Sildenafil Citrate (generic Viagra)- IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take Sildenafil Citrate (generic Viagra) if:

  • You have recently taken the medication riociguat (Adempas) or a nitrate medication (medication for chest pain). Nitrates come as tablets, sprays, patches, ointments, and sublingual (meaning under the tongue). Nitrate medications are known by many names. Examples include nitroglycerin (Minitran, Nitro-Dur, Nitromist, Nitrostat, isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket). For more information on Sildenafil click here to read more from the U.S. Library of Medicine – gov
  • You take street drugs containing nitrates such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate, often referred to as “poppers.”
  • You are allergic to Sildenafil or the medication Revatio, or any of the ingredients in Sildenafil.

Before you take Sildenafil Citrate (generic Viagra), tell your healthcare provider if you:

Ensure that you complete the medical intake form and note all your health issues to ensure that you are healthy enough for sex. If you experience chest pain, vertigo, or queasiness during sex, seek immediate medical help.

  • Have or have had heart issues such as a heart attack, angina, irregular heart rate, narrowing of the aortic valve, or heart failure
  • Underwent a heart surgical procedure within the last six months
  • Have issues with your blood cells such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
  • Were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension
  • Have had a stroke or Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)
  • Have uncontrolled (being treated) low blood pressure or high blood pressure
  • Have a malformed penis shape
  • Were diagnosed with the eye disease retinitis pigmentosa -a rare genetic condition, which runs in families
  • Have a history of having had severe vision loss, including an eye problem called NAION
  • Have problems with bleeding
  • Have or have had stomach ulcers
  • Suffer from liver difficulties
  • Have kidney problems or are undergoing kidney dialysis… or if you have any other medical conditions

Sildenafil Citrate can cause serious side effects. Here is a list of very uncommon instances of rarely reported side effects:

  • Priapism is a severe medical condition, which is an erection that will not subside. If your erection lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help immediately. If this occurs, you must treat it right away, priapism can permanently damage the proper functioning of your penis.
  • Abrupt eyesight loss in one or both eyes can reflect a severe eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). If vision loss occurs, stop taking Sildenafil and seek medical help right away.
  • Sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss Occasionally, some may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or vertigo. If you begin to feel dizzy or get ringing in your ears, stop taking Sildenafil, and contact a doctor immediately.

Ensure that you list all medications you take on your medical intake form and talk to your provider about these before starting an ED medication. This should include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as well as any illegal drugs.

Sildenafil Citrate may affect the way other medications work, and other drugs may affect the way Sildenafil works, causing side effects. It is essential to tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:

  • Prescriptions your taking termed guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas (riociguat)
  • In some patients that are taking medications known as Alpha-Blockers, Sildenafil’s use can lead to a drop in blood pressure or fainting. Alpha-blocker medications often are used to treat high blood pressure or problems with the prostate.
  • Examples of Alpha-Blocker Medications: Flomax (tamsulosin HCl), Minipress (prazosin HCl), Cardura (doxazosin mesylate), Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCl), Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin HCl), Hytrin (terazosin HCl) or Rapaflo (silodosin).
  • Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin telithromycin (Ketek), (Biaxin), or erythromycin
  • Prescriptions termed HIV protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir sulfate (Crixivan), saquinavir (Fortovase or Invirase), or atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz)
  • Types of oral antifungal medicines, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  • Other drug treatments for high blood pressure
  • Other medications or treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Sildenafil (generic Viagra) is the same medicine found in a medication named Revatio. Revatio treats a rare condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sildenafil should not be taken if you are taking Revatio. Additionally, Sildenafil should not be taken if your undergoing treatment for PAH with medications already with Sildenafil, or PDE5 inhibitors (known as Adcirca [tadalafil])
  • Sildenafil does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Sildenafil is not for women or children.

Other Articles You May Find of Interest:

What is Sildenafil & How Does it Work?

Viagra vs. Sildenafil: What is the Difference?

The article above from Menz Direct is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace medical advice. The information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Men need to speak with a doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.