Sildenafil is a drug to treat erectile dysfunction or impotence in men. In addition to impotence, sildenafil is also used to reduce pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension).
Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, causing an erection. In treating pulmonary hypertension, sildenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs so that blood can flow more easily.
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What is Sildenafil
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Inhibitors phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) |
| Benefit | Overcoming impotence and pulmonary hypertension |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Sildenafil for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Studies in animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Sildenafil is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, caplets, dry syrup, oral dissolving film, and inject |
Precautions Before Using Sildenafil
Sildenafil should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using sildenafil:
- Do not use sildenafil if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not use sildenafil if you are taking riociguat or a nitrate drug, such as nitroglycerin.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had diabetes, liver disease, peptic ulcers, kidney disease, blood disorders, hypertension, heart disease, hypotension, retinitis pigmentosa, blockage of the blood vessels in the eye, or Peyronie's disease.
- Do not give sildenafil to children under 18 years of age, because it can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking sildenafil if you are planning surgery, including dental surgery.
- See a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after using
Sildenafil Dosage and Rules
The doctor will give the dose and determine the length of treatment according to the patient's condition. The following is the distribution of sildenafil doses based on the patient's condition:
Oral medicines (tablets, caplets, dry syrup, and oral dissolving film)
- Condition: Erectile dysfunction or impotence
Dosage 50 mg, taken 1 hour before sexual intercourse. Maximum dose: 100 mg per day.
- Condition: Pulmonary hypertension
Dosage 5–20 mg, 3 times a day.
Sildenafil is also available in injectable dosage forms that can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension. For this dosage form, the administration will be directly carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
How to MengUse Sildenafil Correctly
Be sure to always read the instructions on the medicine package and follow the doctor's recommendations while using sildenafil.
Sildenafil can be taken before or after meals. Take sildenafil tablets or caplets with a glass of water to swallow.
To treat impotence, you should use sildenafil no more than 4 hours before sexual intercourse. Sildenafil will be more effective if taken 1 hour before sexual intercourse. In overcoming impotence, sildenafil is not a drug that is consumed routinely every day.
In treating pulmonary hypertension, sildenafil can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the tablet or caplet whole with water, do not split or chew the tablet as this may affect the action of the drug.
Sildenafil injection form should only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will inject sildenafil according to the patient's condition.
When taking sildenafil in the form of dry syrup, mix the powder with water according to the recommended amount. Use a measuring cup so that the volume of water mixed is just right.
Store sildenafil in a tightly closed storage area out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature and avoid exposure to sunlight.
InteractionSildenafil with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that may occur if you take sildenafil at the same time as other medicines:
- Increased risk of hypotension if used with riociguate and nitrate drugs, such as isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin
- Increased blood levels of sildenafil when taken with erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or antiviral drugs, such as ritonavir, lopinavir, and nelfinavir
- Decreased blood levels of sildenafil when used with rifampicin or phenytoin
Side Effects and DangersSildenafil
Side effects that may arise after using sildenafil are:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Redness on the face
- Diarrhea
- Nasal congestion
- Muscle ache
- Back pain
- Hard to sleep
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or are getting worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Pain when urinating
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Erection lasts a long time and causes pain
- Sudden ringing in the ears or deafness
- Seizures or fainting
- Blurred vision or sudden blindness