Sildenafil by Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC SILDENAFIL tablet

Sildenafil by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Sildenafil by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1  INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Adults

    Sildenafil tablets are indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (World Health Organization [WHO] Group I) in adults to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening [see Clinical Studies (14)].

    Pediatric use information is approved for Viatris Specialty LLC’s, REVATIO (sildenafil) tablets. However, due to Viatris Specialty LLC’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

  • 2  DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 Recommended Dosage in Adults

    Oral Dosage

    The recommended dosage of sildenafil tablet is 20 mg three times a day [see Clinical Studies (14)].

    Pediatric use information is approved for Viatris Specialty LLC’s, REVATIO (sildenafil) tablets. However, due to Viatris Specialty LLC’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

  • 3  DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Sildenafil Tablets, USP

    Sildenafil Tablets USP, 20 mg are supplied as white to off-white, round shaped, film-coated tablets with debossing ‘AN 351’ on one side and plain on the other side, containing sildenafil citrate, USP equivalent to 20 mg of sildenafil.

  • 4  CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Sildenafil tablets are contraindicated in patients with:

    • Concomitant use of organic nitrates in any form, either regularly or intermittently, because of the greater risk of hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
    • Concomitant use of riociguat, a guanylate cyclase stimulator. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, including sildenafil, may potentiate the hypotensive effects of riociguat.
    • Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of the tablet. Hypersensitivity, including anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactic shock and anaphylactoid reaction, has been reported in association with the use of sildenafil.
  • 5  WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Hypotension

    Sildenafil citrate has vasodilatory properties, resulting in mild and transient decreases in blood pressure. Before prescribing sildenafil citrate, carefully consider whether patients with certain underlying conditions could be adversely affected by such vasodilatory effects (e.g., patients on antihypertensive therapy or with resting hypotension [blood pressure less than 90/50], fluid depletion, severe left ventricular outflow obstruction, or autonomic dysfunction). Monitor blood pressure when co-administering blood pressure lowering drugs with sildenafil citrate.

    5.2 Worsening Pulmonary Vascular Occlusive Disease

    Pulmonary vasodilators may significantly worsen the cardiovascular status of patients with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). Since there are no clinical data on administration of sildenafil citrate to patients with veno-occlusive disease, administration of sildenafil citrate to such patients is not recommended. Should signs of pulmonary edema occur when sildenafil citrate is administered, consider the possibility of associated PVOD.

    5.3 Epistaxis

    The incidence of epistaxis was 13% in patients taking sildenafil citrate with PAH secondary to CTD. This effect was not seen in idiopathic PAH (sildenafil citrate 3%, placebo 2%) patients. The incidence of epistaxis was also higher in  sildenafil citrate-treated patients with a concomitant oral vitamin K antagonist (9% versus 2% in those not treated with concomitant vitamin K antagonist).

    The safety of sildenafil citrate is unknown in patients with bleeding disorders or active peptic ulceration.

    5.4 Visual Loss

    When used to treat erectile dysfunction, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a cause of decreased vision including permanent loss of vision, has been reported post-marketing in temporal association with the use of PDE-5 inhibitors, including sildenafil. Most patients had underlying anatomic or vascular risk factors for developing NAION, including low cup to disc ratio (“crowded disc”).

    Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention in the event of a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes while taking sildenafil citrate.

    There are no controlled clinical data on the safety or efficacy of sildenafil citrate in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a minority of whom have genetic disorders of retinal phosphodiesterases. Therefore, use of sildenafil citrate in patients with retinitis pigmentosa is not recommended.

    5.5 Hearing Loss

    Cases of sudden decrease or loss of hearing, which may be accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness, have been reported in temporal association with the use of PDE-5 inhibitors, including sildenafil citrate. In some of the cases, medical conditions and other factors were reported that may have played a role. In many cases, medical follow-up information was limited. It is not possible to determine whether these reported events are related directly to the use of sildenafil citrate, to the patient’s underlying risk factors for hearing loss, a combination of these factors, or to other factors.

