5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Cardiovascular
Detection in biological fluids
5.4 Hearing Loss
Related/similar drugs
This article is cited by
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I forget a dose?

Cimetidine: Plasma sildenafil concentrations increased by approximately 56% in healthy individuals who received a single 50-mg oral dose of the drug concomitantly with a single oral dose of cimetidine (800 mg), a nonspecific inhibitor of the cytochrome P-450 mixed-function oxidase system. [1][67] Population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from clinical trials indicates that cimetidine reduces sildenafil clearance when these drugs are administered concomitantly. [1][139] Some clinicians recommend that a lower initial sildenafil dose (25 mg) be considered in patients with ED receiving cimetidine. Concomitant use of any form of organic nitrate (e.g., nitroglycerin), including recreational use of inhaled nitrites (amyl nitrate or nitrite, ''poppers''), with sildenafil is contraindicated due to the potential pharmacodynamic interaction (increased hypotensive effect).

5.1 Cardiovascular

[1][85][136][137][139] In these patients receiving ritonavir and sildenafil, plasma concentrations at 24 hours were approximately 200 ng/mL compared with 5 ng/mL when sildenafil was given alone. [1][139] Sildenafil is only a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 isoenzymes and single doses of the drug had no effect on steady-state saquinavir or ritonavir pharmacokinetics in healthy adults. A decrease in sildenafil clearance and a substantial increase in sildenafil concentrations also is expected with protease inhibitors alone or in combination with ritonavir (e.g., amprenavir , atazanavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, tipranavir, darunavir). In patients receiving protease inhibitors alone or in combination with ritonavir or the HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) elvitegravir in combination with cobicistat (CYP3A4 inhibitor), experts recommended that sildenafil dosage not exceed 25 mg every 48 hours for the treatment of ED. The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors efavirenz, nevirapine, and etravirine may decrease sildenafil exposure via CY3A4 (and 2C19 for etravirine) induction, and experts state that sildenafil dose titration based upon clinical effect may be required.

Interaction médicamenteuse

[1][250] Population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from clinical trials indicates that sildenafil clearance is reduced when the drug is administered concomitantly with CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole. Because of the possibility of increased systemic exposure and adverse effects, it is recommended that a lower initial sildenafil dose (25 mg) be considered in patients with ED receiving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole or itraconazole. Bosentan, a moderate inducer of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and possibly CYP2C19, can increase sildenafil clearance and decrease plasma sildenafil concentrations. [1][212][241] In one study in healthy men, concomitant use of bosentan (125 mg twice daily) and sildenafil at a dose not approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (80 mg 3 times daily) resulted in a 63% decrease in AUC and a 55% decrease in peak plasma concentrations of sildenafil at steady state; AUC and peak plasma concentrations of bosentan were increased by 50 and 42%, respectively. [1][241] The clinical importance of this pharmacokinetic interaction is unclear.

Pregnancy Categories

Concomitant administration of sildenafil and heparin in rabbits had an additive effect on bleeding time. [1] Although the possibility of a similar interaction in humans has not been studied specifically to date, there currently is no evidence that would preclude the use of heparin in sildenafil-treated patients if indicated. Pretreatment with erythromycin (500 mg twice daily for 5 days), a specific CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased the AUC of a single 100-mg dose of sildenafil by 182%. [1][69][239] It is recommended that a lower initial sildenafil dose (25 mg) be considered in patients with ED receiving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin. However, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) recognize that use of organic nitrates and nitrites in patients receiving sildenafil may not be completely avoidable, provided sufficient time has elapsed between use of sildenafil and administration of the nitrate or nitrite. [67] Although it is not known how much time must elapse between use of sildenafil and administration of a nitrate or nitrite, pharmacokinetic data suggest that these latter agents should not be given within 24 hours of sildenafil administration because an exaggerated hypotensive response is likely; plasma sildenafil concentrations are substantially lower 24 hours after a dose than peak concentrations.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Kamagra Polo	100mg	60 + 4 Pills	189.39€ 180.37€
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	20 Pills	79.79€ 75.99€
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	12 Pills	57.55€ 54.81€
Kamagra	100mg	360 + 6 Pills	839.95€ 799.95€
Viagra Generic	200mg	120 + 8 Pills	204.80€ 195.05€
Viagra Generic	200mg	60 + 4 Pills	125.19€ 119.23€
Viagra Generic	150mg	90 + 6 Pills	147.18€ 140.17€
Kamagra Polo	100mg	180 + 8 Pills	446.52€ 425.26€
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	272 + 12 Pills	593.42€ 565.16€
Viagra Generic	50mg	60 + 4 Pills	83.93€ 79.93€
Viagra Generic	25mg	360 + 10 Pills	213.68€ 203.50€
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	84 + 4 Pills	233.05€ 221.95€
Kamagra	100mg	32 Pills	121.24€ 115.47€
Viagra Generic	25mg	90 + 6 Pills	105.03€ 100.03€
Viagra Generic	100mg	60 + 4 Pills	96.36€ 91.77€
Viagra Generic	100mg	360 + 10 Pills	330.21€ 314.49€

