Fildena

What is Fildena?

Fildena is a prescription-only medication designed to help adult men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain erections during sexual stimulation. Its active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that enhances blood flow to the penis. Fildena also manages pulmonary arterial hypertension symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs. As a generic version of Viagra, Fildena is more affordable, making it accessible to a broader audience. 

Key Features of Fildena

• Active Ingredient: Sildenafil citrate
• Manufacturer: Fortune Healthcare, India
• Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 120 mg, and others
• Primary Uses: Erectile dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension

How Does Fildena Work?

Fildena works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which regulates blood flow in the penis. By blocking PDE5, sildenafil citrate increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, relaxing smooth muscles and dilating blood vessels in the penile region. This enhances blood flow, enabling an erection during sexual stimulation. For PAH, Fildena relaxes lung blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and improving exercise capacity. Sexual stimulation is required for ED treatment, and Fildena does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Learn more about PDE5 inhibitors at Mayo Clinic – Sildenafil.

Mechanism of Action

1. PDE5 Inhibition: Sildenafil prevents cGMP breakdown.
2. Muscle Relaxation: Increased cGMP relaxes penile blood vessels.
3. Enhanced Blood Flow: Improved circulation supports erections or relieves PAH symptoms.

Uses of Fildena

Fildena is prescribed for:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Helps men achieve and maintain erections with sexual stimulation.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Alleviates symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue by relaxing lung blood vessels.

It is not intended for women or individuals under 18. Safe sex practices, such as using condoms, are recommended. For detailed uses, refer to Drugs.com – Sildenafil.

Dosage and Administration

Fildena is taken orally with water, approximately 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. The typical starting dose is 50 mg, adjustable to 25 mg or 100 mg based on effectiveness and tolerability. Do not exceed one dose per day. For best results, take it on an empty stomach, as high-fat meals may delay onset by up to an hour.

Dosage Guidelines

• Timing: Take 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
• Administration: Swallow whole; do not crush or chew.
• Food Impact: High-fat meals may delay effects.
• Frequency: Limit to one dose daily.

Note: Follow your doctor’s prescription to avoid complications. Overdosing can increase side effect risks. 

Side Effects of Fildena

Most users tolerate Fildena well, but side effects can occur. Common side effects are usually mild and temporary, while serious ones require immediate medical attention.

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Flushing (warmth in face or neck)
• Indigestion
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision or color changes

Serious Side Effects

• Prolonged erection (priapism, lasting over 4 hours)
• Sudden vision loss
• Sudden hearing loss or ringing in ears
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)

Seek medical help immediately for serious side effects. For a full list, visit NHS – Sildenafil Side Effects.

Precautions and Warnings

Fildena is not suitable for everyone. Discuss your medical history with your doctor to ensure safe use.

Who Should Avoid Fildena?

• Those allergic to sildenafil citrate or any Fildena ingredients.
• Individuals taking nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) or nitric oxide donors (e.g., amyl nitrite).
• Patients with severe heart or liver conditions.
• Those with a recent heart attack (within 90 days) or stroke (within 6 months).
• Individuals with low blood pressure or hereditary retinal disorders (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa).

Conditions Requiring Caution

• Heart conditions (e.g., angina, heart failure)
• Kidney or liver disease
• Blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia)
• Penile deformities (e.g., Peyronie’s disease)
• History of priapism or bleeding disorders

Additional Precautions

• Alcohol: Limit alcohol to avoid reduced effectiveness or increased dizziness.
• Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit juice, as it may affect drug metabolism.
• Driving: Avoid driving if experiencing dizziness or vision changes.
• Age: Not for individuals under 18 or women.

Warning: Combining Fildena with nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. For more precautions, check MedlinePlus – Sildenafil.

Drug Interactions

Fildena may interact with medications, affecting its efficacy or increasing side effect risks. Inform your doctor about all medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products.

Notable Interactions

• Nitrates: Can cause severe hypotension.
• Alpha-blockers: May lead to low blood pressure or dizziness.
• Antifungals/Antibiotics: Drugs like ketoconazole or erythromycin may increase sildenafil levels.
• HIV protease inhibitors: May require dose adjustments.
• Other ED drugs: Avoid concurrent use to prevent overdose.

For a complete interaction list, refer to Drugs.com – Sildenafil Interactions.

