People diagnosed with PAH usually have shortness of breath upon exertion and loss of energy, and some people feel light-headed or fatigued on exertion. Revatio is a medicine called a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It is used to treat PAH (WHO Group I). Revatio® contains the same ingredient as Viagra® (sildenafil citrate). Sildenafil under the name Viagra® is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men.
There are chemicals in the cells lining the blood vessels of the lungs. These help control how narrow or wide the vessels can be. Revatio® works by increasing one of these chemicals. This helps the blood vessels relax. Blood and oxygen can then flow more freely.
Revatio® is a 20-mg pill that is taken 3 times a day, at the same times each day. If you have had any of the following conditions, your doctor may have to adjust the dose:
- Heart problems such as heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain (angina)
- Problems with high or low blood pressure or blood circulation
- An eye problem called retinitis pigmentosa
- Severe liver or kidney disease
- Any disease or problem with the shape of the penis
- Any blood problems such as sickle cell anemia or cancer of blood cells or bone marrow
- A stomach ulcer or bleeding problem
Side Effects May be Minor or Serious
As with any medicine, Revatio® may have side effects. Common ones found in studies were:
- Nosebleeds
- Upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Flushing
Stop using Revatio® and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- sudden vision loss;
- ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;
- chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
- irregular heartbeat;
- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
- shortness of breath;
- vision changes;
- feeling light-headed, fainting; or
- penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.
Other ways to treat pulmonary hypertension include following a healthy, low-salt diet, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep and getting enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity also stresses the heart and lungs, leading to a variety of illnesses including pulmonary hypertension.
Drug Interactions and Contraindications
Do not take Revatio® if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate. Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Revatio® with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
Revatio® can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Revatio®, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether Revatio® is the actual cause of vision loss.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Revatio.®
Further reading:
Pfizer.com "Effects of Revatio"
Merck.com "Pulmonary Hypertension"
Barbara Bell - Suite101 has been my home away from home for over 12 years. I began as a writer covering antiques, collectibles and interior decorating, ...
