- Ritonavir
- Erythromycin
- Grapefruit juice
This is not a complete list of possible interactions. It is important to keep a list of all products you currently use and talk to your health care provider before adding anything new to avoid potential interactions.
What to know while taking sildenafil
Serious side effects:
Stop taking sildenafil and talk to your healthcare provider or seek medical attention right away if you develop:
- Erection lasting > 4 hours, seek medical attention right away.
- Sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes.
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing.
Common side effects:
The most common side effects in adults include:
- Headache or dizziness
- Flushing
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Abnormal vision
- Nasal congestion
- Back or muscle pain
- Rash
These are not all the possible side effects of sildenafil. Call your healthcare provider if you have side effects that worsen or do not go away. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How to take sildenafil
How much do I take?
Use exactly as prescribed. Your health care provider will tell you how often to use sildenafil.
How do I take this medication?
- Sildenafil is taken by mouth, with or without food.
- For ED, it is best to take sildenafil on an empty stomach.
- Avoid grapefruit juice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forgot to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take double your prescribed dose.
What if I take too much (overdose)?
If you think you may have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or seek medical care right away.
How to store / dispose sildenafil
How do I store this medication?
- Store at room temperature.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place and away from children and pets.
How do I dispose of this medication?
- Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.
- You should not flush this medication down the toilet.
- The best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.
- Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- This medicine was prescribed for your condition. This product is only to be used by the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not use it for another condition or give the medicine to others.
- This document provides a summary of information about your medication and does not contain all possible information about this medication. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective or approved for treating a specific patient. It does not provide specific medical advice or replace guidance from your health care provider or pharmacist who prescribed or prepared the medication.
- If you have any questions or concerns, or want more information about your medication, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.
