MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
August 19, 2008
  MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Health news and views MedTerms medical dictionary  
Font Size
A
A
A
Disclaimer



GENERIC NAME: SILDENAFIL - ORAL (sill-DEN-uh-fil)

BRAND NAME(S): Viagra

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Sildenafil is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction) by blocking a certain enzyme (phosphodiesterase-PDE5) in the body. In combination with sexual stimulation, sildenafil works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. This drug is not indicated for use in women. Use of this drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Practice "safe sex" such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: This drug is taken by mouth as needed, at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours, before sexual activity (1 hour before is the most effective). Do not take more often than once daily, and take as directed. A high fat meal may delay the time of onset of this drug. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and other medications you may be taking (see also Drug Interactions section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, flushing, stomach upset, heartburn, nasal stuffiness, diarrhea, dizziness, or lightheadedness may occur. Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or impaired blue/green color discrimination may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop and tell your doctor immediately of: severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, nausea. In the unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, unusual swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


space Related health and medical articles From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com MedicineNet Doctors recommend space
space
MedicineNet Doctors Recommend Latest Medical News
space

Back to Medications Index

copyright


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.




Topics Related to sildenafil, Viagra



Video A-ZVideo A-Z
Watch your health improve with help from WebMD Video A-Z. See more WebMD Videos »












Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Search Help | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

HON Code We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information:
verify here.

©1996-2008 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.