Legal classification of medication
POM
Sildenafil can only be obtained in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate prescriber and therefore the legal status of the medication is prescription only medicine (POM)
Formulations
Sildenafil comes in three different strengths:
Class of drug
Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme.
Indications
Sildenafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve an adequate erection for penetrative sex.
How does it work?
Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow into the penis, when sexually aroused.
How is it taken?
A tablet is taken 1 hour before intended sexual activity. The usual recommended dose is 50mg and can be increased or decreased according to effect. It is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, as taking it with food may delay how quickly it will work. It is recommended not to exceed one dose per 24 hour period; the maximum recommended dose is 100mg.
Sildenafil should not be taken with nicorandil (Ikorel®) or nitrate medications (for example GTN spray, under the tongue and/or nitrate tablets).
Caution must be exercised if taking any of the following medications with Sildenafil:
Pregnancy and Breast feeing
Sildenafil is not suitable for women. No adverse effects were found in reproductive studies involving rats and rabbits.
Contraindications
It is advised that Sildenafil should not be taken by patients with severe heart disease, heart failure, recently had a heart attack, stroke in the last 6 months or suffer with very low blood pressure should not take Sildenafil.
Patients who have suffered with blindness in one eye caused by non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy or have a degenerative retinal eye condition are advised not to take Sildenafil.
If your erection last more than a 2-3 hours, it is recommended to see a doctor urgently, as a sustained erection may lead to permanent damage to the penis.
Side-effects
In adults, the most commonly reported side-effects were:
Rare side effects (ranging from an occurrence of 1 in 10,000 but no more than 1 in 1000) included:
