How should Sildenafil be used?
Sildenafil is available as a tablet and a suspension (liquid; Revatio only) for oral administration.
If you are taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, carefully follow your physician’s instructions and the guidelines in this paragraph. Sildenafil should be taken as needed prior to sexual activity. The optimal time to take sildenafil is approximately one hour before sexual activity, but it can be taken any time between four hours and thirty minutes before sexual activity. Generally, the sildenafil should be taken no more than once every 24 hours. Your doctor may advise you to take sildenafil less frequently if you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications. Sildenafil can be taken with or without food. However, if you take sildenafil with a high-fat meal, the medication will take longer to begin working.
Pre-sex sildenafil dosage: as needed. Sildenafil is best taken an hour before sexual activity, but it can be taken up to 30 minutes before. Sildenafil is usually only taken once every 24 hours.
If you are prescribed sildenafil to treat PAH, carefully follow your doctor’s instructions and the guidelines in this paragraph. Sildenafil will most likely be taken three times daily, with or without food. Every day, take sildenafil at approximately the same time and space your doses approximately 4 to 6 hours apart.
Take care to carefully follow the directions on your prescription label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Sildenafil should be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more frequently than your doctor prescribes.
Shake the liquid vigorously for 10 seconds prior to each use to ensure that the medication is evenly distributed. To measure and administer your dose, use the oral syringe that came with your medication. Use and clean the oral syringe according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not combine the liquid with other medications or flavor it with anything.
If you are prescribed sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, your doctor will most likely start you on a low dose and gradually increase or decrease it based on your response to the medication. Inform your doctor if sildenafil does not work as well as expected or if you experience any side effects.
If you are taking sildenafil to treat PAH, it is important to understand that sildenafil controls the disease but does not cure it. Even if you feel well, continue taking sildenafil. Do not stop taking sildenafil without first consulting your physician.
Request a copy of the manufacturer’s patient information from your pharmacist or doctor.