Sildenafil citrate 100 mg starting dose in men with erectile dysfunction in an international, double-blind, placebo-controlled study: effect on the sexual experience and reducing feelings of anxiety about the next intercourse attempt

What to avoid
Society and culture
Drug Interactions
7.2 Alpha-blockers
What side effects can this medication cause?
6.2 Postmarketing Experience

If sildenafil is prescribed to patients taking ritonavir, caution should be used.

What to avoid

Data from subjects exposed to high systemic levels of sildenafil are limited.

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Decreased blood pressure, syncope, and prolonged erection were reported in some healthy volunteers exposed to high doses of sildenafil (200-800 mg). To decrease the chance of adverse reactions in patients taking ritonavir, a decrease in sildenafil dosage is recommended [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Drug Interactions (7.4), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].5.7 Combination with other PDE5 Inhibitors or Other Erectile Dysfunction TherapiesThe safety and efficacy of combinations of sildenafil with other PDE5 Inhibitors, including REVATIO or other pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatments containing sildenafil, or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. Such combinations may further lower blood pressure. Therefore, the use of such combinations is not recommended.5.8 Effects on BleedingThere have been postmarketing reports of bleeding events in patients who have taken sildenafil . A causal relationship between sildenafil and these events has not been established.

Society and culture

If sildenafil is prescribed to patients taking ritonavir, caution should be used. Data from subjects exposed to high systemic levels of sildenafil are limited. Decreased blood pressure, syncope, and prolonged erection were reported in some healthy volunteers exposed to high doses of sildenafil (200-800 mg). To decrease the chance of adverse reactions in patients taking ritonavir, a decrease in sildenafil dosage is recommended [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Drug Interactions (7.4), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].5.7 Combination with other PDE5 Inhibitors or Other Erectile Dysfunction TherapiesThe safety and efficacy of combinations of sildenafil with other PDE5 Inhibitors, including REVATIO or other pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatments containing sildenafil, or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. Such combinations may further lower blood pressure.

Cite this article

Therefore, the use of such combinations is not recommended.5.8 Effects on BleedingThere have been postmarketing reports of bleeding events in patients who have taken sildenafil . A causal relationship between sildenafil and these events has not been established. In humans, sildenafil has no effect on bleeding time when taken alone or with aspirin. However, in vitrostudies with human platelets indicate that sildenafil potentiates the antiaggregatory effect of sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor). In addition, the combination of heparin and sildenafil had an additive effect on bleeding time in the anesthetized rabbit, but this interaction has not been studied in humans.The safety of sildenafil is unknown in patients with bleeding disorders and patients with active peptic ulceration.5.9 Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted DiseasesThe use of sildenafil offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. In humans, sildenafil has no effect on bleeding time when taken alone or with aspirin. However, in vitrostudies with human platelets indicate that sildenafil potentiates the antiaggregatory effect of sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor). In addition, the combination of heparin and sildenafil had an additive effect on bleeding time in the anesthetized rabbit, but this interaction has not been studied in humans.The safety of sildenafil is unknown in patients with bleeding disorders and patients with active peptic ulceration.5.9 Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted DiseasesThe use of sildenafil offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Sildenafil citrate 100 mg is available by prescription only in many countries.
Do not use sildenafil if you are taking nitrate medications for chest pain.
Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects when combined with sildenafil.

Counseling of patients about the protective measures necessary to guard against sexually transmitted diseases, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), may be considered. There is a potential for cardiac risk of sexual activity in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. The evaluation of erectile dysfunction should include a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment following a complete medical assessment. Patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, stroke, or life-threatening arrhythmia within the last 6 months; Patients with resting hypotension (BP <90/50 mmHg) or hypertension (BP >170/110 mmHg); Patients with cardiac failure or coronary artery disease causing unstable angina. Prolonged erection greater than 4 hours and priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) have been reported infrequently since market approval of sildenafil tablets. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency could result. Physicians should advise patients to stop use of all phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including sildenafil , and seek medical attention in the event of a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Neither the rare post-marketing reports, nor the association of PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION in the observational studies, substantiate a causal relationship between PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Physicians should consider whether their patients with underlying NAION risk factors could be adversely affected by use of PDE5 inhibitors. Individuals with “crowded” optic disc are also considered at greater risk for NAION compared to the buy sildenafil online uk general population, however, evidence is insufficient to support screening of prospective users of PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, for this uncommon condition. Physicians should advise patients to stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil , and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)]. Patients who demonstrate hemodynamic instability on alpha-blocker therapy alone are at increased risk of symptomatic hypotension with concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors.

Sildenafil citrate 100 mg should be taken approximately 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
Avoid taking sildenafil with a high-fat meal, as it may delay absorption.
Do not exceed one dose in 24 hours to reduce risk of side effects.

Patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating a PDE5 inhibitor. In those patients who are stable on alpha-blocker therapy, PDE5 inhibitors should be initiated at the lowest dose [ see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. In those patients already taking an optimized dose of a PDE5 inhibitor, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest dose.

Drug Interactions

Therefore, the use of such combinations is not recommended. There have been postmarketing reports of bleeding events in patients who have taken sildenafil . In addition, the combination of heparin and sildenafil had an additive effect on bleeding time in the anesthetized rabbit, but this interaction has not been studied in humans. The use of sildenafil offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:Cardiovascular [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]Prolonged Erection and Priapism [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]Effects on the Eye [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]Hearing Loss [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]Hypotension when Co-administered with Alpha-blockers or Anti-hypertensives [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]Adverse Reactions with the Concomitant Use of Ritonavir [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]Combination with other PDE5 Inhibitors or Other Erectile Dysfunction Therapies [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]Effects on Bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted Diseases [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials (≥ 2%) are headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness, and rash.6.1 Clinical Trials ExperienceBecause clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.Sildenafil was administered to over 3700 patients (aged 19-87 years) during pre-marketing clinical trials worldwide.

Autres utilisations

Over 550 patients were treated for longer than one year.In placebo-controlled clinical studies, the discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions for sildenafil (2.5%) was not significantly different from placebo (2.3%).In fixed-dose studies, the incidence of some adverse reactions increased with dose. The type of adverse reactions in flexible-dose studies, which reflect the recommended dosage regimen, was similar to that for fixed- dose studies. At doses above the recommended dose range, adverse reactions were similar to those detailed in Table 1 below but generally were reported more frequently.Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥2% of Patients Treated with sildenafil and More Frequent than Placebo in Fixed-Dose Phase II/III Studies† Abnormal Vision: Mild to moderate in severity and transient, predominantly color tinge to vision, but also increased sensitivity to light, or blurred vision.When sildenafil was taken as recommended (on an as-needed basis) in flexible-dose, placebo-controlled clinical trials of two to twenty-six weeks duration, patients took sildenafil at least once weekly, and the following adverse reactions were reported:Table 2. Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥2% of Patients Treated with sildenafil and More Frequent than Placebo in Flexible-Dose Phase II/III Studies† Abnormal Vision: Mild and transient, predominantly color tinge to vision, but also increased sensitivity to light or blurred vision. In these studies, only one patient discontinued due to abnormal vision.The following events occurred in <2% of patients in controlled clinical trials; a causal relationship to sildenafil is uncertain. Stepwise increase in alpha-blocker dose may be associated with further lowering of blood pressure when taking a PDE5 inhibitor. Safety of combined use of PDE5 inhibitors and alpha-blockers may be affected by other variables, including intravascular volume depletion and other anti-hypertensive drugs. To decrease the chance of adverse reactions in patients taking ritonavir, a decrease in sildenafil dosage is recommended [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Drug Interactions (7.4), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The safety and efficacy of combinations of sildenafil with other PDE5 Inhibitors, including REVATIO or other pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatments containing sildenafil, or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied.

7.2 Alpha-blockers

This analysis was performed retrospectively, and was not powered to detect any pre-specified difference in adverse reactions.6.2 Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of sildenafil . Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These events have been chosen for inclusion either due to their seriousness, reporting frequency, lack of clear alternative causation, or a combination of these factors.Cardiovascular and cerebrovascularSerious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and vascular events, including myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmia, cerebrovascular hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack, hypertension, subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhages, and pulmonary hemorrhage have been reported post-marketing in temporal association with the use of sildenafil. Most, but not all, of these patients had preexisting cardiovascular risk factors. Many of these events were reported to occur during or shortly after sexual activity, and a few were reported to occur shortly after the use of sildenafil without sexual activity.

Dosage for erectile dysfunction (ED)

Therefore, the use of such combinations is not recommended. There have been postmarketing reports of bleeding events in patients who have taken sildenafil .

What side effects can this medication cause?

Antihypertensive and α-Adrenergic Blocking Agents

If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency could result. Physicians should advise patients to stop use of all phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including sildenafil , and seek medical attention in the event of a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Neither the rare post-marketing reports, nor the association of PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION in the observational studies, substantiate a causal relationship between PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Physicians should consider whether their patients with underlying NAION risk factors could be adversely affected by use of PDE5 inhibitors. Individuals with “crowded” optic disc are also considered at greater risk for NAION compared to the buy sildenafil online uk general population, however, evidence is insufficient to support screening of prospective users of PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, for this uncommon condition. In addition, the combination of heparin and sildenafil had an additive effect on bleeding time in the anesthetized rabbit, but this interaction has not been studied in humans.

Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and dizziness.
Serious side effects like vision loss or prolonged erections require immediate medical attention.
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting sildenafil 100 mg.

The use of sildenafil offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Physicians should advise patients to stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil , and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)]. Patients who demonstrate hemodynamic instability on alpha-blocker therapy alone are at increased risk of symptomatic hypotension with concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors. Patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating a PDE5 inhibitor. In those patients who are stable on alpha-blocker therapy, PDE5 inhibitors should be initiated at the lowest dose [ see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Hypertension pulmonaire

In those patients already taking an optimized dose of a PDE5 inhibitor, alpha-blocker therapy should be initiated at the lowest dose. Stepwise increase in alpha-blocker dose may be associated with further lowering of blood pressure when taking a PDE5 inhibitor. Safety of combined use of PDE5 inhibitors and alpha-blockers may be affected by other variables, including intravascular volume depletion and other anti-hypertensive drugs. To decrease the chance of adverse reactions in patients taking ritonavir, a decrease in sildenafil dosage is recommended [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Drug Interactions (7.4), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The safety and efficacy of combinations of sildenafil with other PDE5 Inhibitors, including REVATIO or other pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatments containing sildenafil, or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:Cardiovascular [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]Prolonged Erection and Priapism [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]Effects on the Eye [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]Hearing Loss [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]Hypotension when Co-administered with Alpha-blockers or Anti-hypertensives [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]Adverse Reactions with the Concomitant Use of Ritonavir [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]Combination with other PDE5 Inhibitors or Other Erectile Dysfunction Therapies [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]Effects on Bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted Diseases [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials (≥ 2%) are headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness, and rash.6.1 Clinical Trials ExperienceBecause clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.Sildenafil was administered to over 3700 patients (aged 19-87 years) during pre-marketing clinical trials worldwide. Over 550 patients were treated for longer than one year.In placebo-controlled clinical studies, the discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions for sildenafil (2.5%) was not significantly different from placebo (2.3%).In fixed-dose studies, the incidence of some adverse reactions increased with dose.

Sildenafil 100 mg can be used for pulmonary arterial hypertension in some cases.
It is not intended for use in women or children.
Regular use of sildenafil does not cure erectile dysfunction but manages symptoms.

The type of adverse reactions in flexible-dose studies, which reflect the recommended dosage regimen, was similar to that for fixed- dose studies. At doses above the recommended dose range, adverse reactions were similar to those detailed in Table 1 below but generally were reported more frequently.Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥2% of Patients Treated with sildenafil and More Frequent than Placebo in Fixed-Dose Phase II/III Studies† Abnormal Vision: Mild to moderate in severity and transient, predominantly color tinge to vision, but also increased sensitivity to light, or blurred vision.When sildenafil was taken as recommended (on an as-needed basis) in flexible-dose, placebo-controlled clinical trials of two to twenty-six weeks duration, patients took sildenafil at least once weekly, and the following adverse reactions were reported:Table 2.

Contraindication	Reason	Alternatives
Concurrent Nitrate Use	Risk of severe hypotension	Use other ED treatments
Cardiovascular Instability	May exacerbate underlying conditions	Consult cardiologist
Hypersensitivity Reactions	Allergic response	Discontinue use
Severe Liver Impairment	Altered drug metabolism	Lower dose or avoid

Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥2% of Patients Treated with sildenafil and More Frequent than Placebo in Flexible-Dose Phase II/III Studies† Abnormal Vision: Mild and transient, predominantly color tinge to vision, but also increased sensitivity to light or blurred vision. In these studies, only one patient discontinued due to abnormal vision.The following events occurred in <2% of patients in controlled clinical trials; a causal relationship to sildenafil is uncertain. This analysis was performed retrospectively, and was not powered to detect any pre-specified difference in adverse reactions.6.2 Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of sildenafil . Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These events have been chosen for inclusion either due to their seriousness, reporting frequency, lack of clear alternative causation, or a combination of these factors.Cardiovascular and cerebrovascularSerious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and vascular events, including myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmia, cerebrovascular hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack, hypertension, subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhages, and pulmonary hemorrhage have been reported post-marketing in temporal association with the use of sildenafil. Most, but not all, of these patients had preexisting cardiovascular risk factors. Many of these events were reported to occur during or shortly after sexual activity, and a few were reported to occur shortly after the use of sildenafil without sexual activity.