|
Common uses
This medicine is a phosphodiesterase
inhibitor used to treat sexual function problems such as impotence
or erectile dysfunction. In combination with sexual stimulation,
this medicine works by helping the blood flow into the penis to
achieve and maintain an erection. This medicine is not intended for
use in women or children. This medicine will not protect against
sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection. Use "safe
sex" practices such as latex condoms. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist for more details.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not take this
medicine if you are also taking or using any form of nitroglycerin,
other nitrates such as isosorbide, nitroprusside or any "nitric
oxide donor" medicine, or recreational drugs called "poppers"
containing amyl or butyl nitrate because very serious interactions
may occur. If you are not sure whether a certain medicine is a
nitrate, contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this
medicine.
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition
may be needed if you are taking any other medicine for erectile
dysfunction; certain antifungal medicines such as itraconazole or
ketoconazole; macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin or
erythromycin; medicine for high blood pressure; "water pills" such
as bendrofluazide or hydrochlorothiazide; certain alpha-blocker
medicines such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, or terazosin; or
HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir or indinavir.
Do
not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions
including penis problems; history of painful or prolonged erection;
any heart problems; kidney problems; stomach ulcers; bleeding
problems; blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia,
or myeloma; eye diseases, especially retina diseases such as
retinitis pigmentosa; uncontrolled high blood pressure; or
allergies.
Use of this medicine is not recommended if you
have a history of angina or chest pain, heart attack, stroke, low
blood pressure, severe liver problems, or if you have been told by
your healthcare provider to not have sexual activity because of
certain health problems. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using
this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a
patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this
medicine. Take this medicine by mouth as needed before sexual
activity as directed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine more
often than once daily. If you are taking certain other medicines you
may only be able to take this medicine one time every two or three
days. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This
medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
Store this medicine at room temperature 77 degrees F (25
degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.
Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is
permitted.
Cautions
Do not take this medicine
if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any
ingredient in this product. This medicine may rarely cause dizziness
or vision changes. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything
else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this
medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with
alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. To minimize dizziness or
lightheadedness, sit up or stand slowly when rising from a seated or
lying position. Alcohol may increase your risk for side effects,
including headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Avoid excessive
amounts of alcohol when using this medicine. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
Do not exceed the
recommmended dose without checking with your doctor. Your dose is
based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and the other
medicines you are taking. Sexual activity may put extra strain on
your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart
problems and experience any symptoms while having sex, stop having
sex and tell your doctor immediately. These symptoms include severe
dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or nausea. Before you begin taking
any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check
with your doctor or pharmacist.
Caution is advised when
using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more
sensitive to the side effects of this medicine. This medicine should
not be used in women or children.
Possible side
effects
Side effects that may occur while taking this
medicine include headache, flushing, stomach upset or nausea,
heartburn, stuffy or runny nose, back pain, muscle pain, or vision
changes such as trouble telling the difference between blue and
green or seeing a blue tinge to objects. If these continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. In the unlikely event that you
have a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours),
stop using this medicine and seek immediate medical attention or
permanent problems may occur.
An allergic reaction to this
medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
unusual swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include back
pain, muscle pain, and abnormal vision.
Additional
information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they
become worse, check with your doctor. Do not share this medicine
with others for whom it was not prescribed, since they may have a
problem that is not effectively treated with this medicine, or they
may have a condition that is complicated by this medicine. Do not
use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine
out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an
extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can
result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its
job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. |
