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Home > Drug Category > Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) > Revatio and Equivalent

Revatio Information

Revatio (Sildenafil Citrate) is primarily used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs (the pulmonary arteries) becomes dangerously high. Pulmonary arterial hypertension narrows and tightens the blood vessels in the lungs, making it incredibly difficult for the heart to pump blood through them. This medication is most useful in treating patients diagnosed with Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension, a disease process according to the World Health Organisation characterized by a primarily pulmonary arterial disease that mainly affects the small arteries and arterioles in the lungs. Revatio is typically used to improve exercise capacity and delay clinical worsening of this condition.

Sildenafil belongs to the class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Like other medications in its class, it works by blocking the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme, which relaxes the smooth muscle cells lining blood vessels. When the blood vessels in the lungs relax and dilate (a process called vasodilation), the pressure inside them drops, allowing blood to flow more easily.

Sildenafil has also been proven helpful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Its inhibitory effects on phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme allow for a greater blood flow into the penis when a man is sexually aroused through vasodilation of the penile blood vessels. This effect helps an individual to achieve and keep an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Sildenafil typically works only with sexual stimulation and does not heighten your sexual desire.

Revatio Side Effects

Like many other medications, sildenafil has a spectrum of possible side effects, ranging from widespread and manageable effects to more serious reactions that require immediate medical attention.

Some common side effects of this medication include nosebleeds, headache, upset stomach, red or hot face (flushing), arm or leg pain, muscle aches and pain, back pain, and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Bleeding in the lungs, with symptoms like oozing bloody fluid from the nose and respiratory tract, a bluish tint to the lips and skin, and worsening difficulty in breathing;
• Decreased blood pressure with symptoms such as severe lightheadedness and dizziness, fainting;
• Prolonged (longer than 4 hours), painful, or inappropriate erection of the penis;
• Seizures;
• Signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain or pressure, pain extending through the shoulder;
• Signs of stroke such as sudden or severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, vision changes, sudden slurring of speech;
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing;
• Vision problems, including decreased eyesight or sudden loss of vision

Revatio Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sildenafil, other ingredients in Revatio, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Bleeding disorder;
• Blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and multiple myeloma;
• Eye problems;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Lactose Intolerance;
• Liver disease;
• Lung disease with occlusion of blood vessels in the lungs;
• Penis conditions such as Peyronie's disease, priapism;
• Peptic ulcer disease;
• Stroke

Given the fact that sildenafil can cause dizziness or vision changes, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, it is advisable to avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by this medication.

Consult your doctor before using this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding to help determine its risk and benefits for your condition and your baby. Revatio should not be given to children younger than 1 year, as its safety has not been established in this age group. Taking sildenafil with some other medications, such as riociguat, nitrate-containing drugs, can increase the risk of severe low blood pressure. Therefore, before taking this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines, to determine if it is safe to use along with sildenafil.

Take Revatio tablets orally as prescribed. You can take it with or without food. Do not eat grapefruit or high-fat meals while taking this medication, as they can alter the effects of this drug in the body. Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for you, as it usually depends on the kind of conditions you are being treated for, your age, body weight, response to treatment, and other factors. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more usage instructions. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it away from sunlight, moisture, and out of children's reach.

Do I need a prescription to order Revatio?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Revatio.