    Advise patients to seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing while taking PDE-5 inhibitors, including sildenafil citrate.

    5.6 Combination with other PDE-5 Inhibitors

    Sildenafil is also marketed as VIAGRA®. The safety and efficacy of combinations of sildenafil citrate with VIAGRA or other PDE-5 inhibitors have not been studied. Inform patients taking sildenafil citrate not to take VIAGRA or other PDE-5 inhibitors.

    5.7 Priapism

    Use sildenafil citrate with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (e.g., angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie’s disease) or in patients who have conditions, which may predispose them to priapism (e.g., sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia). In the event of an erection that persists longer than 4 hours, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism (painful erection greater than 6 hours in duration) is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency could result.

    5.8 Vaso-occlusive Crisis in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Sickle Cell Disease

    In a small, prematurely terminated study of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to sickle cell disease, vaso-occlusive crises requiring hospitalization were more commonly reported by patients who received sildenafil citrate than by those randomized to placebo. The effectiveness and safety of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of PH secondary to sickle cell disease has not been established.

  • 6  ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following serious adverse events are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:

    • Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
    • Vision Loss [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
    • Hearing Loss [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
    • Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
    • Vaso-occlusive Crisis in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Sickle Cell Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]

    6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

    Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

    In a 12-week, placebo-controlled clinical study and an open-label extension study (SUPER-1) in 277 sildenafil citrate-treated adults with PAH (WHO Group I) [see Clinical Studies (14)] the adverse reactions that were reported by at least 10% of sildenafil citrate -treated patients in any dosing group, and were more frequent in sildenafil citrate -treated patients than in placebo-treated patients are shown in Table 1. Adverse reactions were generally transient and mild to moderate in nature. The overall frequency of discontinuation in sildenafil citrate -treated patients was 3% (20 mg and 40 mg three times a day). The overall frequency of discontinuation for placebo was 3%.

    Table 1: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Patients Treated with Sildenafil Citrate 20 mg and Placebo three times per day in SUPER-1 (More Frequent in Sildenafil Citrate -Treated Patients than Placebo-Treated Patients)

    Sildenafil Citrate

    20 mg

    (n = 69)

    Placebo

    (n = 70)

    Headache

    46%

    39%

    Flushing

    10%

    4%

    Pain in Limb

    7%

    6%

    Myalgia

    7%

    4%

    Back Pain

    13%

    11%

    Dyspepsia

    13%

    7%

    Diarrhea

    9%

    6%

    In a placebo-controlled fixed dose titration study (PACES-1) of sildenafil citrate (starting with recommended dose of 20 mg and increased to 40 mg and then 80 mg all three times a day) as an adjunct to intravenous epoprostenol in patients with PAH, no new safety issues were identified except for edema, which occurred in 25% of subjects in the combined sildenafil citrate + epoprostenol group compared with 13% of subjects in the epoprostenol group [see Clinical Studies (14)].

    Pediatric use information is approved for Viatris Specialty LLC’s, REVATIO (sildenafil) tablets. However, due to Viatris Specialty LLC’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

    6.2 Post-marketing Experience

    The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of sildenafil (marketed for both PAH and erectile dysfunction). Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

    Cardiovascular Events

    In post-marketing experience with sildenafil at doses indicated for erectile dysfunction, serious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and vascular events, including myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmia, cerebrovascular hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack, hypertension, pulmonary hemorrhage, and subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhages have been reported in temporal association with the use of the drug. Most, but not all, of these patients had preexisting cardiovascular risk factors. Many of these events were reported to occur during or shortly after sexual activity, and a few were reported to occur shortly after the use of sildenafil without sexual activity. Others were reported to have occurred hours to days after use concurrent with sexual activity. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to sildenafil, to sexual activity, to the patient’s underlying cardiovascular disease, or to a combination of these or other factors.

