What is Sildenafil Citrate?

Sildenafil Citrate is a popular drug which relaxes muscles and increases blood glow to specific areas of the body. It is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. Sildenafil Citrate is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and augment exercise capability in men and women. 
Sildenafil is marketed under several trade names across the globe, some of which are Viagra, Caverta (Ranbaxy), Lovegra, Womengra (Scilla Biotechnologies), Kamagra Gold (Ajanta), Penegra (Zydus Alidac), Silagra (Cipla) and Suhagra (Cipla).
Sildenafil Citrate may also be used for conditions not listed here.

Most Important and Significant Information about Sildenafil Citrate

Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra, Caverta, Lovegra, Womengra, Kamagra Gold, Penegra, Silagra, Suhagra) doesn’t cause penis erection but it assists erection when there is physical or psychological sexual stimulation. Always follow your doctor’s advice strictly. 
Do not use Sildenafil Citrate medication if you are also using a nitrate drug for angina (chest pain) or heart problems. Nitrate drugs include nitroglycerin, isosrobide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate. Nitrates are also ingredients of some recreational drugs like amyl nitrate or nitrite. Combination of Sildenafil Citrate and a nitrate medication can lead to a sudden and serious drop in blood pressure.
Sildeanfil Citrate may cause serious side effects during a sexual activity such as dizziness; nausea; pain, numbness, or tingling in chest, arms, neck, or jaw. If you experience any of these side effects, cut short your sexual activity and contact your doctor immediately. One of the side effects of Sildenafil Citrate is painful erection or a prolonged erection that persists for more than 4 hours. Such prolonged erection (priapism) can be damaging for the penis.
Sildenafil Citrate medication should not be taken more than once per day. Ensure to keep an interval of at least 24 hours before you take another dose.
Sildenafil Citrate can significantly decrease the flow of blood to the optic nerve of the eye which can lead to a sudden loss of vision. This has be observed and reported in a small number of people taking Sildenafil while also having heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye troubles, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years of age. It is however, not know if it is Sildenafil Citrate which causes vision loss. Do not take this medication further if you have vision loss and consult a doctor right away.

Before taking Sildenafil Citrate

Before taking Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra, Caverta, Lovegra, Womengra, Kamagra Gold, Penegra, Silagra, Suhagra), take care of all precautions mentioned above and discuss them with your doctor.
Let your doctor know in advance if you have any other medical conditions so that he or she can judge whether Sildenafil Citrate is safe for you or not. Those medical conditions are heart disease or heart rhythm problems, coronary artery disease, a recent (within the last 6 months) heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure; high or low blood pressure; liver or kidney disease; a blood cell disorder like sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia; a bleeding condition like hemophilia; a peptic (stomach) ulcer; retinitis pigmentosa (a hereditary condition of eye); a physical deformity of the penis like Peyronie’s disease; or if you have been advised against sexual intercourse for health reasons.
Sildenafil Citrate is a FDA category B drug which means it is not expected to harm an unborn baby if taken while being pregnant. Women should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether Sildenafil Citrate can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Don’t take this medication without your doctor’s advice if you are breast feeding.

How do I take Sildenafil Citrate?

Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra, Caverta, Lovegra, Womengra, Kamagra Gold, Penegra, Silagra, Suhagra) is available as tablets, chewable tablets, effervescent tablets or oral jelly. Take this medication strictly according to your doctor’s directions or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take Sildenafil Citrate after the prescribed period is over.
Sildenafil Citrate is taken only as per need, 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to your sexual activity. You may also take up to 4 hours before the sexual activity. Ensure a gap of at least 24 hours between two doses of this medication.
Always store Sildenafil Citrate in a cool and dry place, away from heat and moisture.

What if I miss a dose?

Since Sildenafil Citrate is taken on a need to need basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra, Caverta, Lovegra, Womengra, Kamagra Gold, Penegra, Silagra, Suhagra), get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose may lead to extreme dizziness, fainting, or painful or prolonged erection.

What should I avoid while taking Sildenafil Citrate?

Do not take other anti impotence drugs like alprostadil, vardenafil, tadafil, yohimbine, or others while taking Sildenafil Citrate, unless or otherwise advised by your doctor.

Side Effects of Sildenafil Citrate

Sildeanfil Citrate (Viagra, Caverta, Lovegra, Womengra, Kamagra Gold, Penegra, Silagra, Suhagra) may cause serious side effects during a sexual activity such as dizziness; nausea; pain, numbness, or tingling in chest, arms, neck, or jaw. If you experience any of these side effects, cut short your sexual activity and contact your doctor immediately. Other side effects of Sildenafil Citrate are painful erection or a prolonged erection that persists for more than 4 hours. Such prolonged erection (priapism) can be damaging for the penis; sudden vision loss; ringing in your ears or sudden hearing loss, irregular heartbeat; swelling in hands, ankles, or feet; light headedness, fainting, chest pain or heavy feeling.
These are not the only side effects of Sildenafil Citrate. There may be others. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects or if your condition worsens after taking Sildenafil Citrate. 

Sildenafil Citrate Dosing Information

Sildenafil Citrate dosage will be fixed by your doctor after examining you properly. Dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Stick to your doctor’s prescription strictly. 

Interaction with other drugs
Certain medications can interact with Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra, Caverta, Lovegra, Womengra, Kamagra Gold, Penegra, Silagra, Suhagra), especially other impotence drugs like avanafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, or others. Let your doctor know if you use any of these medications in advance. Also let your doctor know if you use these drugs: cimetidine; conivaptan; bosentan; imatinib; isoniazid; an antidepressant such as nefazodone; an antibiotic such as clarithromycin, erythromycin or others; antifungal medication such as itraconazole, or others; drugs to treat high blood pressure or a prostate disorder like alfuzosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, prazosin, or others; heart or blood pressure medication such as amlodipine, diltiazem, quinidin, or others; hepatitis C drugs like boceprevir or telaprevir; or HIV/AIDS medications like atazanavir, darunavir, ritonavir, or others.
The drugs mentioned above are not the only ones that can interact with Sildenafil Citrate. There may be others as well. Share the list of all type of medications and related products which you are using with your doctor and never start a new medication without his or her advice.