Sildenafil Citrate Tablets

Sildenafil citrate tablets, most famously known by the brand name Viagra, are a medication primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Sildenafil is also used under a different brand name (Revatio) to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a type of high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the lungs.

Sildenafil works by relaxing smooth muscles and increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body.

• For Erectile Dysfunction: In men with ED, sildenafil works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which plays a key role in regulating blood flow to the penis. By inhibiting PDE5, sildenafil allows cGMP to accumulate, leading to the relaxation of blood vessels in the penis. This increased blood flow helps a man achieve and maintain an erection when he is sexually aroused. It's important to note that sildenafil alone will not cause an erection; sexual stimulation is required for it to be effective.

• For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: In PAH, sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the pressure and allowing blood to flow more easily. This helps to improve exercise capacity and overall quality of life for patients with this condition.

The dosage of sildenafil varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's individual needs.

• For Erectile Dysfunction: The typical starting dose is 50 mg, taken orally about one hour before sexual activity. It can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours before sex. The dose can be adjusted by a doctor, ranging from a minimum of 25 mg to a maximum of 100 mg per day. Sildenafil should not be taken more than once a day.

• For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The typical dose for PAH is 20 mg, taken three times a day.

Common side effects of sildenafil include:

• Headache

• Flushing (warmth or redness in the face, neck, or chest)

• Upset stomach or indigestion

• Stuffy or runny nose

• Dizziness

• Changes in vision, such as blurred vision or a blue tint to objects

More serious, but less common, side effects require immediate medical attention:

• Prolonged erection (priapism): An erection that lasts for more than four hours. This can cause permanent damage to the penis if not treated promptly.

• Sudden vision loss or hearing loss: A rare but serious side effect that requires immediate medical care.

• Heart-related symptoms: Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath.