Before taking any medication, including the pill known as '85', it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider. This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice.
What is the pill 85?
The pill with the imprint '85' is a 20mg tablet of Sildenafil Citrate, the active ingredient in medications like Viagra and Revatio. These tablets are typically manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals. Visually, they are white or off-white, round, and film-coated. It is important to note that the pill's appearance can vary based on the specific manufacturer, so confirming the imprint is crucial for correct identification.
Key Identification Features
- Imprint: '85' on one side
- Strength: 20 mg (base) of Sildenafil Citrate
- Color: White to off-white
- Shape: Round
- Supplier: Often Torrent Pharmaceuticals
- Availability: Prescription only
Primary uses for Sildenafil 20mg (Pill 85)
The 20mg formulation of Sildenafil is used to treat two main conditions, although it is specifically indicated for one in particular.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a serious condition characterized by abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. This makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Sildenafil 20mg is a standard treatment for PAH in both adults and pediatric patients.
How Sildenafil helps with PAH:
- Vasodilation: By inhibiting PDE5, Sildenafil causes the blood vessels in the lungs to relax and widen.
- Improved blood flow: This vasodilation lowers the blood pressure in the lungs and allows blood to flow more easily.
- Enhanced exercise ability: For patients with PAH, this improved blood flow can increase their ability to exercise and delay clinical worsening of the disease.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
While higher doses of Sildenafil (25mg, 50mg, 100mg) are commonly prescribed for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), the 20mg tablet can also be used. ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.
How Sildenafil helps with ED:
- Increased blood flow: The same mechanism of PDE5 inhibition that affects the lungs also increases blood flow to the penis.
- Relaxation of smooth muscles: It relaxes the smooth muscles of the corpus cavernosum, the spongy tissue in the penis, which facilitates an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
- Sexual arousal required: Sildenafil requires sexual arousal to be effective; it does not automatically cause an erection.
Comparison: Sildenafil for PAH vs. ED
| Feature | Sildenafil 20mg for PAH (e.g., pill 85) | Sildenafil for ED (e.g., brand Viagra) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) | Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) |
| Typical Dose | Determined by healthcare provider | Determined by healthcare provider |
| Timing | Administered regularly as prescribed | Taken as directed before sexual activity |
| Brand Name | Commonly marketed as Revatio® | Commonly marketed as Viagra® |
| Concomitant Use | Not to be taken with other PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra | Not to be taken with Revatio or other PDE5 inhibitors |
Potential side effects
Like all medications, Sildenafil can cause side effects. These can range from mild and temporary to more serious. It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Flushing (redness of the skin)
- Nasal congestion or a runny nose
- Upset stomach or dyspepsia
- Muscle or back pain
- Diarrhea
Serious or less common side effects include:
- Vision Loss: A sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes has been reported. This is a medical emergency.
- Hearing Loss: Sudden hearing loss, sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness, can also occur.
- Priapism: A prolonged, painful erection lasting more than 4 hours is a serious medical emergency that can cause permanent damage.
- Hypotension: Significant drops in blood pressure, especially when combined with other blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Important precautions and warnings
- Nitrate Use: Sildenafil is strictly contraindicated in patients taking any form of nitrate medication (e.g., nitroglycerin) for chest pain. The combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular Health: Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, including a recent heart attack or stroke, should use Sildenafil with caution.
- Other PDE5 Inhibitors: Do not use Sildenafil with other PDE5 inhibitors, including medications for ED or PAH, as this increases the risk of side effects.
- Alpha-Blockers: Patients on alpha-blockers for high blood pressure should be cautious due to the risk of hypotension.
- Liver or Kidney Issues: Dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with impaired liver or kidney function.
Conclusion
The white, round pill with the imprint '85' is 20mg Sildenafil, a prescription medication primarily for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), but also applicable for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) at different doses. As a PDE5 inhibitor, it works by relaxing and widening blood vessels to improve blood flow in the lungs and penis. The dosing schedule is determined by a healthcare provider for both PAH and ED, which is reflected in the different brand-name formulations, Revatio and Viagra. Patients must be aware of potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications, especially concerning nitrate use. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking Sildenafil to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific health condition.
For more detailed prescribing information, consult the DailyMed label for Sildenafil Tablets.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