[1][29][31][67] The point at which nitrates or nitrites can be given safely is unclear, and therefore the drugs should be avoided unless, in the view of the treating clinician, the benefits outweigh the risks. If consideration is given to administering a nitrate or nitrite beyond 24 hours after sildenafil use, the response to the initial doses must be monitored carefully and proper facilities for fluid and vasopressor (e.g., α-adrenergic agonists) support must be readily available to prevent acute ischemic episodes. [67][159] In patients in whom clearance of sildenafil and/or its metabolites may be prolonged (e.g., those with hepatic [e.g., cirrhosis] or severe renal impairment [e.g., creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute], those receiving a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, geriatric patients older than 65 years of age), a more extended period of time between use of sildenafil and administration of a nitrate or nitrite may be necessary.

Research Area	Focus	Potential Impact
New Formulations	Long-acting or transdermal options	Improved convenience and adherence
Combination Therapy	Sildenafil with other agents	Enhanced efficacy or reduced doses
Genetic Factors in Response	Personalized dosing based on genetics	Minimize side effects, maximize effectiveness
New Indications	Expanding uses beyond current approved purposes	Broader therapeutic applications

[1][67][154] In either case, a short-acting nitrate formulation that can be titrated readily (e.g., IV nitroglycerin) is preferred and such use should be accompanied by close hemodynamic monitoring. Sildenafil 50 mg did not potentiate the hypotensive effect of alcohol (0.5 g/kg) in healthy individuals (mean maximum blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08% achieved).

Detection in biological fluids

Postmarketing Reports

[67] Although it is not known how much time must elapse between use of sildenafil and administration of a nitrate or nitrite, pharmacokinetic data suggest that these latter agents should not be given within 24 hours of sildenafil administration because an exaggerated hypotensive response is likely; plasma sildenafil concentrations are substantially lower 24 hours after a dose than peak concentrations. [1][29][31][67] The point at which nitrates or nitrites can be given safely is unclear, and therefore the drugs should be avoided unless, in the view of the treating clinician, the benefits outweigh the risks. If consideration is given to administering a nitrate or nitrite beyond 24 hours after sildenafil use, the response to the initial doses must be monitored carefully and proper facilities for fluid and vasopressor (e.g., α-adrenergic agonists) support must be readily available to prevent acute ischemic episodes. [67][159] In patients in whom clearance of sildenafil and/or its metabolites may be prolonged (e.g., those with hepatic [e.g., cirrhosis] or severe renal impairment [e.g., creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute], those receiving a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, geriatric patients older than 65 years of age), a more extended period of time between use of sildenafil and administration of a nitrate or nitrite may be necessary. [1][67][154] In either case, a short-acting nitrate formulation that can be titrated readily (e.g., IV nitroglycerin) is preferred and such use should be accompanied by close hemodynamic monitoring.

Special Populations

Sildenafil 50 mg did not potentiate the hypotensive effect of alcohol (0.5 g/kg) in healthy individuals (mean maximum blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08% achieved). Sildenafil has systemic vasodilatory effects and may augment the blood pressure-lowering effect of other antihypertensive agents. [1] Hypotensive responses secondary sildenafil 10mg to sildenafil use in patients receiving antihypertensive therapy have been observed. The risk of an undesired hypotensive response is of particular concern in patients with congestive heart failure and a borderline low blood volume and low blood pressure status as well as in patients with left-ventricular outflow obstruction (e.g., aortic stenosis, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis), those with severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure, and in those who are receiving a complex, multidrug antihypertensive regimen. The AUC of the active metabolite, N-desmethyl sildenafil, was increased 62% by loop and potassium-sparing diuretics and 102% by nonspecific β-adrenergic blocking agents; however, the increased active metabolite concentrations are not expected to be clinically important. Sildenafil has systemic vasodilatory effects and may augment the blood pressure-lowering effect of other antihypertensive agents.

5.4 Hearing Loss

Additive hypotensive effects may be anticipated when PDE type 5 inhibitors are administered concurrently with α-adrenergic blocking agents (e.g., terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin). [1] Stepwise increases in the dosage of the α-adrenergic blocking agent may further lower blood pressure when a PDE type 5 inhibitor is administered concurrently. [1] In several placebo-controlled crossover studies in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia receiving doxazosin (4 or 8 mg daily) under steady-state conditions, administration of a single dose of sildenafil (50 or 100 mg) resulted in symptomatic hypotension (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, headache, fatigue) in some patients, occurring within approximately 0.5-4 hours of sildenafil administration. [1] Although symptomatic hypotension occurred in a few patients who received sildenafil 50 or 100 mg, syncope was not reported during these drug interaction studies. [1] Caution is advised when PDE type 5 inhibitors are used concomitantly with an α-adrenergic blocking agent.

Regional issues

[1] Patients should be hemodynamically stable on α-adrenergic blocking therapy prior to initiating therapy with a PDE type 5 inhibitor. [1] Patients who demonstrate hemodynamic instability on α-adrenergic blocking therapy are at increased risk of symptomatic hypotension with concomitant use of PDE type 5 inhibitors. [1] In patients who are hemodynamically stable on α-adrenergic blocking therapy, PDE type 5 inhibitors should be initiated at the lowest recommended dose. [1] Conversely, in patients taking an optimized dose of a PDE type 5 inhibitor, therapy with an α-adrenergic blocking agent should be initiated at the lowest recommended dosage. [1] Incremental increases in the dosage of the α-adrenergic blocking agent during such concomitant therapy may be associated with a further lowering of blood pressure.

Sildenafil Tablets for ED

[1] Safety of combination therapy with an α-adrenergic blocking agent may be affected by other variables, including intravascular volume depletion and concomitant use of sildenafil citrate tablets for female other antihypertensive agents. Following administration of a single 100-mg sildenafil dose in hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was controlled with amlodipine 5 or 10 mg daily, mean supine blood pressure was reduced (systolic by 8 mm Hg, diastolic by 7 mm Hg). [1][29][154] The greatest decreases in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressures following sildenafil administration were in patients with the highest baseline blood pressures, suggesting that the likelihood of a hypotensive episode during combined use with amlodipine is low. While reported experience with use of sildenafil in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy is limited, clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions have been demonstrated when the drug was used concomitantly with ritonavir and saquinavir. [1][240] Pretreatment with saquinavir (1200-mg liquid-filled capsules [no longer commercially available in the US] 3 times daily) or ritonavir (500 mg twice daily) followed by a single dose of sildenafil (100 mg) increased sildenafil AUC by 210 or 1000%, respectively, and sildenafil peak plasma concentrations by 140 or 300%, respectively. [1] Hypotensive responses secondary sildenafil 10mg to sildenafil use in patients receiving antihypertensive therapy have been observed. The risk of an undesired hypotensive response is of particular concern in patients with congestive heart failure and a borderline low blood volume and low blood pressure status as well as in patients with left-ventricular outflow obstruction (e.g., aortic stenosis, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis), those with severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure, and in those who are receiving a complex, multidrug antihypertensive regimen. The AUC of the active metabolite, N-desmethyl sildenafil, was increased 62% by loop and potassium-sparing diuretics and 102% by nonspecific β-adrenergic blocking agents; however, the increased active metabolite concentrations are not expected to be clinically important. Additive hypotensive effects may be anticipated when PDE type 5 inhibitors are administered concurrently with α-adrenergic blocking agents (e.g., terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin).

Related/similar drugs

[1] Stepwise increases in the dosage of the α-adrenergic blocking agent may further lower blood pressure when a PDE type 5 inhibitor is administered concurrently. [1] In several placebo-controlled crossover studies in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia receiving doxazosin (4 or 8 mg daily) under steady-state conditions, administration of a single dose of sildenafil (50 or 100 mg) resulted in symptomatic hypotension (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, headache, fatigue) in some patients, occurring within approximately 0.5-4 hours of sildenafil administration. [1] Although symptomatic hypotension occurred in a few patients who received sildenafil 50 or 100 mg, syncope was not reported during these drug interaction studies.

Sildenafil 100 mg is not a cure for erectile dysfunction but helps temporarily.
Lifestyle changes like exercise and diet can enhance treatment effectiveness.
Open communication with a partner can improve the sexual experience and treatment satisfaction.

