Bioequivalence and Bioavailability of an Orodispersible Tablet of Sildenafil Citrate in Healthy Chinese Male Subjects

In volunteers with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A and B), sildenafil clearance was reduced, resulting in increases in AUC (84%) and C max(47%) compared to age-matched volunteers with no hepatic impairment. Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) have not been studied. Sildenafil metabolism is principally mediated by the CYP3A (major route) and CYP2C9 (minor route) cytochrome P450 isoforms. Sildenafil is a weak inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 isoforms 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A (IC50 greater than 150 μM).

• Sildenafil tablets 125 mg are available by prescription only.
• They work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme.
• Do not mix sildenafil with alcohol to avoid adverse effects.
• Use with caution if you have heart or liver conditions.
• Sildenafil may interact with certain antibiotics.
• Be aware of potential side effects like flushing.
• Take sildenafil about 30-60 minutes before activity.
• Avoid using grapefruit juice while on sildenafil.

Sildenafil is not expected to affect the pharmacokinetics of compounds which are substrates of these CYP enzymes at clinically relevant concentrations. The effects of other drugs on sildenafil pharmacokinetics and the effects of sildenafil on the exposure to other drugs are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, respectively. Effects of Other Drugs on Sildenafil Pharmacokinetics Population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from patients in clinical trials indicated an approximately 30% reduction in sildenafil clearance when it was co-administered with mild/moderate CYP3A inhibitors and an approximately 34% reductions in sildenafil clearance when co-administered with beta-blockers. This concentration range covers the same increased sildenafil exposure observed in specifically-designed drug interaction studies with CYP3A inhibitors (except for potent inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir). Concomitant administration of strong CYP3A inducers is expected to cause substantial decreases in plasma levels of sildenafil. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from patients in clinical trials indicated approximately 3-fold the sildenafil clearance when it was co-administered with mild CYP3A inducers.

4.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions

In volunteers with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A and B), sildenafil clearance was reduced, resulting in increases in AUC (84%) and C max(47%) compared to age-matched volunteers with no hepatic impairment. Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) have not been studied. Sildenafil metabolism is principally mediated by the CYP3A (major route) and CYP2C9 (minor route) cytochrome P450 isoforms. Sildenafil is a weak inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 isoforms 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A (IC50 greater than 150 μM). Sildenafil is not expected to affect the pharmacokinetics of compounds which are substrates of these CYP enzymes at clinically relevant concentrations.

Who should not take sildenafil?

The effects of other drugs on sildenafil pharmacokinetics and the effects of sildenafil on the exposure to other drugs are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, respectively. Effects of Other Drugs on Sildenafil Pharmacokinetics Population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from patients in clinical trials indicated an approximately 30% reduction in sildenafil clearance when it was co-administered with mild/moderate CYP3A inhibitors and an approximately 34% reductions in sildenafil clearance when co-administered with beta-blockers. This concentration range covers the same increased sildenafil exposure observed in specifically-designed drug interaction studies with CYP3A inhibitors (except for potent inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir). Concomitant administration of strong CYP3A inducers is expected to cause substantial decreases in plasma levels of sildenafil. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from patients in clinical trials indicated approximately 3-fold the sildenafil clearance when it was co-administered with mild CYP3A inducers.

How should I store sildenafil?

The mean reduction of sildenafil (80 mg three times a day) bioavailability when co-administered with epoprostenol was 28%, resulting in about 22% lower mean average steady-state concentrations. Sildenafil (50 mg) did not potentiate the hypotensive effect of alcohol in healthy volunteers with mean maximum blood alcohol levels of 0.08%. 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of FertilitySildenafil was not carcinogenic when administered to rats for up to 24 months at 60 mg/kg/day, a dose resulting in total systemic exposure (AUC) to unbound sildenafil and its major metabolite 33- and 37-times, for male and female rats, respectively, the human exposure at the RHD of 20 mg three times a day. Sildenafil was not carcinogenic when administered to male and female mice for up to 21 and 18 months, respectively, at doses up to a maximally tolerated level of 10 mg/kg/day, a dose equivalent to the RHD on a mg/m 2basis.Sildenafil was negative in in vitrobacterial and Chinese hamster ovary cell assays to detect mutagenicity, and in vitrohuman lymphocytes and in vivomouse micronucleus assays to detect clastogenicity.There was no impairment of fertility in male or female rats given up to 60 mg sildenafil/kg/day, a dose producing a total systemic exposure (AUC) to unbound sildenafil and its major metabolite of 19- and 38-times for males and females, respectively, the human exposure at the RHD of 20 mg three times a day. Sildenafil was not carcinogenic when administered to rats for up to 24 months at 60 mg/kg/day, a dose resulting in total systemic exposure (AUC) to unbound sildenafil and its major metabolite 33- and 37-times, for male and female rats, respectively, the human exposure at the RHD of 20 mg three times a day. The mean reduction of sildenafil (80 mg three times a day) bioavailability when co-administered with epoprostenol was 28%, resulting in about 22% lower mean average steady-state concentrations.

• For best results, take sildenafil on an empty stomach.
• Eating fatty foods may delay its onset.
• The medication should be taken approximately 30 minutes before activity.
• Do not double dose to compensate for missed doses.
• Keep regular medical appointments during treatment.
• Report any worsening of symptoms to your doctor.
• Never use sildenafil if experiencing chest pain without medical guidance.
• Always follow the prescribed health regimen.

Sildenafil (50 mg) did not potentiate the hypotensive effect of alcohol in healthy volunteers with mean maximum blood alcohol levels of 0.08%. 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of FertilitySildenafil was not carcinogenic when administered to rats for up to 24 months at 60 mg/kg/day, a dose resulting in total systemic exposure (AUC) to unbound sildenafil and its major metabolite 33- and 37-times, for male and female rats, respectively, the human exposure at the RHD of 20 mg three times a day. Sildenafil was not carcinogenic when administered to male and female mice for up to 21 and 18 months, respectively, at doses up to a maximally tolerated level of 10 mg/kg/day, a dose equivalent to the RHD on a mg/m 2basis.Sildenafil was negative in in vitrobacterial and Chinese hamster ovary cell assays to detect mutagenicity, and in vitrohuman lymphocytes and in vivomouse micronucleus assays to detect clastogenicity.There was no impairment of fertility in male or female rats given up to 60 mg sildenafil/kg/day, a dose producing a total systemic exposure (AUC) to unbound sildenafil and its major metabolite of 19- and 38-times for males and females, respectively, the human exposure at the RHD of 20 mg three times a day. Sildenafil was not carcinogenic when administered to rats for up to 24 months at 60 mg/kg/day, a dose resulting in total systemic exposure (AUC) to unbound sildenafil and its major metabolite 33- and 37-times, for male and female rats, respectively, the human exposure at the RHD of 20 mg three times a day.

• Common side effects include headaches and facial flushing.
• Less common effects may include nasal congestion or upset stomach.
• Do not use sildenafil if allergic to it or similar drugs.
• Pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
• Be aware of the signs of allergic reactions.
• Sildenafil may also be indicated for certain heart conditions.
• Emergency services should be contacted if adverse reactions occur.
• Keep a record of any side effects experienced.

Sildenafil was not carcinogenic when administered to male and female mice for up to 21 and 18 months, respectively, at doses up to a maximally tolerated level of 10 mg/kg/day, a dose equivalent to the RHD on a mg/m 2basis.

There was no impairment of fertility in male or female rats given up to 60 mg sildenafil/kg/day, a dose producing a total systemic exposure (AUC) to unbound sildenafil and its major metabolite of 19- and 38-times for males and females, respectively, the human exposure at the RHD of 20 mg three times a day. 14 CLINICAL STUDIES SUPER-1 (NCT00644605) - Sildenafil citrate monotherapy [20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg three times a day]A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of sildenafil citrate (SUPER-1) was conducted in 277 patients with PAH (defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mmHg at rest with a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure < 15 mmHg).

Conflict of interest statement

Patients were predominantly WHO Functional Classes II to III. Allowed background therapy included a combination of anticoagulants, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and oxygen.

5.4 Hearing Loss

These uncontrolled observations do not allow comparison with a group not given sildenafil and cannot be used to determine the long term-effect of sildenafil on mortality.PACES-1 (NCT00159861) - Sildenafil Citrate Co-administered with EpoprostenolA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (PACES-1) was conducted in 267 patients with PAH who were taking stable doses of intravenous epoprostenol. Patients had to have a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) greater than or equal to 25 mmHg and a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) less than or equal to 15 mmHg at rest via right heart catheterization within 21 days before randomization, and a baseline 6-minute walk test distance greater than or equal to 100 meters and less than or equal to 450 meters (mean 349 meters). Patients were randomized to placebo or sildenafil citrate (in a fixed titration starting from 20 mg to 40 mg and then 80 mg, three times a day) and all patients continued intravenous epoprostenol therapy.At baseline patients had PPH (80%) or PAH secondary to CTD (20%); WHO Functional Class I (1%), II (26%), III (67%), or IV (6%); and the mean age was 48 years, 80% were female, and 79% were Caucasian.There was a statistically significant greater increase from baseline in 6-minute walk distance at Week 16 (primary endpoint) for the sildenafil citrate group compared with the placebo group. The mean change from baseline at Week 16 (last observation carried forward) was 30 meters for the sildenafil citrate group compared with 4 meters for the placebo group giving an adjusted treatment difference of 26 meters (95% CI: 10.8, 41.2) (p = 0.0009).Patients on sildenafil citrate achieved a statistically significant reduction in mPAP compared to those on placebo. A mean placebo-corrected treatment effect of -3.9 mmHg was observed in favor of sildenafil citrate (95% CI: -5.7, -2.1) (p = 0.00003).Time to clinical worsening of PAH was defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of a clinical worsening event (death, lung transplantation, initiation of bosentan therapy, or clinical deterioration requiring a change in epoprostenol therapy).

What Are the Available Sildenafil Dosages?

Table 4 displays the number of patients with clinical worsening events in PACES-1. Kaplan-Meier estimates and a stratified log-rank test demonstrated that placebo-treated patients were 3 times more likely to experience a clinical worsening event than sildenafil citrate-treated patients and that sildenafil citrate-treated patients experienced a significant delay in time to clinical worsening versus placebo-treated patients (p = 0.0074). Kaplan-Meier plot of time to clinical worsening is presented in Figure 5.Table 4: Clinical Worsening Events in PACES-1Figure 5. Kaplan-Meier Plot of Time (in Days) to Clinical Worsening of PAH in PACES-1Improvements in WHO Functional Class for PAH were also demonstrated in patients on sildenafil citrate compared to placebo. More than twice as many sildenafil citrate-treated patients (36%) as placebo-treated patients (14%) showed an improvement in at least one functional New York Heart Association (NYHA) class for PAH.Study A1481243 (NCT00323297) - Sildenafil Citrate Added to Bosentan Therapy – Lack of Effect on Exercise CapacityA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 103 patients with PAH who were on bosentan therapy for a minimum of 3 months.

Warnings for other groups

The use of prostacyclin analogues, endothelin receptor antagonists, and arginine supplementation were not permitted. Patients who had failed to respond to bosentan were also excluded. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 45% or left ventricular shortening fraction less than 0.2 also were not studied.Patients were sildenafil 20 mg prescription randomized to receive placebo (n = 70) or sildenafil citrate 20 mg (n = 69), 40 mg (n = 67) or 80 mg (n = 71) three times a day for a period of 12 weeks. They had either primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) (63%), PAH associated with CTD (30%), or PAH following surgical repair of left-to-right congenital heart lesions (7%). The study population consisted of 25% men and 75% women with a mean age of 49 years (range: 18 to 81 years) and baseline 6-minute walk distance between 100 and 450 meters (mean 343).The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at Week 12 (at least 4 hours after the last dose) in the 6-minute walk distance. Placebo-corrected mean increases in walk distance of 45 to 50 meters were observed with all doses of sildenafil citrate.

These increases were significantly different from placebo, but the sildenafil citrate dose groups were not different from each other (see Figure 3), indicating no additional clinical benefit from doses higher than 20 mg three times a day. The improvement in walk distance was apparent after 4 weeks of treatment and was maintained at Week 8 and Week 12.Figure 3. Change from Baseline in 6-Minute Walk Distance (meters) at Weeks 4, 8, and 12 in SUPER-1: Mean (95% Confidence Interval)Figure 4 displays subgroup efficacy analyses in SUPER-1 for the change from baseline in 6-Minute Walk Distance at Week 12 including baseline walk distance, disease etiology, functional class, gender, age, and hemodynamic parameters.Figure 4. Placebo-Corrected Change From Baseline in 6-Minute Walk Distance (meters) at Week 12 by Study Subpopulation in SUPER-1: Mean (95% Confidence Interval)Key:PAH = pulmonary arterial hypertension; CTD = connective tissue disease; PH = pulmonary hypertension; PAP = pulmonary arterial pressure; PVRI = pulmonary vascular resistance index; TID = three times daily.SUPER-2 (NCT00159887) Long-term Treatment of PAHIn a long-term follow-up of patients who were treated with sildenafil (n = 277), K-M estimates of survival at 1, 2, and 3 years were 94%, 88%, and 79%, respectively. These uncontrolled observations do not allow comparison with a group not given sildenafil and cannot be used to determine the long term-effect of sildenafil on mortality.PACES-1 (NCT00159861) - Sildenafil Citrate Co-administered with EpoprostenolA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (PACES-1) was conducted in 267 patients with PAH who were taking stable doses of intravenous epoprostenol. Patients had to have a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) greater than or equal to 25 mmHg and a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) less than or equal to 15 mmHg at rest via right heart catheterization within 21 days before randomization, and a baseline 6-minute walk test distance greater than or equal to 100 meters and less than or equal to 450 meters (mean 349 meters).

5.3 Effects on the Eye

Sildenafil was not carcinogenic when administered to male and female mice for up to 21 and 18 months, respectively, at doses up to a maximally tolerated level of 10 mg/kg/day, a dose equivalent to the RHD on a mg/m 2basis. There was no impairment of fertility in male or female rats given up to 60 mg sildenafil/kg/day, a dose producing a total systemic exposure (AUC) to unbound sildenafil and its major metabolite of 19- and 38-times for males and females, respectively, the human exposure at the RHD of 20 mg three times a day. 14 CLINICAL STUDIES SUPER-1 (NCT00644605) - Sildenafil citrate monotherapy [20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg three times a day]A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of sildenafil citrate (SUPER-1) was conducted in 277 patients with PAH (defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mmHg at rest with a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure < 15 mmHg). Patients were predominantly WHO Functional Classes II to III. Allowed background therapy included a combination of anticoagulants, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and oxygen.

5.5 Hearing Loss

The use of prostacyclin analogues, endothelin receptor antagonists, and arginine supplementation were not permitted. Patients who had failed to respond to bosentan were also excluded. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 45% or left ventricular shortening fraction less than 0.2 also were not studied.Patients were sildenafil 20 mg prescription randomized to receive placebo (n = 70) or sildenafil citrate 20 mg (n = 69), 40 mg (n = 67) or 80 mg (n = 71) three times a day for a period of 12 weeks. They had either primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) (63%), PAH associated with CTD (30%), or PAH following surgical repair of left-to-right congenital heart lesions (7%). The study population consisted of 25% men and 75% women with a mean age of 49 years (range: 18 to 81 years) and baseline 6-minute walk distance between 100 and 450 meters (mean 343).The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at Week 12 (at least 4 hours after the last dose) in the 6-minute walk distance.

What are the serious side effects of sildenafil?

Placebo-corrected mean increases in walk distance of 45 to 50 meters were observed with all doses of sildenafil citrate. These increases were significantly different from placebo, but the sildenafil citrate dose groups were not different from each other (see Figure 3), indicating no additional clinical benefit from doses higher than 20 mg three times a day. The improvement in walk distance was apparent after 4 weeks of treatment and was maintained at Week 8 and Week 12.Figure 3. Change from Baseline in 6-Minute Walk Distance (meters) at Weeks 4, 8, and 12 in SUPER-1: Mean (95% Confidence Interval)Figure 4 displays subgroup efficacy analyses in SUPER-1 for the change from baseline in 6-Minute Walk Distance at Week 12 including baseline walk distance, disease etiology, functional class, gender, age, and hemodynamic parameters.Figure 4. Placebo-Corrected Change From Baseline in 6-Minute Walk Distance (meters) at Week 12 by Study Subpopulation in SUPER-1: Mean (95% Confidence Interval)Key:PAH = pulmonary arterial hypertension; CTD = connective tissue disease; PH = pulmonary hypertension; PAP = pulmonary arterial pressure; PVRI = pulmonary vascular resistance index; TID = three times daily.SUPER-2 (NCT00159887) Long-term Treatment of PAHIn a long-term follow-up of patients who were treated with sildenafil (n = 277), K-M estimates of survival at 1, 2, and 3 years were 94%, 88%, and 79%, respectively. Patients were randomized to placebo or sildenafil citrate (in a fixed titration starting from 20 mg to 40 mg and then 80 mg, three times a day) and all patients continued intravenous epoprostenol therapy.At baseline patients had PPH (80%) or PAH secondary to CTD (20%); WHO Functional Class I (1%), II (26%), III (67%), or IV (6%); and the mean age was 48 years, 80% were female, and 79% were Caucasian.There was a statistically significant greater increase from baseline in 6-minute walk distance at Week 16 (primary endpoint) for the sildenafil citrate group compared with the placebo group. The mean change from baseline at Week 16 (last observation carried forward) was 30 meters for the sildenafil citrate group compared with 4 meters for the placebo group giving an adjusted treatment difference of 26 meters (95% CI: 10.8, 41.2) (p = 0.0009).Patients on sildenafil citrate achieved a statistically significant reduction in mPAP compared to those on placebo. A mean placebo-corrected treatment effect of -3.9 mmHg was observed in favor of sildenafil citrate (95% CI: -5.7, -2.1) (p = 0.00003).Time to clinical worsening of PAH was defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of a clinical worsening event (death, lung transplantation, initiation of bosentan therapy, or clinical deterioration requiring a change in epoprostenol therapy). Table 4 displays the number of patients with clinical worsening events in PACES-1. Kaplan-Meier estimates and a stratified log-rank test demonstrated that placebo-treated patients were 3 times more likely to experience a clinical worsening event than sildenafil citrate-treated patients and that sildenafil citrate-treated patients experienced a significant delay in time to clinical worsening versus placebo-treated patients (p = 0.0074). Kaplan-Meier plot of time to clinical worsening is presented in Figure 5.Table 4: Clinical Worsening Events in PACES-1Figure 5. Kaplan-Meier Plot of Time (in Days) to Clinical Worsening of PAH in PACES-1Improvements in WHO Functional Class for PAH were also demonstrated in patients on sildenafil citrate compared to placebo. More than twice as many sildenafil citrate-treated patients (36%) as placebo-treated patients (14%) showed an improvement in at least one functional New York Heart Association (NYHA) class for PAH.Study A1481243 (NCT00323297) - Sildenafil Citrate Added to Bosentan Therapy – Lack of Effect on Exercise CapacityA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 103 patients with PAH who were on bosentan therapy for a minimum of 3 months.