Small Talk: Getting To Know Your Drug
Sildenafil belongs to this drug class
What is Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitor?
Sildenafil comes in these two dosage forms for the treatment of PAH
What is Oral and IV?
We are really good at measuring this parameters that is affected by the vasodilator effects of sildenafil
What is Blood pressure?
This side effect relates to its PAH indication and is the reason why BP should be monitored consistently
What is hypotension?
This drug, which may cause cyanide toxicity, should be avoided as it enhances hypotensive effect of sildenafil
What is nitroprosside and other nitrates?
Combination therapy for low to intermediate risk PAH includes sildenafil and a drug from this other class
What is Endothelia Receptor Antagonists (ERA)?
Patients often start on this dose and frequency when they first take sildenafil by mouth
What is 20 mg orally 3 times daily?
A result of this prolonged effect for 4 hours is dangerous if left untreated
What is an erection?
Dr. Barenbrok is an expert on this side effect is reversible, generally unilateral, and can be accompanied with tinnitus/dizziness
What is hearing loss?
There is no reason people should be drinking enough of this to cause the interaction through inhibition of CYP3A4
What is grapefruit juice?
Sildenafil works by preventing the breakdown of this second messager, not to be confused with cyclic AMP
What is cGMP?
For patient who cannot take medication orally, this dose (which is half of the starting dose) can be given for short-term IV therapy
What is 10 mg IV 3 times a day?
Monitor for decrease frequency of this symptom which also happens to Emily when she sees needles
What is Syncope?
I SEE THE LIGHT!!! This side effect consists of difficulty seeing in bright places
What is photophobia (visual disturbances)?
Sildenafil interacts with this class of drugs that blocks norepinephrine to decrease vasoconstriction. Examples include tamsulosin and prazosin
What are Alpha-blockers?