Revatio (Sildenafil)

Description

Indications

Sildenafil is prescribed to alleviate pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. The medication functions by easing the tension and expanding the blood vessels in the lungs, thus enabling smoother blood flow. This reduction in pulmonary blood pressure enhances the efficiency of the heart and lungs, leading to improved exercise capacity.

Uses and Dosage

To effectively treat pulmonary hypertension, consume this medication orally with or without food as instructed by your physician, typically thrice a day. The prescribed dosage is dependent on your medical history, response to therapy, and concurrent medication use. Pediatric dosing is also based on body weight.

Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or consume this drug more frequently than directed. Doing so will not hasten your recovery but may increase the likelihood of adverse effects.

This medication is prepared by your pharmacist. Before each dose, shake the bottle thoroughly for 10 seconds. Measure the dose meticulously using the calibrated oral syringe provided with the medication. Avoid using household spoons as the amount may not be accurate.

Do not combine with other medications or fluids.

For maximum benefit, take this medication consistently at the same time daily. Set reminders to help you remember.

Contact your physician if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• headache
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• nausea
• flushing (feeling of warmth)
• nosebleeds
• numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
• pain in muscles, back, arms, or legs
• changes in color vision (seeing a blue tinge on objects or having difficulty telling the difference between blue and green)
• sensitivity to light
• nasal congestion

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• sudden severe loss of vision (see below for more information)
• blurred vision
• sudden decrease or loss of hearing
• ringing in ears
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fainting
• chest pain
• worsening shortness of breath
• erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours
• rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, or lips

Caution

Before taking sildenafil, inform your physician or pharmacist about any allergies you have or any other sensitivities. This product may contain inactive constituents that can trigger allergic responses or other complications.

Before using this medication, discuss your medical history with your physician or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of heart problems such as a heart attack or life-threatening arrhythmia in the past six months, chest pain/angina, heart failure, stroke within the past six months, high or low blood pressure, dehydration, penile disorders such as angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie’s disease, history of prolonged or painful erection (priapism), diseases that may raise the risk of priapism such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma, eye issues such as retinitis pigmentosa, sudden vision loss, or NAION, and other lung ailments like pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.

This drug may cause dizziness or vision problems. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana may heighten these symptoms. Until you can do so safely, avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing activities requiring alertness or clear vision.

During pregnancy, sildenafil should be used only when the benefits outweigh the risks. Since pulmonary hypertension is a severe condition that can harm both the mother and the fetus, do not stop taking this medication unless advised to do so by your physician. If you are planning to conceive, are pregnant, or suspect that you are pregnant, speak with your doctor about the advantages and potential risks of using sildenafil.

This medication is excreted in small quantities into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Revatio is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Revatio tablet:
  • 20mg
• sildenafil tablet:
  • 20mg

FAQ

Can I eat after taking Revatio?

No significant loss of efficacy occurs when Revatio is taken shortly before or with a meal.

How long does Revatio last?

The duration of action for Revatio may exceed 10 hours.

Resources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17233779/#:~:text=Conclusions%3A%20No%20significant%20loss%20of,sildenafil%20may%20exceed%2010%20hours
2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699015.html
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-93749-1640/revatio-oral/sildenafil-suspension-lungs-oral/details
4. https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/revatio
5. https://www.drugs.com/revatio.html