What is this medicine?

Sildenafil Citrate is a drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.

Is there something that I should mention to my health care provider before taking this drug?

Your health care provider needs to be aware if you suffer from any of these conditions.

Eye or vision problems, including a rare inherited eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa
A history of heart problems like angina, heart attacks or irregular heart beats
Blood pressure problems (high or low)
Cholesterol
HIV
Kidney disorders or liver disorders
Stroke
Sickle cell disease
An allergic reaction to the drug or any other medication or food

How should it be used?

You can follow the instructions on the prescription label. The tablet is to be taken by mouth with a glass of water and the dosage is taken about 30 mins to 1 hour prior to sexual intercourse. Never double or decrease your dosage. And always consume with care if you have any of the above mentioned conditions.

Overdosage: If you suspect that you have taken an overdose, then contact a poison control center immediately or emergency room at once.

Note: Do not use unless required.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

There are no chances of you missing a dose because you take it only when required.

Are there any drugs that interact with ?

You should not take Sildenafil if you are taking any of these medications.

Cisapride
Nitroglycerin durgs for the heart like isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin and amyl nitrate. Maintain caution even if you use these drugs occassionaly.
Nitroprusside
methscopolamine nitrate
Other Sildenafil Drugs like Viagra, Kamagra etc

Other than this the drug is also known to interact with certain medications like

Drugs like such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole that are used to cure fungal or yeast infections
Some drugs used for the treatment of HIV infection
Some drugs for treating high blood pressure
Erythromycin
Cimetadine
Erythromycin
Rifampin

You should clearly discuss with your health care professional about any medical condition that you suffer from or any medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products, if you are a smoker, alcoholic or take other illegal drugs.

What are the symptoms that I should watch out for while taking Sildenafil?
Changes in vision – Contact your health care professional as soon as you notice some changes in your vision like blurred vision or loss of sight in one eye or both of them.

A painful erection or one that lasts for more than 4 hours may be a sign of a serious condition that demands urgent medical attention.

If you experience symptoms like nausea, chest pain, pain in the arms while starting sexual activity, then you must discontinue it immediately and seek medical care.

Do not consume excessive alcohol as it can increase your chances of experiencing the above mentioned symptoms and it may also increase your heart rate or lower your blood pressure.

Generic Viagra is only used to treat the symptoms of ED. It cannot cure or prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.

How should I store the medicine?

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) in a cool dark place away from the reach of children.

Do not use Viagra Professional if:

* you are allergic to any ingredient in Viagra Professional;
* you have been advised by your doctor to avoid sexual activity because of heart problems;
* you are taking nitrates (e.g., isosorbide, nitroglycerin) in any form (e.g., tablet, capsule, patch, ointment) or nitroprusside;
* you use certain recreational drugs called poppers (e.g., amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

* Viagra Professional may cause dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Viagra Professional with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
* Viagra Professional may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
* Patients with heart problems who take Viagra Professional may be at increased risk for heart-related side effects, including heart attack or stroke. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest, shoulder, neck, or jaw pain; numbness of an arm or leg; severe dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting; fainting; or vision changes. Symptoms of a stroke may include confusion, vision or speech changes, one-sided weakness, or fainting. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you experience these symptoms.
* Viagra Professional may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
* Do not use other medicines or treatments for erectile dysfunction while you are taking Viagra Professional.
* Viagra Professional does not stop the spread of HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to others through sexual contact. Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV infection or an STD.
* Viagra Professional will not prevent pregnancy. If your partner may become pregnant and you wish to avoid pregnancy, be sure to use an effective form of birth control.
* Use Viagra Professional with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
* Viagra Professional is not recommended for use in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
* Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Viagra Professional is not approved for use in women. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Viagra Professional while you are pregnant. It is not known if Viagra Professional is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Viagra Professional, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

What are the side effects of Sildenafil?

You should seek medical attention immediately if you see these side effects.

Skin rashes, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips and tongue
seizures
Loss of hearing or changes in hearing like a ringing in the ear
Changes in vision like complete loss of vision, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, difficulty differentiating between colors especially blue and green.
Prolonged or painful erections
Chest Pains or Palpitations
Shortness of breath or other breathing difficulties
Dizziness

There are some other side effects also which do not require immediate medical care but you should consult your health care provider nevertheless.

diarrhea
dizziness
headache
indigestion
muscle aches
runny nose