[1] Caution is advised when PDE type 5 inhibitors are used concomitantly with an α-adrenergic blocking agent. [1] Patients should be hemodynamically stable on α-adrenergic blocking therapy prior to initiating therapy with a PDE type 5 inhibitor. [1] Patients who demonstrate hemodynamic instability on α-adrenergic blocking therapy are at increased risk of symptomatic hypotension with concomitant use of PDE type 5 inhibitors. [1] In patients who are hemodynamically stable on α-adrenergic blocking therapy, PDE type 5 inhibitors should be initiated at the lowest recommended dose. [1] Conversely, in patients taking an optimized dose of a PDE type 5 inhibitor, therapy with an α-adrenergic blocking agent should be initiated at the lowest recommended dosage. [1] Incremental increases in the dosage of the α-adrenergic blocking agent during such concomitant therapy may be associated with a further lowering of blood pressure.

This article is cited by

Frequently asked questions

[1][29][154] The greatest decreases in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressures following sildenafil administration were in patients with the highest baseline blood pressures, suggesting that the likelihood of a hypotensive episode during combined use with amlodipine is low. While reported experience with use of sildenafil in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy is limited, clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions have been demonstrated when the drug was used concomitantly with ritonavir and saquinavir. [1][240] Pretreatment with saquinavir (1200-mg liquid-filled capsules [no longer commercially available in the US] 3 times daily) or ritonavir (500 mg twice daily) followed by a single dose of sildenafil (100 mg) increased sildenafil AUC by 210 or 1000%, respectively, and sildenafil peak plasma concentrations by 140 or 300%, respectively.

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.

[1][85][136][137][139] In these patients receiving ritonavir and sildenafil, plasma concentrations at 24 hours were approximately 200 ng/mL compared with 5 ng/mL when sildenafil was given alone.

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

[1][139] Sildenafil is only a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 isoenzymes and single doses of the drug had no effect on steady-state saquinavir or ritonavir pharmacokinetics in healthy adults. A decrease in sildenafil clearance and a substantial increase in sildenafil concentrations also is expected with protease inhibitors alone or in combination with ritonavir (e.g., amprenavir , atazanavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, tipranavir, darunavir). In patients receiving protease inhibitors alone or in combination with ritonavir or the HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) elvitegravir in combination with cobicistat (CYP3A4 inhibitor), experts recommended that sildenafil dosage not exceed 25 mg every 48 hours for the treatment of ED. The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors efavirenz, nevirapine, and etravirine may decrease sildenafil exposure via CY3A4 (and 2C19 for etravirine) induction, and experts state that sildenafil dose titration based upon clinical effect may be required. [1][250] Population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from clinical trials indicates that sildenafil clearance is reduced when the drug is administered concomitantly with CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole. Because of the possibility of increased systemic exposure and adverse effects, it is recommended that a lower initial sildenafil dose (25 mg) be considered in patients with ED receiving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole or itraconazole. Bosentan, a moderate inducer of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and possibly CYP2C19, can increase sildenafil clearance and decrease plasma sildenafil concentrations. [1][212][241] In one study in healthy men, concomitant use of bosentan (125 mg twice daily) and sildenafil at a dose not approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (80 mg 3 times daily) resulted in a 63% decrease in AUC and a 55% decrease in peak plasma concentrations of sildenafil at steady state; AUC and peak plasma concentrations of bosentan were increased by 50 and 42%, respectively. [1][241] The clinical importance of this pharmacokinetic interaction is unclear. Concomitant administration of sildenafil and heparin in rabbits had an additive effect on bleeding time.

Property	Description	Typical Dose	Onset Time	Duration of Action
Mechanism of Action	PDE5 inhibitor that enhances blood flow to the penis	100 mg	30-60 min	4-6 hours
Bioavailability	Percentage of drug reaching systemic circulation	~40%	N/A	N/A
Half-life	Time for plasma concentration to reduce by half	4 hours	N/A	N/A
Metabolism	Liver enzymes involved (primarily CYP3A4)	CYP3A4	N/A	N/A

[1] Although the possibility of a similar interaction in humans has not been studied specifically to date, there currently is no evidence that would preclude the use of heparin in sildenafil-treated patients if indicated. Pretreatment with erythromycin (500 mg twice daily for 5 days), a specific CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased the AUC of a single 100-mg dose of sildenafil by 182%. [1][69][239] It is recommended that a lower initial sildenafil dose (25 mg) be considered in patients with ED receiving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin.