Revatio (Sildenafil Citrate) is a medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and improve exercise capacity in men and women. In patients with PAH, the pulmonary arteries become narrow, meaning there is less room for the blood to flow from the heart to the lungs. As a result, the blood pressure in the lungs increases. Revatio works by inhibiting certain cells in the pulmonary vascular smoot muscle, and increases certain chemicals that result in relaxation of the vessels. The vasodilating properties of Revatio allow blood to pass more easily from the heart to the lungs, lowering the blood pressure in the lungs. Sildenafil under the brand name Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. Do not take Viagra while also taking Revatio, unless your doctor tells you to.

Manufacturer Information

The brand Revatio is manufactured by Pfizer in Canada and Australia. It is available in a dosage of 20 mg tablets. The generic alternative, Sildenafil Citrate, is also available in a dosage of 20 mg from Canada also called Ratio-Sildenafil R manufactured by Teva.

Common side effects of Revatio include headache or dizziness, changes in vision, runny or stuffy nose or nosebleeds, sleep problems, muscle pain or back pain, or an upset stomach. Contact your doctor if you experience more serious side effect such as severe shortness of breath, cough with foamy mucous, changes in hearing, irregular heartbeat, swelling in your hands, ankles or feet, a seizure, or light-headedness. Stop taking Revatio and get emergency medical help if you have heart attack symptoms, vision changes or sudden vision loss, or an erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours.

Do not take Revatio if you are allergic to Sildenafil, if you take other medications to treat PAH, or if you are taking a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. To make sure Revatio is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, high or low blood pressure, blood circulation problems, retinitis pigmentosa, blindness in one or both eyes, bleeding problems, a stomach ulcer, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), liver or kidney disease, or a blood cell disorder. Avoid consuming alcohol and grapefruit products while taking Revatio, as they can both lead to unwanted side effects.

Check out: The Most Embarrasing Questions About Viagra - Answered!