sildenafil dose pulmonary hypertension

The typical dosage of sildenafil for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is tailored to individual patient characteristics, including age, weight, and disease severity. Generally, the initial dose is set low and then titrated based on the patient’s response and tolerability.

As a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, sildenafil effectively vasodilates and reduces pulmonary arterial pressure. For adults, the starting dose is often 20 milligrams, taken three times daily. If dosage escalation is necessary, increments are typically 20 milligrams at a time, with a maximum total daily dose of 80 milligrams in three divided doses. In pediatric patients, dosing is weight-based, approximately 1 to 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, administered three times daily. These are broad guidelines, and in clinical practice, physicians adjust the dosage to fit the individual patient’s needs.

During treatment with sildenafil for PAH, patients should closely monitor their physical responses and undergo regular assessments to allow for timely adjustments to the treatment regimen by their healthcare provider. Compliance with medical directives is crucial; patients should not alter their medication dosage or discontinue treatment without consulting their physician to ensure the safety and efficacy of their therapy.