Adegra

Indications

Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex) in adult men. Under a specialist, it is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs).

How It Works

Sildenafil blocks an enzyme called PDE5. This relaxes blood vessels in the penis so more blood can flow in during sexual arousal. It does not cause an erection without sexual stimulation and does not increase sexual desire. In the lungs, the same effect relaxes the blood vessels and lowers pressure.

Dosage and Administration

• Erectile dysfunction: usually 50 mg taken about 1 hour before sexual activity. The doctor may adjust it to 25 mg or 100 mg. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
• Older men, or those with liver or kidney problems: a lower starting dose of 25 mg may be advised.
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension: as prescribed by the specialist.

Swallow with water. A heavy, fatty meal can delay its effect.

Interactions

Never take it with nitrates such as Glyceryl trinitrate or Isosorbide mononitrate, or with Riociguat, because blood pressure can drop dangerously. Alpha-blockers such as Doxazosin or Tamsulosin can cause dizziness when combined. Ritonavir, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin and Erythromycin raise Sildenafil levels, so a lower dose may be needed. Avoid heavy drinking.

Contraindications

• Use of any nitrate medicine or Riociguat.
• Recent heart attack or stroke, severe heart disease, unstable chest pain, or very low blood pressure.
• Severe liver disease.
• Previous sudden loss of vision from reduced blood flow to the optic nerve (NAION), or inherited eye disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa.
• Allergy to Sildenafil.

Side Effects

Common: headache, facial flushing, indigestion, blocked nose, dizziness and a blue or blurred tinge to vision. These usually pass within a few hours.

Get urgent medical help if an erection lasts more than 4 hours, or if you have chest pain, fainting, sudden loss or reduction of vision in one or both eyes, sudden hearing loss, or swelling of the face or throat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction is not meant for women. When used for pulmonary hypertension during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is only used under specialist advice.

Precautions and Warnings

Sex puts extra strain on the heart, so check with a doctor first if you have heart disease. Use with care if you have a curved or scarred penis, sickle cell disease, leukaemia or multiple myeloma (higher risk of a prolonged erection), bleeding problems or an active stomach ulcer. Do not take it with other medicines for erectile dysfunction. Do not use it if you do not have erectile dysfunction.

Overdose

Too much increases side effects such as headache, flushing, dizziness, vision changes and low blood pressure. Seek medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.