duraga (SILDENAFIL)

What is Duraga?

Duraga is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to specific areas, such as the penis or lungs. This improved blood flow allows for better erectile function or reduced pulmonary blood pressure, depending on the condition being treated.

What is the usual dose of Duraga?

For Erectile Dysfunction (ED):

• The recommended starting dose is 50 mg, taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity, as needed.
• Depending on effectiveness and tolerance, the dose may be increased to 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg.
• Do not take more than 1 dose per day.

For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH):

• The typical dose is 20 mg, taken three times a day (every 4–6 hours).

How do I take Duraga?

Take Duraga with or without food, but avoid high-fat meals as they delay its effect. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice to prevent increased side effects. Swallow the tablet with water and follow your doctor’s dosage instructions.

For how long do I take Duraga?

There's no set time someone should use Duraga. How long someone takes it depends on their doctor's advice and how well it works for them.

What is Duraga used for?

Duraga is primarily indicated for the treatment of:

1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED): To help men achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity.
2. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): To improve exercise capacity and delay disease progression by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs.

How long does it take for Duraga to start working?

Duraga typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. Its effects may vary based on factors like food intake, but it generally requires sexual stimulation to work effectively.

Is Duraga effective?

Evidence supporting Duraga’s effectiveness comes from clinical trials and real-world studies:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Multiple placebo-controlled studies show that Duraga significantly improves erectile function and satisfaction in men with ED. Patients experienced improved ability to achieve and maintain erections during sexual activity.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Studies demonstrate improved exercise capacity and reduced pulmonary pressure, validated by the 6-minute walk test and hemodynamic measurements, confirming its role in PAH treatment.

How does one know if Duraga is working?

The benefits of Duraga are evaluated through:

Patient-reported outcomes: For erectile dysfunction (ED), patient questionnaires like the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) assess improvements in erectile function, satisfaction, and quality of life.

Objective clinical measurements: In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the effectiveness is measured by improvements in exercise capacity (e.g., 6-minute walk test), reduced pulmonary arterial pressure, and hemodynamic parameters.

Trial data: Clinical studies compare Duraga's performance with placebos or other treatments to track improvements in both ED and PAH symptoms.

How does Duraga work?

Duraga works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). By blocking PDE5, Duraga increases cGMP levels, leading to relaxation of smooth muscle cells and enhanced blood flow.

• In erectile dysfunction, it improves blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, facilitating erection.
• In pulmonary arterial hypertension, it relaxes pulmonary blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving oxygen delivery.

Who should avoid taking Duraga?

Duraga should not be used by individuals taking nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) as it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It is contraindicated in patients with severe cardiovascular conditions, recent stroke or heart attack, or severe liver or kidney impairment. Caution is needed in people with low blood pressure, dehydration, or eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa.

Can I take Duraga with vitamins or supplements?

Duraga may interact with certain supplements, particularly those that affect blood pressure, such as nitric oxide supplements or L-arginine, which can enhance its blood pressure-lowering effects. Additionally, high doses of vitamin E or ginseng may interfere with the efficacy of Duraga. Always consult a healthcare provider before using supplements alongside Duraga to avoid adverse interactions.

Can I take Duraga with other prescription drugs?

Duraga can interact with several prescription drugs, including:

1. Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin): Can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
2. Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin): May also lower blood pressure and cause dizziness or fainting.
3. Antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole) and antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin): Can increase Duraga levels in the blood, raising the risk of side effects.
4. HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): May enhance Duraga's effects, leading to increased side effects.
5. Rifampin: Can reduce Duraga's effectiveness.

Can Duraga be taken safely while pregnant?

Duraga is classified as Category C by the FDA for pregnancy, which means that animal studies have shown potential risks to the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in humans. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. There is limited information on the effects of Duraga on pregnancy, so it is generally not recommended unless prescribed by a healthcare provider for specific conditions.

Can Duraga be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Duraga is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, but its effects on a breastfeeding infant are not well-studied. While it is considered relatively safe for short-term use during lactation, it should only be used if deemed necessary by a healthcare provider. Women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using Duraga to assess the potential risks and benefits.

Is Duraga safe for the elderly?

Older people often have weaker livers, kidneys, or hearts, and may take other medicines. Because of this, doctors need to be careful when deciding on the right dose of a new medicine for them. There haven't been enough older people in medical studies to know for sure if they react to the medicine differently than younger people.

How should I store Duraga?

Duraga should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and away from moisture, heat, and light. It is important to store Duraga out of reach of children and to avoid storing it in the bathroom or areas with high humidity.

Does Duraga make people tired or drowsy?

Duraga does not typically cause tiredness or drowsiness. However, some people report mild fatigue as a side effect.

Does Duraga cause stomach upset?

Yes, stomach upset, indigestion (dyspepsia), or mild nausea are possible side effects of Duraga. Taking it with food (preferably a light meal) may help reduce this.

Does Duraga affect sleep?

Duraga (like Viagra) can sometimes make it hard to sleep. If you have trouble sleeping after taking it, talk to your doctor.

Does Duraga make it hard to think or concentrate?

Duraga is unlikely to impair cognitive function. However, in rare cases, side effects like dizziness or vision changes could temporarily affect concentration.

Does Duraga affect mood?

Duraga does not directly influence mood. However, improved confidence and satisfaction related to its effects may lead to an overall better mood in some individuals.

Does Duraga interfere with sexual function?

No, Duraga is designed to enhance sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis. However, it does not increase libido or sexual desire.

Does Duraga affect appetite?

Duraga is not known to significantly affect appetite.

Does Duraga cause weight gain?

No, Duraga does not cause weight gain.

Does Duraga cause headaches?

Duraga (like Viagra) can sometimes cause headaches. A study showed that slightly more people who took it got headaches (46%) than those who took a sugar pill (39%). If you get a headache while taking Duraga, talk to your doctor.

Does Duraga limit driving?

Duraga can make you dizzy, lightheaded, or have blurry vision. These side effects could make it unsafe to drive. If this happens, pull over, stop driving, and call a doctor.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Duraga?

The study showed that taking Viagra (Duraga) along with a moderate amount of alcohol didn't make people's blood pressure drop any more than alcohol alone. Essentially, the combination wasn't more dangerous for blood pressure than alcohol by itself. Nobody experienced dizziness or fainting from a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Duraga?

Yes, it is generally safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Duraga. However, caffeine may exacerbate side effects like headaches or heart palpitations in rare cases.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Duraga?

Yes, it is generally safe to exercise while taking Duraga. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure, avoid strenuous activity until you feel stable. Consult your doctor if you have any heart conditions before combining Duraga with exercise.

What are Duraga possible harms and risks?

Common side effects of Duraga include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and dizziness. Serious side effects can involve priapism, sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain, severe hypotension, and allergic reactions. Seek medical help if any severe symptoms occur.