Basic Sildenafil Red Information

• INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Sildenafil
• Brand names available in United Kingdom: Viagra, Revatio, Sildenafil Teva
• ATC Code: G04BE03
• Forms & dosages: Tablets (25mg, 50mg, 100mg), Oral suspension (10mg/mL)
• Manufacturers in United Kingdom: Pfizer, Teva, Mylan
• Registration status in United Kingdom: Prescription-only (Rx)
• OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only (Rx)

Everyday Use & Best Practices

Choosing the right time to take sildenafil can significantly enhance its effectiveness and your overall experience. Patients often wonder about the best dosing schedule during their day. For many, the key lies in personal lifestyle patterns, with some opting for morning dosing to align with active days, while others may prefer evening intake, allowing for an uninterrupted intimate experience. The timing can affect spontaneity; taking it in the morning might allow for more flexibility, whereas evening dosing can align with planned activities.

Taking With or Without Meals

Diet plays a crucial role when it comes to sildenafil absorption. Consuming sildenafil on an empty stomach generally leads to quicker action—you may notice effects within 30 minutes. However, when taken with a heavy meal, especially one rich in fats, the onset can be delayed, sometimes taking hours before you feel the impact. Given that traditional UK meals often include hearty options—like a full English breakfast or a Sunday roast—timing for sildenafil consumption becomes essential to achieving optimal results. In practice:

• To maximise the effectiveness, consider taking sildenafil before meals.
• Keep in mind traditional meals that may influence absorption, potentially delaying the medication’s onset.
• Light meals are less likely to hinder absorption.

Ultimately, aligning your sildenafil intake with lifestyle habits and meal patterns can contribute to higher satisfaction for both you and your partner. Make sure to consider these factors to enhance intimacy and spontaneity in your relationship.

Safety Priorities

Taking sildenafil can bring about an array of benefits for those dealing with erectile dysfunction. But let’s not beat around the bush: safety is paramount. A quick look at who should avoid it and which activities to limit can help steer clear of unnecessary complications.

Who should avoid it (MHRA warnings)

The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) provides clear guidance on who should steer clear of sildenafil. Contraindications include:

• Individuals with a history of severe hypotension or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Anyone on nitrate medications, as combining these can significantly lower blood pressure, leading to severe complications.
• Those with severe hepatic impairment or recent cardiovascular events such as stroke or myocardial infarction.
• People with hypersensitivity to sildenafil or its components.
• Patients experiencing deformations of the penis, severe cardiovascular disorders, or active bleeding disorders should also be cautious.

In general, if you have underlying health conditions, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. Knowing your body’s limitations can help prevent unwanted side effects.

Activities to limit (driving, work safety)

Once sildenafil is in the system, caution should be exercised. Why? The potential side effects, ranging from dizziness to impaired vision, can pose safety risks. Here are a few activities best avoided:

• Operating heavy machinery — the risk of blurred vision or dizziness could lead to accidents.
• Driving should also be undertaken with caution. The same side effects may compromise your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
• Engaging in activities that require full concentration should be limited until you're aware of how your body reacts.

When taking sildenafil, being aware of your body’s responses is key. It’s not just about achieving results; it’s about doing so safely.

Dosage & Adjustments

General regimen (NHS guidance)

Sildenafil is primarily prescribed for two major conditions: erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). For treating ED, the typical adult dose of sildenafil is 50 mg, which should be taken approximately one hour before sexual activity. The dosage can be adjusted based on individual response, with a maximum allowed dose of 100 mg per day.

When managing PAH, sildenafil is taken at a higher dosage, typically 20 mg three times a day, equating to 60 mg daily. This regimen can be increased cautiously, with some cases allowing up to 240 mg per day under specialist advice. It is crucial that patients adhere to guidelines on how to take sildenafil safely:

• Always follow prescription instructions.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Avoid combining with nitrates, as this can lead to severe hypotension.

Patients should take the tablet with a full glass of water, avoiding high-fat meals that might delay the onset of action. If a dose is missed for PAH, it can be taken as soon as recalled unless it's close to the next dose time. For ED, as needed use means missed doses aren't a concern.

Special cases (elderly, comorbidities)

Age and underlying health conditions can significantly influence sildenafil dosage adjustments. For elderly patients, starting with the lowest adult dose of 25 mg is advisable. The risk of adverse effects increases with age, necessitating closer monitoring.

In terms of comorbidities:

• Patients with renal impairment should also start at a reduced dose.
• For those with liver impairment, a cautious initial dose of 25 mg is recommended, followed by careful titration.

Consulting healthcare providers is essential before making any dosage adjustments. This is particularly important for individuals with cardiovascular issues, as sildenafil can interact unfavourably with other medications or exacerbate existing conditions.