DESCRIPTION
Caverta is Ranbaxy's brand of "sildenafil citrate".
Sildenafil is the latest oral drug introduced for the treatment of a condition known as "erectile dysfunction" (ED).
Thid drug can help many men who have ED, get and keep an erection when they become sexually stimulated.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Headache, facial flushing, dyspepsia and nasal congestion. This drug may also briefly cause bluish or blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
Rarely, an erection lasting more than 4 hours may occur and if it occurs, immediate medical help should be sought.
CAUTIONS
Elderly patients who do not suffer from serious cardiac problems and do not have any other contraindication can take Caverta.
They should be given lower dose (25mg).
Patients with hepatic or renal impairment can take lower dose (25mg).
It is not for children, or women.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Simultaneous use of Sildenafil with nitrates may cause sudden and marked lowering of blood pressure.
This can cause dizziness and may precipitate angina or heart attack in certain patients.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Grapefruit juice. Avoid substantial alcohol intake. May be taken with or without food.
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
St. John’s wort
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category B. Not for use in women, and not recommended during breast-feeding.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
In studies up to 2 years, sildenafil has maintained its clinical efficacy. Good tolerability and low withdrawal rates were seen during 2 years' treatment. Headache, flushing, dyspepsia were the most common adverse events. Abnormal vision occurred in 2% of patients. No long-term vision problems were noted.