    Nervous System

    Seizure, seizure recurrence

    Ophthalmologic

    NAION [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Patient Counseling Information (17)].

  • 7  DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Nitrates

    Concomitant use of sildenafil citrate with nitrates in any form is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4)].

    Strong CYP3A Inhibitors

    Concomitant use of sildenafil citrate with strong CYP3A inhibitors is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

    Moderate-to-Strong CYP3A Inducers

    Concomitant use of sildenafil citrate with moderate-to-strong CYP3A inducers (such as bosentan) decreases the sildenafil exposure. Dose up-titration of sildenafil citrate may be needed when initiating treatment with moderate-to-strong CYP3A inducers. Reduce the dose of sildenafil to 20 mg three times a day when discontinuing treatment with moderate-to-strong CYP3A inducers [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14)].

  • 8  USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Risk Summary

    Limited published data from randomized controlled trials, case-controlled trials, and case series do not report a clear association with sildenafil and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when sildenafil is used during pregnancy. There are risks to the mother and fetus from untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension (see Clinical Considerations). Animal reproduction studies conducted with sildenafil showed no evidence of embryo-fetal toxicity or teratogenicity at doses up to 32- and 65-times the recommended human dose (RHD) of 20 mg three times a day in rats and rabbits, respectively (see Data).

    The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

    Clinical Considerations

    Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk

    Pregnant women with untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension are at risk for heart failure, stroke, preterm delivery, and maternal and fetal death.

    Data

    Animal Data

    No evidence of teratogenicity, embryotoxicity, or fetotoxicity was observed in pregnant rats or rabbits dosed with sildenafil 200 mg/kg/day during organogenesis, a level that is, on a mg/m2 basis, 32- and 65-times, respectively, the recommended human dose (RHD) of 20 mg three times a day. In a rat pre- and postnatal development study, the no-observed-adverse-effect dose was 30 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 5-times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis).

    8.2 Lactation

    Risk Summary

    Limited published data from a case report describe the presence of sildenafil and its active metabolite in human milk. There is insufficient information about the effects of sildenafil on the breastfed infant and no information on the effects of sildenafil on milk production. Limited clinical data during lactation preclude a clear determination of the risk of sildenafil citrate to an infant during lactation.


    8.4 Pediatric Use

    The safety and effectiveness of sildenafil citrate has not been established in pediatric patients younger than 1 year of age.

    Pediatric use information is approved for Viatris Specialty LLC’s, REVATIO (sildenafil) tablets. However, due to Viatris Specialty LLC’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    Clinical studies of sildenafil citrate did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

    8.6 Patients with Hepatic Impairment

    No dose adjustment for mild to moderate impairment is required. Severe impairment has not been studied [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

    8.7 Patients with Renal Impairment

    No dose adjustment is required (including severe impairment CLcr < 30 mL/min) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

  • 10  OVERDOSAGE

    In studies with healthy volunteers of single doses up to 800 mg, adverse events were similar to those seen at lower doses but rates and severities were increased.

    In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted as required. Renal dialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance as sildenafil is highly bound to plasma proteins and it is not eliminated in the urine.

  • 11  DESCRIPTION

    Sildenafil citrate, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, is the citrate salt of sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5). Sildenafil is also marketed as VIAGRA® for erectile dysfunction.

    Sildenafil citrate is designated chemically as 1-[[3-(6,7-dihydro-1-methyl-7-oxo-3-propyl-1H-pyrazolo [4,3-d] pyrimidin-5-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl] sulfonyl]-4-methylpiperazine citrate and has the following structural formula:

    Sildenafil citrate, USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a solubility of 3.5 mg/mL in water and a molecular weight of 666.7.

     4

    Sildenafil tablets, USP are formulated as white to off-white, round shaped film-coated tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains sildenafil citrate, USP equivalent to 20 mg of sildenafil. In addition to the active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, USP, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc and titanium dioxide.

  • 12  CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    Sildenafil is an inhibitor of cGMP specific PDE-5 in the smooth muscle of the pulmonary vasculature, where PDE-5 is responsible for degradation of cGMP. Sildenafil, therefore, increases cGMP within pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells resulting in relaxation. In patients with PAH, this can lead to vasodilation of the pulmonary vascular bed and, to a lesser degree, vasodilatation in the systemic circulation.

    Studies in vitro have shown that sildenafil is selective for PDE5. Its effect is more potent on PDE5 than on other known phosphodiesterases (10-fold for PDE6, greater than 80-fold for PDE1, greater than 700-fold for PDE2, PDE3, PDE4, PDE7, PDE8, PDE9, PDE10, and PDE11). The approximately 4,000-fold selectivity for PDE-5 versus PDE3 is important because PDE3 is involved in control of cardiac contractility. Sildenafil is only about 10 times as potent for PDE5 compared to PDE6, an enzyme found in the retina and involved in the phototransduction pathway of the retina. This lower selectivity is thought to be the basis for abnormalities related to color vision observed with higher doses or plasma levels [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

    In addition to pulmonary vascular smooth muscle and the corpus cavernosum, PDE5 is also found in other tissues including vascular and visceral smooth muscle and in platelets. The inhibition of PDE5 in these tissues by sildenafil may be the basis for the enhanced platelet anti-aggregatory activity of nitric oxide observed in vitro, and the mild peripheral arterial-venous dilatation in vivo.

    12.2 Pharmacodynamics

    Effects of Sildenafil Citrate on Hemodynamic Measures

    Adults

    Patients on all sildenafil citrate doses achieved a statistically significant reduction in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) compared to those on placebo in a study with no background vasodilators [see SUPER-1 in Clinical Studies (14)]. Data on other hemodynamic measures for the sildenafil citrate 20 mg three times a day and placebo dosing regimens is displayed in Table 2. The relationship between these effects and improvements in 6-minute walk distance is unknown. 

    Table 2: Changes from Baseline in Hemodynamic Parameters at Week 12 [mean (95% CI)] for the Sildenafil Citrate 20 mg Three Times a Day and Placebo Group

     

     Placebo

    (n = 65)*

     Sildenafil Citrate 20 mg

    three times a day (n = 65)*

    mPAP (mmHg)

    0.6 (-0.8, 2.0)

    -2.1 (-4.3, 0.0)

    PVR (dyns/cm5)

    49 (-54, 153)

    -122 (-217, -27)

    SVR (dyns/cm5)

    -78 (-197, 41)

    -167 (-307, -26)

    RAP (mmHg)

    0.3 (-0.9, 1.5)

    -0.8 (-1.9, 0.3)

    CO (L/min)

    -0.1 (-0.4, 0.2)

    0.4 (0.1, 0.7)

    HR (beats/min)

    -1.3 (-4.1, 1.4)

    -3.7 (-5.9, -1.4)
     mPAP = mean pulmonary arterial pressure; PVR= pulmonary vascular resistance; SVR = systemic vascular resistance; RAP = right atrial pressure; CO = cardiac output; HR = heart rate.
    *The number of patients per treatment group varied slightly for each parameter due to missing assessments.

    Effects of Sildenafil Citrate on Blood Pressure

    Single oral doses of sildenafil 100 mg administered to healthy volunteers produced decreases in supine blood pressure (mean maximum decrease in systolic/diastolic blood pressure of 8/5 mmHg). The decrease in blood pressure was most notable approximately 1 to 2 hours after dosing and was not different from placebo at 8 hours. Similar effects on blood pressure were noted with 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses of sildenafil, therefore the effects are not related to dose or plasma levels within this dosage range. Larger effects were recorded among patients receiving concomitant nitrates [see Contraindications (4)].

    Single oral doses of sildenafil up to 100 mg in healthy volunteers produced no clinically relevant effects on electrocardiogram (ECG). After chronic dosing of 80 mg three times a day to patients with PAH, no clinically relevant effects on ECG were reported.

    After chronic dosing of 80 mg three times a day sildenafil to healthy volunteers, the largest mean change from baseline in supine systolic and supine diastolic blood pressures was a decrease of 9.0 mmHg and 8.4 mmHg, respectively.

    After chronic dosing of 80 mg three times a day sildenafil to patients with systemic hypertension, the mean change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressures was a decrease of 9.4 mmHg and 9.1 mmHg, respectively.

    After chronic dosing of 80 mg three times a day sildenafil to patients with PAH, lesser reductions than above in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were observed (a decrease in both of 2 mmHg).

    Effects of Sildenafil Citrate on Vision

    At single oral doses of 100 mg and 200 mg, transient dose-related impairment of color discrimination (blue/green) was detected using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test, with peak effects near the time of peak plasma levels. This finding is consistent with the inhibition of PDE6, which is involved in phototransduction in the retina. An evaluation of visual function at doses up to 200 mg revealed no effects of sildenafil citrate on visual acuity, intraocular pressure, or pupillometry.

    Pediatric use information is approved for Viatris Specialty LLC's, REVATIO (sildenafil) tablets. However, due to Viatris Specialty LLC's marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    Absorption and Distribution

    Sildenafil citrate is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with a mean absolute bioavailability of 41% (25% to 63%). Maximum observed plasma concentrations are reached within 30 to 120 minutes (median 60 minutes) of oral dosing in the fasted state. When sildenafil citrate is taken with a high-fat meal, the rate of absorption is reduced, with a mean delay in Tmax of 60 minutes and a mean reduction in Cmax of 29%. The mean steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) for sildenafil is 105 L, indicating distribution into the tissues. Sildenafil and its major circulating N-desmethyl metabolite are both approximately 96% bound to plasma proteins. Protein binding is independent of total drug concentrations.

    Bioequivalence was established between the 20 mg tablet and the 10 mg/mL oral suspension when administered as a 20 mg single oral dose of sildenafil (as citrate).

    Metabolism and Excretion

    Sildenafil is cleared predominantly by the CYP3A (major route) and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9, minor route) hepatic microsomal isoenzymes. The major circulating metabolite results from N-desmethylation of sildenafil, and is, itself, further metabolized. This metabolite has a phosphodiesterase selectivity profile similar to sildenafil and an in vitro potency for PDE-5 approximately 50% of the parent drug. In healthy volunteers, plasma concentrations of this metabolite are approximately 40% of those seen for sildenafil, so that the metabolite accounts for about 20% of sildenafil’s pharmacologic effects. In patients with PAH, however, the ratio of the metabolite to sildenafil is higher. Both sildenafil and the active metabolite have terminal half-lives of about 4 hours.

    After oral administration, sildenafil is excreted as metabolites predominantly in the feces (approximately 80% of the administered oral dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 13% of the administered oral dose).

    Population Pharmacokinetics

    Age, gender, race, and renal and hepatic function were included as factors assessed in the population pharmacokinetic model to evaluate sildenafil pharmacokinetics in patients with PAH. The dataset available for the population pharmacokinetic evaluation contained a wide range of demographic data and laboratory parameters associated with hepatic and renal function. None of these factors had a significant impact on sildenafil pharmacokinetics in patients with PAH.

    In patients with PAH, the average steady-state concentrations were 20% to 50% higher when compared to those of healthy volunteers. There was also a doubling of Cmin levels compared to healthy volunteers. Both findings suggest a lower clearance and/or a higher oral bioavailability of sildenafil in patients with PAH compared to healthy volunteers.

    Pediatric Patients

    Pediatric use information is approved for Viatris Specialty LLC’s, REVATIO (sildenafil) tablets. However, due to Viatris Specialty LLC’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

    Geriatric Patients

    Healthy elderly volunteers (65 years or over) had a reduced clearance of sildenafil, resulting in approximately 84% and 107% higher plasma concentrations of sildenafil and its active N-desmethyl metabolite, respectively, compared to those seen in healthy younger volunteers (18 to 45 years). Due to age-differences in plasma protein binding, the corresponding increase in the AUC of free (unbound) sildenafil and its active N-desmethyl metabolite were 45% and 57%, respectively.

    Renal Impairment

    In volunteers with mild (CLcr = 50 to 80 mL/min) and moderate (CLcr = 30 to 49 mL/min) renal impairment, the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of sildenafil (50 mg) was not altered. In volunteers with severe (CLcr less than 30 mL/min) renal impairment, sildenafil clearance was reduced, resulting in approximately doubling of AUC and Cmax compared to age-matched volunteers with no renal impairment. In addition, N-desmethyl metabolite AUC and Cmax values were significantly increased 200% and 79%, respectively, in patients with severe renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function.

    Hepatic Impairment

    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 Cmax (47%) compared to age-matched volunteers with no hepatic impairment. Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) have not been studied.

    Drug Interaction Studies

    In vitro studies

    Sildenafil metabolism is principally mediated by the CYP3A (major route) and CYP2C9 (minor route) cytochrome P450 isoforms. Therefore, inhibitors of these isoenzymes may reduce sildenafil clearance and inducers of these isoenzymes may increase sildenafil clearance.

    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.

    In vivo studies

    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.

    Figure 1. Effects of Other Drugs on Sildenafil Pharmacokinetics

    1

    Figure 2. Effects of Sildenafil on Other Drugs

    1

     

    CYP3A Inhibitors and Beta Blockers

    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. Sildenafil exposure at a dose of 80 mg three times a day without concomitant medication is shown to be 5-fold the exposure at a dose of 20 mg three times a day. 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).

    CYP3A4 Inducers Including Bosentan

    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.

    Epoprostenol

    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. Therefore, the slight decrease of sildenafil exposure in the presence of epoprostenol is not considered clinically relevant. The effect of sildenafil on epoprostenol pharmacokinetics is not known.

    No significant interactions were shown with tolbutamide (250 mg) or warfarin (40 mg), both of which are metabolized by CYP2C9.

    Alcohol

    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 Fertility

    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. 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/m2 basis.

    Sildenafil was negative in in vitro bacterial and Chinese hamster ovary cell assays to detect mutagenicity, and in vitro human lymphocytes and in vivo mouse 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.

  • 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. 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 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)

    f7c6df1a-figure-05

    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)

    10.1

    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 PAH

    In 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 Epoprostenol

    A 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). 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-1

     

    Placebo
    (N = 131)

    Sildenafil Citrate
    (N = 134)

    Number of patients with clinical
    worsening first event

    23

    8
     

    First Event

    All Events

    First Event

    All Events

    Death, n

    		 34 0 0 

    Lung transplantation, n

    		 11 0 0

    Hospitalization due to PAH, n

    		 91188

    Clinical deterioration resulting in:
       Change of Epoprostenol Dose, n
       Initiation of Bosentan, n
     9
    1
    		 
    16
    1

    0
    0

    		 
    2
    0

    Proportion worsened
    95% Confidence Interval

    0.187
    (0.12 to 0.26)

    0.062
    (0.02 to 0.10)

    Figure 5. Kaplan-Meier Plot of Time (in Days) to Clinical Worsening of PAH in PACES-1

    f7c6df1a-figure-07

    Improvements 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 Capacity

    A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 103 patients with PAH who were on bosentan therapy for a minimum of 3 months. The PAH patients included those with primary PAH and PAH associated with CTD. Patients were randomized to placebo or sildenafil (20 mg three times a day) in combination with bosentan (62.5 mg to 125 mg twice a day). The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at Week 12 in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). The results indicate that there is no significant difference in mean change from baseline on 6MWD observed between sildenafil 20 mg plus bosentan and bosentan alone.

    Pediatric use information is approved for Viatris Specialty LLC’s, REVATIO (sildenafil) tablets. However, due to Viatris Specialty LLC’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

  • 16  HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    Sildenafil Tablets USP, 20 mg are supplied as white to off-white, round shaped film-coated tablets with debossing ‘AN 351’ on one side and plain on the other side, containing sildenafil citrate, USP equivalent to the nominally indicated amount of sildenafil.

    They are available as follows:

    Bottles of 90:                          NDC: 53746-351-90

    Recommended Storage for Sildenafil Tablets, USP: Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

  • 17  PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

    • Inform patients of contraindication of sildenafil citrate with regular and/or intermittent use of organic nitrates.
    • Inform patients that sildenafil is also marketed as VIAGRA for erectile dysfunction. Advise patients taking sildenafil citrate not to take VIAGRA or other PDE-5 inhibitors.
    • Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention for a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes while taking sildenafil citrate. Such an event may be a sign of NAION.
    • Advise patients to seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing while taking sildenafil citrate. These events may be accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness.

    All trademarks listed are the property of their respective owner.

    Distributed by:
    Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
    Bridgewater, NJ 08807

    Rev. 04-2024-00

  • PATIENT INFORMATION

    Dispense with Patient Information available at:

    documents.amneal.com/mg/ppi-sildenafil-tab-20mg.pdf

     

    Sildenafil (sil den’ a fil) Tablets, USP

     

    What is the most important information I should know about sildenafil tablets?

    Never take sildenafil tablets with any nitrate or guanylate cyclase stimulator medicines.

    • Your blood pressure could drop quickly to an unsafe level.

    Nitrates include:

    • Medicines that treat chest pain (angina)
    • Nitroglycerin in any form including tablets, patches, sprays, and ointments
    • Isosorbide mononitrate or dinitrate
    • Street drugs called “poppers” (amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate or nitrite)

    Guanylate cyclase stimulators include:

    • Riociguat, a medicine that treats pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

    Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you are taking a nitrate or a guanylate cyclase stimulator medicine.

    See “What are the possible side effects of sildenafil tablets?” for more information about side effects.
     What are sildenafil tablets?

    Sildenafil tablets are a prescription medicine used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a type of high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs.  Sildenafil tablets may be used in:

    • adults to improve your ability to exercise and help slow down the worsening of your physical condition.

    It is not known if sildenafil tablets are safe and effective in children younger than 1 year of age.

     Do not take sildenafil tablets if you:
    • take medicines called nitrates.
    • take riociguat, a guanylate cyclase stimulator medicine.
    • are allergic to sildenafil or any of the ingredients in sildenafil tablets. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in sildenafil tablets.
     Before taking sildenafil tablets tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
    • have low blood pressure
    • have heart problems
    • have pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD)
    • have bleeding problems or a stomach (peptic) ulcer. It is not known if sildenafil tablet is safe in people with bleeding problems or who have a stomach ulcer.
    • have an eye problem called retinitis pigmentosa
    • have ever had sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, including an eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
    • have ever had hearing problems such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, or loss of hearing
    • have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie’s disease
    • have any blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia
    • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if sildenafil tablets will harm your unborn baby.
    • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Sildenafil citrate passes into your breast milk. It is not known if it can harm your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with sildenafil tablets.

    Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Sildenafil tablets and certain other medicines may affect each other and can cause side effects.

    Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

    • nitrates or guanylate cyclase stimulators. See “What is the most important information I should know about sildenafil tablets?”
    • medicines to treat high blood pressure
    • medicines for erectile dysfunction (impotence). Sildenafil tablets contain sildenafil, which is the same medicine found in another medicine called VIAGRA®. VIAGRA is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Do not take VIAGRA or other PDE-5 inhibitors during treatment with sildenafil tablets.

    Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.

    Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

     How should I take sildenafil tablets?
    • Take or give sildenafil tablets exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
    • Your healthcare provider may change your dose of sildenafil tablets as needed. Do not change your dose or stop taking sildenafil tablets without talking to your healthcare provider.
    • Sildenafil citrate may be prescribed to you as sildenafil tablets.
    • Take your prescribed dose of sildenafil tablets 3 times a day.
    • If you take too much sildenafil tablets, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
     What are the possible side effects of sildenafil tablets?

    Sildenafil tablets may cause serious side effects, including:

    • See “What is the most important information I should know about sildenafil tablets?”
    • Decreased blood pressure. Sildenafil tablets may cause low blood pressure that last for a short time. If you take medicines to treat high blood pressure, your healthcare provider should monitor your blood pressure during treatment with sildenafil tablets.
    • Decreased eyesight or permanent loss of vision in one or both eyes can be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Most people who develop NAION have certain risk factors. You can ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about risk factors for NAION. If you notice a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes during treatment with sildenafil tablets, contact your healthcare provider right away.
    • Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness. If you notice a sudden decrease or loss of hearing during treatment with sildenafil tablets, contact your healthcare provider right away.
    • In men, an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours (priapism). If you have an erection, with or without pain, that lasts more than 4 hours, contact your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away. A painful erection that lasts more than 6 hours must be treated right away or you can have lasting damage to your penis, including the inability to have erections.

    The most common side effects of sildenafil tablets in adults include:

    •  nosebleeds 
    •  muscle aches and pain 
    •  headache 
    •  back pain 
    •  upset stomach 
    •  diarrhea 
     
    • getting red or hot in the face (flushing)
    •  arm or leg pain
     These are not all the possible side effects of sildenafil tablets.

    Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

     How should I store sildenafil tablets?
    • Store sildenafil tablets at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).

    Keep sildenafil tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.

     General information about the safe and effective use of sildenafil tablets.

    Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use sildenafil tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give sildenafil tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about sildenafil tablets that is written for health professionals.

     What are the ingredients in sildenafil tablets?

    Active ingredients: sildenafil citrate, USP

    Inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc and titanium dioxide.

    For more information go to www.amneal.com or call 1-877-835-5472.

    This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    All trademarks listed are the property of their respective owner.

    Pediatric use information is approved for Viatris Specialty LLC’s, REVATIO (sildenafil) tablets. However, due to Viatris Specialty LLC’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

    Distributed by:
    Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
    Bridgewater, NJ 08807

    Rev. 04-2024-00

  • PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    NDC: 53746-351-90

    Sildenafil Tablets USP, 20 mg

    Rx only

    90 Tablets

    Amneal Pharmaceuticals

     

    label
  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    SILDENAFIL 
    sildenafil tablet
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 53746-351
    Route of AdministrationORAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    SILDENAFIL CITRATE (UNII: BW9B0ZE037) (SILDENAFIL - UNII:3M7OB98Y7H) SILDENAFIL20 mg
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUM (UNII: M28OL1HH48)  
    HYPROMELLOSES (UNII: 3NXW29V3WO)  
    MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30)  
    CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE (UNII: OP1R32D61U)  
    POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL, UNSPECIFIED (UNII: 3WJQ0SDW1A)  
    POLYVINYL ALCOHOL, UNSPECIFIED (UNII: 532B59J990)  
    TALC (UNII: 7SEV7J4R1U)  
    TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)  
    CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, MONOBASIC, ANHYDROUS (UNII: 701EKV9RMN)  
    Product Characteristics
    ColorwhiteScoreno score
    ShapeROUNDSize7mm
    FlavorImprint Code AN;351
    Contains    
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 53746-351-9090 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product11/08/2012
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA20202511/08/2012
    Labeler - Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC (123797875)
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