Silagra

What Silagra Is

Silagra is a brand name of a drug called sildenafil, which is used for symptomatic treatment of erectile dysfunction of different origin (both organic and psychological). It works by relaxing the muscles of the blood vessels in the penile tissues, which expands them and increases the blood flow to the penis. Silagra is meant for adult male patients and is taken orally. It is intended for occasional (on-demand) use and has to be taken about 30-60 minutes before engaging in sexual intercourse. The drug helps to develop and maintain erection and provides sufficient hardness for penetrative sex for about 2-4 hours.

Sometimes sildenafil is also used for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, though usually under other brand names. In this case, sildenafil can be taken either orally or intravenously.

Recommendations for Use, Dosage, and Overdose

Silagra is supplied in the tablet form. Take Silagra exactly as prescribed. Follow all the directions on your prescription, label and instruction sheet.

Take Silagra 30-60 minutes before sexual interaction with or without meal. Note that if taken with food, the onset of effect can occur a bit later. The effect lasts up to 4 hours.

Silagra is normally taken once a day in a single maximum daily dose. Do not take the drug in bigger amounts or more often than once a day. It will not improve the effect but can lead to serious consequences for your health.

Drink a plenty of water while taking Silagra to keep proper functioning of the kidneys. Remember that natural sexual stimulation is still needed for arousal; the drug cannot cause erection on its own.

During sexual intercourse, if you feel nausea, dizzy or feel numbness, pain, or tingling in your arms, chest, neck, or jaw, stop it and call your doctor or an ambulance. These can be the signs of a serious adverse reaction to sildenafil.

Symptoms of Silagra overdose include trouble breathing, painful/prolonged erection, severe dizziness, fainting. If you suspect an overdose, get urgent medical help.

Precautions and Contraindications

Silagra is meant for adult male patients only. Therefore, it cannot be used for women and children. It also cannot be used for patients allergic to sildenafil or those who receive treatment against pulmonary arterial hypertension with a similar action as sildenafil.

Silagra cannot be taken by patients who are taking nitrate drugs for heart conditions or chest pain. To such drugs belong isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin, and isosorbide mononitrate. Some recreational drugs (for example, nitrite or amyl nitrate) also contain nitrates. Taking sildenafil along with a nitrate drug can lead to a sudden and serious drop in blood pressure.

To ensure that Silagra is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had the following conditions:

  • Heart conditions (arrythmia, chest pain, heart attack);
  • Hypo- or hypertension;
  • Problems with blood circulation;
  • Eye conditions (retinitis pigmentosa, blindness);
  • Coagulation problems;
  • Stomach ulcer;
  • Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD);
  • Severe kidney or liver disease;
  • Blood cell disorder (leukemia, multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia);
  • Physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease).

Rare cases of sudden vision loss were reported while using sildenafil, though it is not clear if the drug is the actual cause. It can be due to sildenafil property to reduce the blood flow to the optic nerve. This situation has occurred in a small number of patients taking sildenafil, most of whom had aggravating health issues, like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, certain pre-existing eye problems, senior or smoking patients.

Interactions with Other Drugs and Substances

Do not take Silagra with medicines with similar action, like other drugs against erectile dysfunction, such as tadalafil (Cialis), avanafil (Stendra), or vardenafil (Levitra), or against pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as riociguat (Adempas).

Do not take Silagra if you are taking nitrate drugs for heart problems or chest pain, such as isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin, and isosorbide mononitrate. Some recreational drugs, like amyl nitrate or nitrite, can also contain nitrates. Combining sildenafil with nitrate medicines can lead to a sudden and serious drop in blood pressure.

Tell your doctor about any other drugs you are using, in particular:

  • Drugs against hypertension or a prostate disorder;
  • Antifungals: itraconazole or ketoconazole;
  • Antiviral therapy against HIV/AIDS: ritonavir and others.

The list of possible interactions is not complete. Other substances may interact with sildenafil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about any drugs or products you are using regularly.

Side Effects

Get urgent medical help if you’ve noticed the following signs of a severe allergic reaction to sildenafil: difficulty breathing;

  • Hives;
  • Swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat.

Common Silagra side effects include:

  • Flushing (redness, warmth, or tingling);
  • Dizziness;
  • Headache;
  • Nausea, heartburn, or upset stomach;
  • Blurred vision, changes in color;
  • Stuffy or runny nose, nosebleeds;
  • Insomnia;
  • Muscle or back pain.

Most of the effects listed above are mild, short-term, and pass with time.

Get emergency medical help if you have:

  • Symptoms of a heart attack: pressure or pain in the chest, spreading to your shoulder or jaw, sweating, nausea;
  • Vision impairment or loss;
  • Painful or long-lasting erection (longer than 4 hours);
  • Ringing in your ears or sudden hearing loss;
  • Swelling in your extremities;
  • Irregular heartbeat;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Seizure (convulsions);
  • Light-headedness or fainting.

This list of side effects is not complete, and other reactions may occur. Report any bothersome symptoms you experience. Seek a consultation with your doctor and, perhaps, ask them for dose adjustment.

Keep in Mind

Provide your doctor with the full information about your medical history, any currently taken drugs, or any special circumstances such as allergies, etc.

Do not recommend your medications to any other person, even if their symptoms are similar to yours. Keep the pills away from children and store them in a dry ventilated place.

Inform your doctor about any bodily response you experience. If you have any strong side effects, seek urgent medical attention.