Sildenafil is a widely recognized medication. Confusion often arises regarding the terms “sildenafil” and “sildenafil citrate.” This article clarifies the distinction, explaining the medication’s function and important considerations for its use.
Sildenafil and Sildenafil Citrate: Unpacking the Names
Sildenafil is the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Sildenafil citrate is the salt form of this compound. Medications are often formulated as salts to improve their stability, solubility, and absorption in the body, making them more effective when taken orally. For example, common table salt is sodium chloride, where chloride is the salt form of sodium.
In essence, sildenafil and sildenafil citrate refer to the same active drug substance. The “citrate” part indicates that the sildenafil molecule has been combined with citric acid to create a salt. Therefore, both terms are often used interchangeably for the drug found in both branded and generic versions.
What Sildenafil Does
Sildenafil primarily functions as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It is known for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and is also approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition involving high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
For erectile dysfunction, sildenafil works by enhancing the natural process of an erection. When sexually stimulated, nitric oxide is released, increasing levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the penis. This cGMP causes smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow, leading to an erection. Sildenafil inhibits the enzyme PDE5, which breaks down cGMP, allowing cGMP to accumulate and prolonging smooth muscle relaxation and blood flow into the penis.
In pulmonary arterial hypertension, sildenafil similarly acts on PDE5 in the lungs. By inhibiting this enzyme, it promotes the relaxation and widening of blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and making it easier for the heart to pump blood. This action improves exercise capacity and can help delay disease progression in individuals with PAH.
Safe Use and Important Considerations
Sildenafil requires a medical consultation and prescription from a healthcare professional. A doctor can assess individual health conditions and determine the appropriate dosage. The medication is available in various forms, including tablets and oral suspensions.
Common side effects include headaches, flushing, indigestion, and nasal congestion. More serious, though less common, side effects like sudden vision or hearing loss, or a prolonged erection, require immediate medical attention. It is important to inform your doctor about any existing heart conditions or other medications you are taking.
Sildenafil is contraindicated in individuals taking nitrate medications, often prescribed for chest pain, as this combination can lead to a potentially fatal drop in blood pressure. Patients should also discuss any history of bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, or certain eye conditions with their doctor. Self-medication with sildenafil is not advised due to these risks and the need for proper medical guidance.