What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is used in dogs and cats with heart and/or lung problems that cause increased blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Sildenafil has been shown to improve energy, exercise tolerance, and overall quality of life in animals with pulmonary hypertension. It is sold per tablet and requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Dogs and Cats
Benefits:
- Helps treat symptoms of heart and/or lung problems
- Shown to improve energy, exercise tolerance, and overall quality of life in animals with pulmonary hypertension
- Sold per tablet
How does Sildenafil work?
Pulmonary hypertension refers to abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs that forces the right side of the heart to work harder than normal. Sildenafil causes the smooth muscle surrounding small blood vessels in the lungs to relax, decreasing the workload on the heart.
Cautions:
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children. This drug should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. Do not give this medication to a person. Sildenafil should not be used in pets that are experiencing low blood pressure, shock, blood or fluid loss, or certain heart or lung problems that will not be improved by this medication.
What is the most important thing I should know about Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a drug that is used in dogs and cats with heart and/or lung problems that cause increased blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It is sold per tablet and requires a prescription from your veterinarian. The usual dose ranges between 2.2-6.6 mg/lb 2-3 times daily.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Sildenafil to my pet?
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating or takes other medications.
How should Sildenafil be given?
Give Sildenafil to your pet exactly as instructed. The usual dose of Sildenafil is 2.2-6.6 mg/lb 2-3 times daily by the mouth. Sildenafil can be given with or without food, as prescribed by your veterinarian.
What are the potential side effects of Sildenafil?
Reported side effects of Sildenafil in dogs include gastrointestinal upset and reddening or flushing of the skin.
What happens if I miss giving a dose of Sildenafil?
If you miss giving your pet a dose of sildenafil, give the next dose as soon as you remember or, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, return to the regular schedule. Do not double dose to catch up.
What happens if I overdose my pet on Sildenafil?
Seek veterinary medical care immediately.
What should I avoid while giving Sildenafil to my pet?
Avoid using with medications that may cause low blood pressure, like nitrates, nitroprusside sodium, alpha-adrenergic blockers (phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine, phenothiazines), amlodipine, or any other hypotensive medications.
What other drugs will affect Sildenafil?
The following medications may interact with Sildenafil: cimetidine, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, phenobarbital, and rifampin.
