Cobra Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and FAQs - medicorepk

Cobra Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and FAQs

Uses

Sildenafil is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction-ED). In combination with sexual stimulation, sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help a man get and keep an erection.This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Practice "safe sex" such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How to use Sildenafil Tablet 

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking sildenafil and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

To treat erectile dysfunction-ED, take this drug by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually as needed. Take sildenafil at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours, before sexual activity (1 hour before is the most effective). Do not take more than once daily.

A high-fat meal may delay how quickly the drug begins to work.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to sildenafil: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking sildenafil and get emergency medical help if you have:

• heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• vision changes or sudden vision loss;
• erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection can damage the penis);
• ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;
• irregular heartbeat;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• shortness of breath;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common sildenafil side effects may include:

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• headache, dizziness;
• heartburn, nausea, or upset stomach
• abnormal vision (blurred vision, changes in color vision)
• runny or stuffy nose, nosebleeds;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• muscle pain, back pain.

Precautions

Generic: Sildenafil

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

Brand: Viagra

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

• Typical dosage: 50 mg, taken as needed about 1 hour before sexual activity. It can be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity.
• Maximum dosage: 100 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug has not been confirmed to be safe or effective in children younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys, liver, or heart of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage of sildenafil. This can help prevent levels of this drug from building up in your body.

Dosage for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Generic: Sildenafil

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 20 mg

Brand: Revatio

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 20 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

• Typical dosage: 5 or 20 mg, taken three times per day about 4 to 6 hours apart
• Maximum dosage: 20 mg, taken three times per day about 4 to 6 hours apart

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug shouldn’t be used in children younger than 18 years of age.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys, liver, or heart of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk for side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage of sildenafil. This can help prevent levels of this drug from building up in your body.

FAQs

Who should take sildenafil?

A person with symptoms of ED can take sildenafil if they first discuss it with a healthcare professional.

Sildenafil can also help those with pulmonary arterial hypertensionTrusted Source. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels in a person’s lungs, which helps blood flow.

As sildenafil requires a valid prescription, a doctor will prescribe an appropriate dosage for an individual. A person should not take more than the prescribed dosage.

ED may sometimesTrusted Source be a sign of an underlying condition. For this reason, people should contact a doctor if they experience difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. 

Some conditions that may cause ED include:

• type 2 diabetes
• multiple sclerosis
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• atherosclerosis, which refers to the hardening of the arteries

Learn more about the causes of ED.

Who should not take sildenafil?

If a person is taking nitrate medication that lowers their blood pressure, they cannot take sildenafil. This is because sildenafil can further lower blood pressure and cause serious side effects, such as life threatening hypotensionTrusted Source.

Nitrate medication includes nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, and isosorbide dinitrate. 

Sildenafil is also unsuitable for people with heart conditions due to its effect on arteries. The drug stimulates the release of nitric oxideTrusted Source, which causes arteries to widen, lowering blood pressure. Although this is typically safe in a person with a healthy heart, it could be detrimental to those with heart conditions. 

What happens when people overdose?

A person should ensure they take the correct dosage of sildenafil. If they take more than a healthcare professional describes, they should seek medical advice immediately.

Sildenafil binds itselfTrusted Source to plasma in the blood, and the kidneys do not filter it out of the body as it does with certain other medications. 

High doses of sildenafil increase the severity and duration of side effects. People may notice an increase in visual changes

Warnings

• Priapism warning: This drug can cause priapism, which is an erection that won’t go away. If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If it’s not treated right away, this condition can cause permanent damage to your penis.
• Sudden vision loss warning: This drug can cause sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. This can be a sign of a serious eye problem. If this occurs, stop taking sildenafil and call your doctor right away.
• Sudden hearing loss warning: This drug can cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in your ears), or dizziness. If you have sudden hearing loss with or without tinnitus or dizziness, stop taking sildenafil and call your doctor right away.
• Use in children warning: Children generally should not take sildenafil; however, there are instances where the drug is considered the best treatment option. Talk with your child’s doctor to better understand the benefits and risks associated with this treatment option.