Storage and Disposal

Proper storage and disposal ensure Fildena’s safety and effectiveness:

• Storage: Keep at room temperature (15-30°C), away from moisture and heat, in its original packaging.
• Safety: Store out of reach and sight of children.
• Disposal: Return unused or expired tablets to a pharmacy; do not flush or discard in household waste.

Patient Information Leaflet for Fildena

As Fildena contains sildenafil citrate, its patient information leaflet aligns with that of sildenafil-based medications like Viagra. Below is a summarized version of key PIL points for Fildena users, based on standard sildenafil leaflets.

Key Information from the PIL

• Purpose: Treats erectile dysfunction and PAH in adult men, requiring sexual stimulation for ED.
• Contraindications:
• Avoid if allergic to sildenafil or any ingredients.
• Do not use with nitrates, nitric oxide donors, or riociguat.
• Contraindicated in severe heart/liver issues, recent stroke/heart attack, low blood pressure, or vision loss due to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
• Special Care:
• Inform your doctor about heart, kidney, liver, blood, or penile conditions.
• Stop use and seek help for sudden vision/hearing loss, chest pain, or priapism.
• Dosage Adjustments:
• Lower doses (e.g., 25 mg) for kidney/liver issues or with certain drugs.
• Administration:
• Take 30-60 minutes before sexual activity, swallow with water.
• Effects last 4-5 hours; avoid heavy meals or grapefruit juice.
• Side Effects:
• Very Common (>1/10): Headache.
• Common (1-10/100): Flushing, indigestion, vision changes, nasal congestion, dizziness.
• Uncommon (1-10/1,000): Blurred vision, nausea, rapid heartbeat, nosebleeds.
• Rare (1-10/10,000): Fainting, seizures, hearing loss, priapism, heart attack, stroke.
• Post-Marketing: Allergic reactions, severe skin rashes; seek help for serious symptoms.
• Storage: Store at room temperature in original packaging, away from children.
• Ingredients:
• Active: Sildenafil citrate.
• Inactive: Microcrystalline cellulose, calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, triacetin.

For the full PIL, consult the leaflet provided with the medication or visit Sildenafil 100 mg PIL.

Table: Fildena Patient Information Leaflet Summary

Section	Details
Purpose	Treats ED and PAH; requires sexual stimulation for ED.
Do Not Take If	Allergic to sildenafil, using nitrates, severe heart/liver issues, recent stroke/heart attack, NAION.
Special Care	Heart, kidney, liver, blood, or penile conditions.
Dosage	50 mg starting dose, adjustable to 25-100 mg, 30-60 min before sex; max once daily.
Side Effects	Headache, flushing, indigestion; rare: priapism, vision/hearing loss.
Storage	Room temperature, in original packaging, away from children.
Ingredients	Sildenafil citrate; inactive: cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Fildena used for?
   Fildena is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, helping achieve and maintain erections. It may also be used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to improve exercise capacity.
2. How does Fildena work?
   Fildena contains sildenafil citrate, which inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation to support erections or relaxing lung blood vessels for PAH.
3. What are the side effects of Fildena?
   Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, and blurred vision. Serious side effects, though rare, include prolonged erection, vision or hearing loss, and chest pain.
4. How should I take Fildena?
   Take Fildena orally with water, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Do not exceed one dose per day. It can be taken with or without food, but high-fat meals may delay its effect.
5. Can I take Fildena with alcohol?
   Avoid excessive alcohol, as it may increase side effects like dizziness and reduce Fildena’s effectiveness in treating ED.
6. Is Fildena the same as Viagra?
   Fildena and Viagra both contain sildenafil citrate and work similarly for ED, but Fildena is a generic version, often more affordable.
7. Where can I buy Fildena?
   Fildena can be purchased from licensed online pharmacies, local drugstores, or medical supply stores with a prescription.
8. Do I need a prescription for Fildena?
   Yes, Fildena is a prescription-only medication. Consult a doctor to ensure it’s suitable for you.
9. What should I do if I miss a dose?
   Fildena is taken as needed, so missing a dose is unlikely. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
10. Can women take Fildena?
    Fildena is not intended for women and is specifically designed for men with erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion

Fildena is a reliable and cost-effective treatment for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, offering the benefits of sildenafil citrate at a lower cost than brand-name alternatives like Viagra. Its effects, lasting up to 4-5 hours, provide effective relief when used under medical guidance. The patient information leaflet is a vital resource for understanding safe use, dosage, and precautions. Always consult a healthcare provider to confirm Fildena is appropriate for your needs and source it from reputable pharmacies to ensure quality and safety.