What is Revatio prescribed for?

Revatio is typically prescribed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and improve exercise capacity in men and women. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare type of high blood pressure that occurs between the heart and lungs. PAH can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Revatio is available in a generic alternative form, which is sold under its active ingredient, called Sildenafil. Sildenafil is an also active ingredient that is in Viagra, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.

How does Revatio work?

Revatio (Sildenafil) belongs to a drug class known as PDE-5 (Phosphodiesterase type-5) inhibitor, and it relaxes muscles and improves blood flow in particular areas of the body. When someone has PAH, the pulmonary arteries become narrow or blocked and the heart must work harder to pump blood through the lungs.This drug works by relaxing the muscles of the blood vessels within the lungs, which enables increased blood supply to the lungs and reduces the workload of the heart.

Revatio can be administered in three different formulations: oral tablet, suspension, and injection. At My Drug Center, we sell the medication in the form of a white film-coated, round oral tablets engraved with “RVT20” which contains 20 mg of sildenafil. It is usually taken three times each day, about 4 to 6 hours apart.

Before taking your prescribed medication, read all the instructions and paper work that is given to you by your pharmacist. Take Revatio (Sildenafil) orally 60 minutes before sexual activity. 

Many factors can influence how long Revatio takes to start working. In general, Revatio takes about 45-60 minutes to produce noticeable effects. But your diet, your overall health, and the medications you’re taking, underlying conditions, and much more can all affect the amount of time this medication takes to work in your body and how long it lasts.

Do not change or increase your dose without consulting your physician first. Avoid taking more than one dose a day.

Store Revatio (Sildenafil) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Before taking Sildenafil, tell your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies. This drug may contain medical and non-medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction or other problems. Also, speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions relating to heart attacks, kidney disease, high or low blood pressure, severe loss of body water, and priapism. Make sure to mention any current medications or supplementation you use to avoid interactions with Sildenafil.

This drug may make you feel dizzy, drowsy or cause vision problems. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness or clear vision until it safe for you to do so. Alcohol and Cannabis can exasperate these side effects. Additionally you can speak with your doctor about acceptable limits for these substances while taking Sildenafil.

Do not take this medication with any other product that contains sildenafil or other similar medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) or pumonary hypertension.

Side effects can include:

Flushing (redness or warmth of the face, neck, or chest), headaches, stomach upset, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms (such as stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat), memory problems, muscle or back pain, nausea, low blood pressure, dizziness, blurred vision and changes in color vision, abnormal ejaculation, and prolonged erections (priapism).

More serious side effects:

A painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, sudden decreased vision (including permanent blindness, in one or both eyes), a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness.

If any side effects become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in additional treatment. For any serious side effects speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.

Q: What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

A: Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor first.

Q: What is the best dosage to take?

A: The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. 

Q: What if I miss a dose?

A: If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you can, but if the missed dose is close to the time of your next dose, then skip it. Do not take two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while taking this medication?

A: Grapefruit may interact with sildenafil and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products. Also, do not take Sildenafil with similar medications such as Stendra, Cialis, or Levitra. Talk to your doctor about other medications that you are currently taking.

Q: What is the best way to store this medication?

A: This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in wastewater. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.

Q: Is this medication safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: Woman typically do not use this medication. Speak with your doctor associated with the risk of having contact with Viagra during pregnancy and breastfeeding.