Sildenafil Citrate CT-Chewable, quick absorption & fast action

It works by helping to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow in specific areas of the body, primarily the penis, which makes it effective in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Here is a more detailed explanation of how it works in each case:

For Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Sildenafil citrate belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. To understand how it works for the ED, let us break it down:

Normal Erection Process

When sexually stimulated, the body releases nitric oxide (NO) in the penis. It causes an increase in the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which helps relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessel walls of the penis, leading to increased blood flow and an erection.

Role of PDE5 Enzyme

The enzyme PDE5 breaks down cGMP, reducing the blood flow and leading to the loss of an erection.

How Sildenafil Works

It inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, allowing cGMP levels to remain elevated for a long. It keeps the blood vessels relaxed and allows more blood to flow into the penis, helping maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. The medication only works when there is sexual stimulation. It does not cause an erection naturally.

For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

For PAH, Sildenafil relaxes blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the workload on the heart. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is high blood pressure in the lung arteries. It puts extra strain on the heart and reduces the oxygen level available to the body.

It helps by dilating (widening) the blood vessels in the lungs, which lowers the blood pressure in those vessels. It improves the ability to pump blood, reduces symptoms like shortness of breath, and increases physical activity tolerance in patients with PAH.

Chewable Tablet (CT) Form

Your body absorbs the chewable tablet faster because it breaks down rapidly in the mouth before reaching the digestive system. It may trigger a faster onset of action, though the effectiveness and duration remain similar to the standard pill form.

It comes in various dosages. Doctors may prescribe differently for different ages depending on the condition being treated, primarily for erectile dysfunction (ED) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

For Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

You can take it as needed before sexual activity. It is available in various potencies. The dosage depends on the health condition, the severity of the ED, and the response to treatment.

Sildenafil Citrate CT Dosages

1. 25 mg: A doctor may prescribe a lower dose for those more sensitive to the medication, including older adults or individuals with certain medical conditions.
2. 50 mg: It is the most common starting dose for ED. Many doctors begin with this dose and adjust it as needed.
3. 100 mg: It is the maximum recommended dose. Doctors prescribe it if the 50 mg dose does not produce the desired effect.

How to take Sildenafil Citrate CT?

You can take the medication about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and a maximum of up to 4 hours before. The effects usually last for 4 to 5 hours. The medication works best when taken on an empty stomach, as a high-fat meal can delay absorption.

Maximum frequency

You should not take the drug more than once per day.

Age Considerations for ED

• Doctors prescribe it for adult men of all ages, although older men or those with certain health conditions (like heart or liver problems) may take a lower starting dose (such as 25 mg).
• Pediatric use for the ED is not applicable.

For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

For PAH, one can take it regularly rather than just as needed.

Sildenafil Citrate CT PAH Dosages

1. 20 mg three times daily. It is the most common dosage for PAH treatment. Take the doses 4-6 hours apart and maintain a consistent dosing schedule.
2. Doctors may prescribe a higher dose in specific cases, but these are less common. Patients must follow the prescription strictly.

Age Considerations for PAH

• Adults: The standard dosage for PAH in adults is 20 mg three times a day.
• Children: Doctors may use the medication in children with PAH, but the dosage depends on the weight and specific condition. Doctors must monitor the Pediatric use closely.

Dosage Adjustments

In both conditions (ED and PAH), doctors may adjust the dosages based on:

• Liver or kidney function: Patients with liver or kidney issues might need lower doses.
• Other medications: Sildenafil can interact with other rugs, such as nitrates (for chest pain), leading to dangerous drops in blood pressure. A doctor might adjust the dose accordingly.

Important Considerations

• Always take the dose as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Never exceed the recommended dose, as higher doses do not increase effectiveness and can raise the risk of side effects.

Avoid alcohol and fatty meals when using the medication, especially for ED, as these can reduce the effectiveness.

Doctors relate the precautions based on your health condition, medications you are taking, diet, and lifestyle factors.

