|
Medication Information:
Sildenafil (generic) - Viagra
(brand)
Manufacturer: Pfizer Inc., New York City
Common Usage: For treatment of impotence (inability to have
a full erection or maintain an erection during sex) in men
Common Major Side Effects: Headache, facial flushing and
indigestion.
Interactions with Other Medications: Sildenafil should not
be taken with nitrate drugs in any form because it can cause blood
pressure to drop, which may cause dizziness or falls. The most
common of these drugs is nitroglycerin, a drug taken by tablet or
in a skin patch and used to treat or prevent chest pain in heart
patients. Sildenafil blood levels may be increased by taking it
with cimetidine (Tagamet), a drug used to alleviate heartburn.
Blood levels also may be increased by taking sildenafil with the
antibiotics erythromcyin (E-Mycin and others), ketoconazole
(Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox) and the heart drug mibefradil
(Posicor). Increasing the blood levels of sildenafli may increase
side effects. The antibiotic rifampin (Rifabutin) decreases blood
levels of sildenafil, which can keep it from working.
Common
Dosages: In most people, the recommended dose of sildenafil
is 50 mg, which should be Liken about an hour before sex. However,
it may be taken anywhere from four hours to a half hour before
sexual activity. The dose may be increased, if needed, to 100 mg.
The dose also may be decreased to 25 mg, especially in people with
liver or kidney impairment or who are over age 65. The maximum
recommended dose is once a day.
Identification: Sildenafil is supplied as blue,
film-coated, rounded-diamond-shaped tablets in doses of 25 mg, 50
mg and 100 mg. The 25-mg tablets contain the words "VGR25" on one
side and "Pfizer" on the other. The 50-mg tablets contain the words
"VGR5O" on One side and "Pfizer" on the other. The 100-mg tablets
contain the words "VGR 100" on one side and "Pfizer" on the
other.
Storage: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86
degrees in a tightly closed, light, and moisture-resistant
container. Keep out of direct sunlight. Do not store in the
bathroom or other areas that are warm and humid. Keep out of reach
of children.
Edited by
Stephen R. Saklad, Pharm.D.
A
SERVICE OF…Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information
only. For more specific information, consult your physician or
pharmacist.
|
