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Sildenafil ( sil-DEN-a-fil) belongs to a group of medicines that delay the enzymes called phosphodiesterases from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where these enzymes work. Sildenafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). By controlling the enzyme phosphodiesterase, Sildenafil helps to maintain an erection that is produced when the penis is stroked. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, Sildenafil will not work to cause an erection. Sildenafil is also used to treat the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is the high blood pressure that occurs in the main artery that carries blood from the right side of the heart (the ventricle) to the lungs. When the smaller blood vessels in the lungs become more resistant to blood flow, the right ventricle must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Sildenafil helps by increasing the supply of blood to the lungs and reducing the workload of the heart. Sildenafil is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form(s): Oral Tablets (U.S.)
Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men. Sildenafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Sildenafil does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Sildenafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sildenafil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken as needed about 1 hour before sexual activity. However, Sildenafil can be taken anytime from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity. Sildenafil usually should not be taken more than once every 24 hours. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take Sildenafil less often. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Sildenafil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. You can take Sildenafil with or without food. However, if you take Sildenafil with a high-fat meal, it will take longer for the medication to start to work. Your doctor will probably start you on an average dose of Sildenafil and increase or decrease your dose depending on your response to the medication. Tell your doctor if Sildenafil is not working well or if you are experiencing side effects. Brand names: - Revatio - Sildenafil - Viagra |