CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Andrea Tarr, Fear Free,
Medication: Sildenafil
Medication: Sildenafil
Your dog has been prescribed sildenafil for management of pulmonary artery hypertension or high blood pressure.
Key points:
• Antihypertensive.
• Peripheral vasodilator.
• There are no licensed veterinary products containing sildenafil.
• Dosage: as directed by your veterinarian.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Sildenafil citrate (silL-DEN-A- FIL SIT-trate).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing sildanafil but your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug to your dog which contains sildenafil.
- Viagra.
- Revatio.
Class of medication
- Antihypertensive.
Storage
- Store at room temperature (15-30°C).
- Store away from heat and sunlight.
Why has my dog been prescribed sildenafil?
Your veterinarian has prescribed sildenafil for the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension.
How is the medication given?
The product is available as tablets or solution which can be given by mouth. The drug does not last very long in the body and so tablets usually have to be given two or three times daily. The tablets can either be administered directly into your dog’s mouth or along with some food. If your dog vomits after receiving tablets it may be helpful to give them with some food. There is an injectable form which may be given by your veterinarian if your pet is hospitalized for treatment.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Side-effects are rare but potentially include:
- Flushing of the skin, especially in the groin area.
- Priapism.
- High heart rate, low blood pressure and ataxia with over dosage.
Drug interactions can occur with:
- Nitrates – to cause severe hypotension.
- Alpha blockers and amlodipine may cause severe hypotension.
- Cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics, and certain antifungal agents, eg ketoconazole and itraconazole may increase the effects of sildenafil.
- Barbiturates and rifampin increase sildenafil concentrations in blood.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Sildenafil should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Treatment may be started at a low dose and then may be gradually increased over time. If treatment is effective the drug may be continued lifelong. If no improvement is seen within a few months, your veterinarian may recommend a different course of therapy.
If your dog is receiving medication for seizures, then you should never change or stop any treatment without consulting your veterinarian.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused sildenafil safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save sildenafil for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, wait until the medication is next due and give that dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Sildenafil should only be given to the animal that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household.
- Use with care in pregnant or lactating animals and only if advised by your veterinarian.
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on sildenafil?
If your dog has a heart condition your veterinarian will want to make regular checks on them to ensure the drugs they are receiving are effective and to adjust the doses if necessary.
Further information
Your veterinarian may prescribe human licensed products if no suitable veterinary alternative is available. If you have any concerns, further information on sildenafil can be found on the package insert.
Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing sildenafil available in the UK and Europe.
- Sildenafil (25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg , 300 mg tablets).
- Sildenafil Accord (25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg , 300 mg tablets).
- Sildenafil Amarox (25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg , 300 mg tablets).
- Sildenafil Aristo (20 mg/ml solution).
- Viagra (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg tablets).
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing sildenafil available in the US.
- Sildenafil (20 mg, 25 mg, 5 0mg, 100 mg).
- Revatio.
- Viagra.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.