What is Revatio?

Revatio (Sildenafil Citrate) is prescribed for both men and women with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to help to improve their ability to exercise. PAH is a result of high blood pressure in the vessels which carry blood to the lungs which can cause shortness of breath, dizziness and tiredness. Sildenafil works by relaxing the muscles of the blood vessels which increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Revatio can be taken with or without food and is typically taken 3 times a day. Your sildenafil dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment and other medications you may be taking.
• You should not take more than your recommended Revatio dosage. Doing so will not improve your condition quicker but will increase the risk of side effects.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history especially of heart problems, stroke, high or low blood pressure, dehydration, blood circulation problems, blood cell disorders stomach ulcer, liver disease, stomach disease, retinitis pigmentosa or blindness in one or both eyes.
• Any penis conditions such as angulation, fibrosis, scarring or Peyronie’s disease or a painful or prolonged erection over four hours.
• If you have been told not to have sex for medical reasons.
• If you are pregnant, planning on pregnancy or breast feeding.

Also be aware that:

• Revatio can cause dizziness or cause vision problems. Do not drive, operate machinery or do any other activity requiring alertness until you can do it safely. Taking Revatio and alcohol or marijuana may increase the chance of dizziness or vision problems.

Common sildenafil side effects may include but are not limited to:

• Warmth, redness or a tingly feeling.
• Headaches, muscle pain or back pain. or dizziness.
• Vision changes such as blurred vision or changes to your color vision.
• Nosebleeds, runny or stuffed nose.
• Sleeping problems such as insomnia.
• Upset stomach.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following Revatio side effects:

• Severe shortness of breath.
• Cough with foamy mucus.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles or feet.
• Seizures, lightheadedness or the feeling that you may pass out.

Q: Is Revatio the same as Viagra?

A: Both Revatio and Viagra contain the same active ingredient known as sildenafil citrate and both medications relax blood muscles to increase blood flow. However Revatio is given in a lower strength than Viagra. Revatio is only sold in 20mg capsules while Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Revatio is prescribed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension while Viagra is usually prescribed for erectile dysfunction. You should not take both Revatio and Viagra. Always take the medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Q: What drugs affect Revatio?

A: Always tell your prescribing doctor about all the other medicines you use especially high blood pressure medications, prostate disorder medications, antifungal medicines and HIV medicines. You should not take Revatio with erectile dysfunction medicines such as Viagra, Cialis, Stendra, Levitra or their generic alternatives.