Revatio

Drug Name

Revatio (sildenafil)

Drug Uses

Revatio (sildenafil) is used to treat pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels between the heart and lungs) when people have not responded to conventional treatment. It helps reduce pulmonary blood pressure by widening blood vessels. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

The recommended dose of sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension is 20 mg three times daily, approximately 6 to 8 hours apart. It can be taken with or without food.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Revatio (sildenafil) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs, which decreases blood pressure.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to make up for a missed one.

Storage

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Sildenafil if you have acute intermittent porphyria. Before taking Sildenafil, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.
Do not take Sildenafil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Sildenafil passes into breast milk.
Do not take Sildenafil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Sildenafil is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Possible Side Effects

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• arm or leg pain
• back pain
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• fever
• flu-like symptoms
• flushing
• headache
• indigestion
• muscle aches
• nosebleeds