How does Cenforce 150 mg work
Sildenafil citrate belongs to the Phosphodiesterase 5 enzyme (PDE-5) inhibitor class of drugs. This category of drugs is known to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Therefore, they’re used to treat pulmonary hypertension and erectile dysfunction. Cenforce 150 mg contains sildenafil that protects cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) from getting destroyed by the PDE-5 enzyme (present in the wall of the penis). cGMP is produced as a result of nitric oxide release in the penile muscles and NO release is a result of sexual stimulation. A higher concentration of cGMP molecules in the smooth muscles of the penis leads to the relaxation of these muscles which consequently draw more blood. Increased blood helps the person gain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sex.
Do note that Cenforce 150 mg will fail to take effect in case one is not sexually aroused because it is dependent on nitric oxide.
Uses of Cenforce 150 mg
Cenforce 150 mg is prescribed as a salvage therapy to ED patients who are not responding to the lower doses of the medicine because of their high tolerance capacity for this drug. It is not to be used as a first-line treatment method of impotence because the general recommended doses are 50 mg and 100 mg. Cenforce 150 mg will help you achieve a firm penile erection during sexual intercourse by enhancing the blood flow into the penis.
Recommended Dosage
Talk to a physician to know about the suitable dosage for you. The general doses for ED are 50 mg and 100 mg, in severe cases where the patient is not responding to these doses, the doctor may prescribe Cenforce 150 mg. Your dose will depend on any other health condition you might have and other medications that you take. Take the tablet about 30-45 minutes before having sex, preferably without a meal. If you must eat, avoid fatty food as it will further increase the onset time of the drug. Taking the tablet more than 4 hours before you’ll have sex can render it impotent.
Missed Dosage
If you have to take the pills daily according to your doctor’s prescription then you should try to not miss a dose. In case you have forgotten to take a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if the time for your next regular dose is near (less than 12 hours away), you must skip the missed dose and take only the regular dose. Taking the two doses within 12 hours may lead to an overdose.
Overdose
Cenforce 150 mg is a very high dose of the drug and overdosing on it can have serious repercussions. It will intensify the side effects of the drug which may range from vomiting, blurred vision, vertigo, to priapism (a painful long erection lasting for >4 hours), etc. Avoid overdosing on this medication at all costs. If any overdose symptoms manifest themselves in the patient, instantly seek medical aid.
Important Advisory
People with certain health conditions (some of them are mentioned below) should avoid taking Cenforce 150 mg as it can worsen those conditions. To avoid any such unpleasant and even dangerous effects, tell your doctor in detail about your medical history and get a full body check-up done before taking this medicine.
- If you’ve had an allergic reaction to sildenafil citrate or any other content on Cenforce 150 mg in the past
- If you suffer from a heart condition such as aortic stenosis and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- If you suffer from Pulmonary Veno-occlusive disease (PVOD)
- If you have suffered a heart attack or angina attack before
- If your blood doesn’t coagulate easily or you have a blood-related disorder like sickle-cell anemia and blood cancer
- If you have an abnormal blood pressure
- If you are partially or fully blind
- If your kidney and/or liver do not function normally
- If you have a deformed penis because of conditions like angulation/ Peyronie’s disease/ cavernosal fibrosis
- If you’ve had epileptic seizures in the past
- If you have (or had) an ulcer
- If your doctor has advised you against having sex for some reason
Women (specifically pregnant and lactating women) and children must not consume Cenforce 150 mg as it is not directed for their use.
Side effects of Cenforce 150 mg
Sildenafil citrate is a well-tolerated drug, however, it can have some side effects like-
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Stomach upset
- Back pain
- Tingling sensation/ flushing
- Blurred vision
- Common cold-like symptoms e.g., runny nose
The above side effects are common but should go away on their own. Some serious ill effects of Cenforce 150 that can be a result of allergic reaction or an overdose are-
- Chest pain
- rashes/ hives
- Vomiting
- Pain extending from your jaw to the shoulders
- Intense back pain and muscle pain
- Priapism
- Sudden loss of vision aka non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- A ringing sensation in the ears
- Cough with mucus
- Palpitations
- Swelling in tongue, throat, hands, legs. Etc.
- Convulsions
- Sweating
In case any of these symptoms are manifest in the patient, immediately contact a doctor.
Interaction With Other Drugs
Some drugs can interact with Cenforce 150 mg to increase the risk of having side effects and/or reducing the medicine’s efficacy. Therefore, it is vital for you to tell your doctor about all the prescription and OTC medicine you may take. Also, let them know about the herbal and other vitamin/mineral supplements you might be taking. Here is a list of possible drug interactions but it’s not a complete list.
- Nitric oxide donors like isosorbide and nitroglycerine
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, etc
- Calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine
- Guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators like Riociguat
- Alpha-blockers such as prazosin, doxazosin, terazosin, etc
- Beta-blockers such as betaxolol, atenolol, etc
- Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin
- Mifepristone aka RU-486
- HIV protease inhibitors such as fosamprenavir
- Hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors such as telaprevir, boceprevir, etc
- Medications used to treat epilepsy like Carbamazepine
- Rifampin
- Other ED medications like Cialis, Levitra, etc
- Efavirenz
Interaction with alcohol
It is better to not consume larger amounts of alcohol with Cenforce 150 mg as their combination can lower your blood pressure suddenly, making you dizzy. It may also intensify the other side effects of this drug.
Interaction with grapefruit juice
Our body naturally metabolizes sildenafil citrate through the CYP3A4 enzyme which is secreted by the liver. However, taking grapes or grape juice can increase this enzyme in your body which will then readily degrade the medicine. So, to avoid a delayed onset time, avoid grapes/ grape juice while on this medication.
Storage Instructions
- The Cenforce 150 mg tablets should ideally be kept in their original packaging at room temperature (about 59–86° F or 15–30° C).
- Take care to store them at a place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and dampness.
- Do not consume the pills if they’ve crossed the expiry date.
- Store them at a safe distance from children and pets.
- Proper disposal of the empty packets and expired pills is necessary
