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Sildenafil (for pulmonary hypertension)
sil-den-ah-fil
What does it do?
Sildenafil is used to treat high pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
How should you take it?
Take sildenafil as directed with a glass of water.
What if you forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Can you take other medicines?
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with sildenafil including:
- glyceryl trinitrate (e.g. Nitrolingual Pumpspray®, Lycinate®)
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Prolonged erection (longer than four hours) Changes in vision |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Urinary symptoms |
Tell your doctor |
|
Headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping Hot flushing Runny or blocked nose, nose bleeds Indigestion Muscle aches and pains, tingling or numbness |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
|
Stomach upset |
Take with food |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you have blood pressure, bleeding, blood, stomach, heart, liver, kidney, penis (other than impotence), hearing or eye problems, or if you have had a recent stroke.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges may react with sildenafil. Discuss with your pharmacist.
- If you are taking nitrate medicines (e.g. glyceryl trinitrate), you should not use sildenafil. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. December 2017
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
Te Reo Māori
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed