Careforce CT 100 mg

Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men.

Its role in erectile dysfunction treatment includes the following.

• Helping men with erectile dysfunction get an erection during sexual stimulation

• Supporting an erection firm enough for sexual activity

• Improving the erection response when reduced blood flow contributes to symptoms

Erectile difficulties have several causes. Diabetes and blood vessel disease are recognised physical causes. Stress and anxiety also contribute. Some medicines affect erectile function. Tell your doctor when the problem began and whether it occurs regularly.

For an appropriately assessed patient the main benefit of sildenafil is improved erectile function. The treatment goal is a useful erection response with an acceptable level of side effects.

• Supports blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal

• Helps with getting and maintaining an erection in men with erectile dysfunction

• Provides a listed chewable format for patients whose pharmacist confirms that this formulation suits them

• Allows treatment before planned sexual activity under an individual prescription

During sexual stimulation the body releases nitric oxide in the penis. This helps produce a chemical messenger called cyclic GMP. The messenger relaxes smooth muscle and allows more blood to enter erectile tissue.

The PDE5 enzyme breaks down cyclic GMP. Sildenafil blocks this enzyme and helps the erection response continue during arousal. Sexual stimulation remains necessary. Taking the medicine alone does not create an automatic erection.

The chewable format does not establish that Careforce CT acts faster than other sildenafil products. Product specific evidence is needed before making that claim.

Take Careforce CT 100 mg only when your prescriber has selected this strength. Standard sildenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction usually starts at 50 mg as needed. The prescribed range is 25 mg to 100 mg depending on effectiveness and tolerability.

The standard maximum is 100 mg in a single dose. Do not take sildenafil more than once in 24 hours. Some interactions require a lower dose and a longer interval. For patients taking ritonavir the maximum is 25 mg within 48 hours. A 100 mg product is unsuitable for that dosing requirement.

Standard oral sildenafil is generally taken about one hour before sexual activity. Its prescribing information allows use between 30 minutes and four hours beforehand. Follow the timing given for your supplied product. Do not take another dose because the first has not worked immediately.

For a confirmed chewable product follow the chewing and swallowing directions in its leaflet. Ask the pharmacist to explain administration before the first dose. Do not use instructions intended for an oral strip or a sublingual tablet.

Do not divide the tablet to obtain a lower dose unless the product instructions and pharmacist confirm that this gives an accurate dose. Obtain the prescribed lower strength instead.

Older adults and people with liver impairment or severe kidney impairment need particular attention to dose selection. A lower starting dose is often recommended. Medicines such as alpha blockers also affect the decision.

Sildenafil can cause headache and facial flushing. Other reported effects include indigestion and nausea. A blocked nose and dizziness also occur. Some people experience blurred vision or changes in colour perception. Contact a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist or interfere with normal activities. Do not drive or use machinery while dizzy or while your vision is affected.

Stop taking sildenafil and obtain urgent medical help for sudden vision loss or sudden hearing reduction. Seek emergency care for chest pain or fainting. Breathing difficulty and swelling of the face or throat also need emergency attention. An erection lasting longer than four hours is an emergency. If chest pain occurs stop sexual activity and tell the emergency team when you took sildenafil. Do not take nitrate medicine yourself to treat the pain.

Sildenafil is unsuitable with certain medicines and health conditions. A doctor should assess your cardiovascular health before treatment because sexual activity places an additional demand on the heart.

Do not use sildenafil if any of the following applies.

• You take nitrate medicines for chest pain

• You use nitrite products such as poppers

• You take riociguat

• You have an allergy to sildenafil or an ingredient in the product

• Your doctor has advised against sexual activity because of your heart condition

Do not start treatment without specialist assessment after a recent heart attack or stroke. Low blood pressure and severe liver disease also require particular caution. Report previous vision loss due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve and inherited retinal conditions.

Tell your doctor about sickle cell disease or blood cancers. A history of prolonged erections and changes in penis shape also matters. This erectile dysfunction product is intended for adult men and is not for children.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of medicines before using Careforce CT 100 mg. Include medicines bought without a prescription and herbal supplements. An interaction review helps establish the correct dose and whether sildenafil is suitable at all.

Important medicines and substances to discuss include the following.

• Nitrates including nitroglycerin and isosorbide medicines

• Nitrites including poppers

• Riociguat

• Alpha blockers used for prostate symptoms or blood pressure

• Other blood pressure medicines

• Ritonavir and other medicines used for HIV

• Ketoconazole and itraconazole

• Erythromycin and clarithromycin

• Other sildenafil products

• Other erectile dysfunction medicines such as tadalafil and vardenafil

Nitrates and riociguat must not be combined with sildenafil. Other interactions increase sildenafil exposure or add to its blood pressure lowering effect. Do not combine erectile dysfunction treatments yourself.

• Store according to the temperature stated on the packaging

• Keep tablets in their original packaging until use

• Protect the pack from moisture and excessive heat

• Keep out of the reach and sight of children

• Check the expiry date before taking a tablet

• Do not use tablets from damaged packaging

• Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unwanted or expired medicine