How does Sildenafil work in Pulmonary hypertension?

How does Sildenafil work in Pulmonary hypertension?
Alex Perry Published : Feb 03, 2024 Last Updated : Feb 06, 2024

With time, Sildenafil has become the best medicine for treating pulmonary hypertension. It is generally known as Erectile dysfunction medication but also has medical benefits for PH. FDA approved Sildenafil citrate in 2005 for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. 

The medication is helping several people deal with the problem of pulmonary hypertension effectively and quickly. Sildenafil is an active salt which found in a popular medicine Viagra.

So, before you understand Sildenafil, knowing what pulmonary hypertension is necessary. 

What is Pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is when you experience too high blood pressure in the arteries.These arteries are involved in supplying blood to your lungs from the heart. 

When the arteries narrow, it becomes difficult for your heart to pump blood to the lungs. The extra effort made by the heart eventually causes the heart muscle to become weak and fail.

As a result, you start suffering from the problem of pulmonary hypertension. In some people, PH slowly worsens and can be life-threatening. 

What are the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?

The signs and symptoms of this medical health issue develop gradually. 

You might even notice the signs of pulmonary hypertension after several months or years. 

As the disease progress, the symptoms get worse and affect you badly. Some of the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include:

  • Shortness of breath while exercising and even during resting
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Fast pulse or pounding heartbeat 
  • Fatigue
  • Bluish color of your skin and lips
  • Chest pain or feeling of pressure on the chest
  • Swelling in your ankles, legs, and your abdomen.

How does Sildenafil work to treat pulmonary hypertension?

Sildenafil works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of your arteries, making the blood vessels broader. 

As a result, the pressure in the arteries is reduced, and blood flow through them is properly flowing. 

Sildenafil also further helps increase the blood supply to the lungs and enhances your ability to indulge in physical activities. 

Keep one thing in your mind, Sildenafil is a prescription medicine and should be taken under the supervision of a doctor. 

How to take Sildenafil for Pulmonary hypertension?

Want to experience the quick benefits of Sildenafil to treat pulmonary hypertension? 

If yes, reading the patient leaflet information beforehand and following the doctor's recommendation is important. 

The doctor will suggest the right dosage depending on your age and condition. 

For adults, one tablet of 20mg, three times a day, is required with a gap of 6-8 hours. 

Although, the doctor will recommend the right dosage of Sildenafil for you, so take it accordingly.

Try taking the medicine at the same time every day because this will assist you in remembering to take the tablet.

You should never increase or decrease the dosage without the doctor's consultation. 

However, you can take the medicine before or after the food as directed by your medical expert.

To experience the complete benefits of the drug, take it simultaneously and in the same dosage as directed. 

If you missed the dose, take it when you remember. Try taking the right number of doses regularly. 

You should never take two doses simultaneously because it will make you suffer from serious side effects. 

What do you need to inform your doctor before taking Sildenafil?

To save yourself from serious complications, it is advised to tell the doctor about your other health conditions. 

Not only this, but you must also inform the doctor about all other medications you are taking. 

Here are a few health conditions that your doctor should know beforehand:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Vision problems or eye disease
  • Heart or blood vessel disease
  • Any eye condition that leads to loss of vision
  • Bleeding disorders
  • History of blood diseases, such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia
  • Kidney or liver diseases

Taking care of drug interactions that Sildenafil may cause with mediations like:

  • Nitrates
  • Certain medications for blood pressure problems
  • Antibiotics and Antifungal medication
  • Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
  • Other PDE5 inhibitors

Thus, taking Sildenafil Tablets (Cenforce) under your doctor's supervision can help you provide quick relief from pulmonary hypertension.

Precautions while taking Sildenafil for Pulmonary arterial hypertension:

  • If you have an allergy to Sildenafil, you should avoid taking this medication. 
  • Do not consume alcohol while taking Sildenafil tablets. Drinking alcohol with Sildenafil may increase the chances of side effects that this drug may cause.
  • Avoid the use of grapefruit or grape juice when taking Sildenafil citrate tablets. Due to the interaction between these substances, you may have unwanted effects on your body. 
  • Tell your doctor about all the other medications you take before you get prescribed Sildenafil. Also, you must know that Sildenafil is contraindicated with medications like nitrates used to treat chest pain or angina. 
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby before using Sildenafil for PAH. 

FaQs 

How is Sildenafil citrate a vasodilator?

Sildenafil citrate is a selective phosphodiesterase type5(PDE5)inhibitor. It works as a vasodilator and relaxes the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels in specific areas. Sildenafil, thus, helps to treat conditions such as Erectile dysfunction(ED) and pulmonary hypertension(PH). 

Why is Sildenafil contraindicated for hypertension?

Due to moderate vasodilating properties, Sildenafil includes Hypotension as its common side effect. And the risk increases when you take Sildenafil and nitrate drugs together. The interaction between these drugs may cause a serious drop in blood pressure that can be fatal. Thus, Sildenafil is contraindicated for hypertension and when you take nitrate medications. 

Is sildenafil tablet safe for BP patients?

You can take a Sildenafil tablet if you have high blood pressure but consult a doctor first. Let your doctor know if you are already taking any medications for your uncontrolled blood pressure. 

Is pulmonary hypertension lifelong?

Pulmonary hypertension is a lifelong health problem with risks like high blood pressure. PH symptoms can be well managed through oral medications that you can easily buy online. 

Can men and women both Sildenafil for PH?

Yes, Sildenafil can treat PAH in both men and women. The side effects among both genders are the same and effectively treat the condition. But studies do not show any effect on sexual function in females during the use of Sildenafil.