Sildenafil Citrate BP indicates that the sildenafil citrate product meets the standards outlined in the British Pharmacopoeia (BP). The British Pharmacopoeia is the official collection of standards for the quality of medicinal substances and pharmaceutical preparations in the United Kingdom. This ensures that the sildenafil citrate used in medications meets specific criteria for identity, purity, strength, and quality.
Sildenafil citrate is the salt form of sildenafil, a medication primarily used for two main conditions:
1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
- Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This helps men achieve and maintain an erection. It's important to note that sildenafil only works if the man is sexually aroused. Common brand names for sildenafil used for ED include Viagra.
2. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH):
- Sildenafil, under the brand name Revatio, is also used to treat PAH. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs, which lowers blood pressure and allows the heart to pump more efficiently. This can improve exercise ability and reduce symptoms.
Common Side Effects of Sildenafil:
The most common side effects of sildenafil are usually mild and temporary. They include:
- Headache
- Flushing (redness and warmth of the face, neck, or chest)
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Dizziness
- Changes in vision (such as blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, or difficulty distinguishing between blue and green)
Serious Side Effects:
Although less common, some serious side effects can occur. These require immediate medical attention:
- Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes (may be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy - NAION)
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and dizziness
- Chest pain or a feeling of heaviness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- An erection that is painful or lasts for more than 4 hours (priapism)
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing)
- Seizures