Medical Conditions

Before using Sildenafil, inform your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions, as they can affect how the drug works or increase the risk of side effects:

Heart problems

If you have heart disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack or stroke, Sildenafil may not be safe. Sexual activity can place additional strain on the heart, and the medication can cause low blood pressure, which could be dangerous in people with heart conditions.

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Sildenafil can lower your blood pressure further, so use it cautiously in people with low blood pressure or those taking medications to lower blood pressure.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

People with high blood pressure should use Sildenafil with caution, especially if they are on medications to manage it.

Liver or kidney disease

Reduced liver or kidney function can affect how your body metabolizes Sildenafil. A doctor may prescribe a lower dose depending on the severity of the liver or kidney dysfunction.

Severe vision problems or a history of eye conditions

People with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) or who have certain retinal disorders should use Sildenafil cautiously, as it may trigger rare cases of vision loss.

Stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders

Sildenafil can increase the risk of bleeding, so use it with caution if you have a history of these conditions.

Priapism

If you have conditions that predispose you to priapism (a prolonged and painful erection), such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma, Sildenafil can increase the risk. Seek immediate medical attention if an erection lasts over 4 hours.

Medications That Can Interact with Sildenafil

Sildenafil can interact with various medications, leading to dangerous side effects, so it’s important to tell your doctor if you are taking the following medications:

Nitrates

Avoid Sildenafil with nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) that are prescribed for chest pain (angina), as this combination can cause a severe and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Alpha-blockers

Medications to treat high blood pressure or prostate problems can also cause a significant drop in blood pressure if taken with Sildenafil. A doctor may need to adjust your dose.

Other PDE5 inhibitors

Avoid taking Sildenafil with other PDE5 inhibitors for ED treatment, such as tadalafil, avanafil, vardenafil, or PAH treatment, such as riociguat.

Protease inhibitors (for HIV)

These medications can increase the levels of Sildenafil in your blood, which may increase the risk of side effects. You may need a lower dose.

Antibiotics and antifungals

Some medications, like erythromycin, clarithromycin, or ketoconazole, can increase Sildenafil’s concentration in your body, requiring dose adjustments.

Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin) 

It may increase the risk of bleeding.

Sildenafil can cause several side effects. Most are mild and go away naturally. However, severe side effects need immediate medical intervention:

• Headaches
• Flushing (feeling of warmth, especially in the face)
• Indigestion or upset stomach
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness
• Vision changes (like a blue tinge to vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light)

• Sudden vision loss: Rarely, Sildenafil can cause sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, possibly because of NAION.
• Hearing problems: Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeats could be a severe heart issue.
• Prolonged or painful erection (priapism): An erection lasting over 4 hours can damage the tissue of the penis and needs immediate treatment.

Can I take alcohol while on Sildenafil Citrate CT?

Alcohol can lower blood pressure and may enhance some of the side effects of Sildenafil, such as dizziness or fainting. Excessive alcohol consumption can also worsen ED.

Can I take grapefruit or grapefruit juice with Sildenafil Citrate CT?

Grapefruit products can affect how your body metabolizes Sildenafil, potentially increasing its concentration in the blood and causing side effects.

Is Sildenafil Citrate safe for all ages?

Sildenafil is safe for most men, but older adults may be more sensitive to the effects and require a lower dose, such as Sildenafil Citrate CT 25 mg.

Can children take Sildenafil Citrate CT?

For PAH, doctors may prescribe Sildenafil for children, but the doctors must use the dosage with utmost caution and control.

Can women take Sildenafil Citrate CT?

Not for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Sildenafil is not for women, but for women with PAH, the effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding are unclear.

When Can I take Sildenafil Citrate CT?

For ED, take Sildenafil 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.

How long does the Sildenafil Citrate CT effect last?

Its effect can last for about 4-5 hours.

Can I take Sildenafil Citrate CT with food?

Yes but avoid Fatty meals. Avoid taking Sildenafil with a high-fat meal. It may delay the absorption of the ingredients, thus reducing its effectiveness.