AVAILABLE MEDICINE FOR Sildenafil Citrate
What is Sildenafil Citrate?
Sildenafil Citrate is used to treat Erectile Dysfunction ( inability to get or maintain an erection) in men. Sildenafil is used to improve the ability to exercise in adults and children 1 year of age and older with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sildenafil Citrate Is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Sildenafil treats PAH by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow easily.
Sildenafil Citrate is also known by the brand names Revatio and Liqrev. It is utilized to enhance and improve exercise capacity in adults and children aged one year or older facing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a condition characterized by high BP in the blood vessels leading to the lungs, creating symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. This drug falls under the group called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. In ED this medication works by enhancing blood flow to the penis when sexual arousal occurs, aiding in achieving a harder erection. In the case of PAH, it works by relaxing the lung blood vessels and aids in better blood circulation.
Dosing
The dosages of Sildenafil will vary among individuals. It is important to follow your physician’s orders or the guidelines provided on the label. The quantity of medicine that a patient takes depends on its potency. Also the frequency of doses per day, the time allowed between doses and the duration of treatment are based on the medical issue for which patients are using the medicine.
Dosage and strength for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
This drug designed for treating PAH is available in 10 mg and 20 mg strengths.
- For Children: The dose is based on weight, normally between 10mg to 20mg
- For Adults: The recommended dosage is 20mg
It is recommended to not take more than three doses in a day
Sildenafil Dosage Guide:
25 mg:
- Adults (18-65 years): Start with 25 mg once daily, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Max Daily Dose: 25 mg.
- Notes: Recommended for mild ED, those on other medications, or with liver/kidney impairment.
50 mg:
- Adults (18-65 years): 50 mg once daily, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Max Daily Dose: 100 mg.
- Notes: Common starting dose; can be adjusted based on response.
100 mg:
- Adults (18-65 years): 100mg sildenafil citrate tablets once daily, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Max Daily Dose: 100 mg.
- Notes: For those not achieving desired effects with lower doses.
120 mg:
- Adults (18-65 years): 120 mg once daily, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Max Daily Dose: 120 mg.
- Notes: Occasionally prescribed off-label for stronger effect; no contraindications.
130 mg:
- Adults (18-65 years): 130 mg once daily, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Max Daily Dose: 130 mg.
- Notes: Higher dose for those not responding to lower doses; medical supervision required.
150 mg:
- Adults (18-65 years): 150 mg once daily, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Max Daily Dose: 150 mg.
- Notes: High-dose, off-label use; for special cases only, with close monitoring.
200 mg:
- Adults (18-65 years): 200 mg of viagra ( Sildenafil) once daily, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Max Daily Dose: 200mg viagra
- Notes: Maximum strength; for severe ED unresponsive to other dosages; strict medical supervision required.
25-100 mg:
- Older Adults (65+ years): Start with 25 mg; gradually increase to 50-100 mg depending on tolerance and efficacy.
- Max Daily Dose: 100 mg.
- Notes: Dose adjustments needed due to potential increased sensitivity and slower metabolism.
How it works
- Sildenafil Citrate is used to treat ED in men and PAH in both genders.
- It works by blocking an enzyme called PDE-5, which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP.
- By inhibiting PDE-5, it boosts cGMP level, leading towards relaxation of smooth muscles and causing widening of blood vessels.
- High clusters of PDE-5 are present in various tissues, including the penile region, lungs, retina, and smooth muscle. Sildenafil is classified under the category of selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.
Approved Countries for Sildenafil Citrate Tablets
- United States: In U.S., Sildenafil is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is available under the brand names Viagra and Revatio. The U.S was among the first to approve sildenafil Citrate for treating Erectile dysfunction.
- Canada: In Canada, Sildenafil is approved by Health Canada and it is only available by prescription.
- United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved Sildenafil. Some doses can be purchased over-the-counter, while others require a prescription.
- Australia: In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approves sildenafil.
- India: In India, sildenafil tablets are approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and are widely available under various brand names and available both as a prescription medication and as sildenafil citrate over the counter medication
- European Union: The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved sildenafil across the European Union.
- Japan: In Japan, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) has approved sildenafil, with strict regulations and prescription required.
- China: In China, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approves sildenafil
- Brazil: In Brazil, sildenafil is approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA)
- South Africa: In South Africa, sildenafil is approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA),
- Russia: In Russia, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has approved sildenafil
- Mexico: In Mexico, sildenafil tablets are approved by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS)
- Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) approves sildenafil.
- Turkey: In Turkey, the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TMMDA) has approved sildenafil.
- Argentina: In Argentina, sildenafil is approved by the National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT).
FDA-Approved Uses
Sildenafil was first approved by the FDA for treating erectile dysfunction on March 27, 1998, and it is also approved for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults.
How to take sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction
Before taking this medicine, make sure to seek advice from the informational details and side effects included in the pack. It is suggested by healthcare specialists to take a single tablet about an hour before sex, as it can work up to five hours. Patients can consume it with or without food. Start it with a dosage of 50mg unless advised differently by your healthcare specialist. Only take a single dose per day.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use sildenafil tablets if patients are allergic to them or if a patient is consuming medication like riociguat (Adempas) for PAH.
- Cardiac issues
- High or low BP
- Blood circulation problems
- Eye problems
- Stomach ulcers
- Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD)
- Liver or kidney disease
- Blood cell disorders like sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
- Physical deformities of the penis
What other drugs will affect sildenafil?
Avoid taking Sildenafil with drugs like Vardenafil, Avanafil and Tadalafil. Take advice or inform patient doctors about any other treatment patients are taking for ED, do not take Sildenafil if patients are using medicines for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Also, inform the patient's doctor about all other drugs patients are taking, especially:
- HIV medicine
- Medicine to treat high blood pressure
- Antifungal medicine
Side Effects of Sildenafil Citrate
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- diarrhea
- Back, arms, or legs pain
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Vision changes
- Blocked nose
Monitoring Requirements for Sildenafil Use
There is no requirement for monitoring Sildenafil. However, if patients are newly prescribed Sildenafil Citrate then patients may be advised to monitor their blood pressure and pulse. For those patients who are taking Sildenafil for the treatment of PAH, it is recommended to monitor signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema.
Warnings and precaution
Avoid using Sildenafil if you are currently taking nitrate drugs for cardiac issues or chest pain, such as isosorbide mononitrate and nitroglycerin or certain recreational substances. The combination of such drugs with sildenafil citrate can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If patients are facing painful erection, lasting over 4-5 hours, seek medical assistance. Discontinue sildenafil citrate use and ask urgent medical care if a patient is experiencing sudden vision loss.
Your dosage and how often you take the drug will depend on:
- Your age
- The condition being treated
- Any other medical issues you have
- Strength tolerance level
- How you respond to the first dose
- Take necessary precautions while taking this drug.
Alcohol and Sildenafil: It can worsen Erectile dysfunction, combination of Sildenafil and Cenforce can lead to widened blood vessels and cause a risk of high blood pressure
Pregnancy: Avoid taking sildenafil citrate during pregnancy. This can lead to risks of stroke, preterm delivery, and heart failure.
Driving: Sildenafil citrate can cause dizziness or vision changes, it is unsafe to drive after consuming this drug.
Sildenafil: The Generic Version of Viagra
Some individuals worry about the effectiveness of generic drugs. Generic drugs, like Sildenafil, have the same active key components, quality, and standard as brand-name drugs like Viagra. The only difference between the brand name Viagra and generic Sildenafil is their appearance, packaging, Sildenafil price, and color ( Viagra is a little blue pill while Sildenafil is usually white).
