Riociguat is used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
What is Riociguat?
Riociguat acts by increasing the pulmonary levels of cGMP molecule, which stimulates vasodilation. In this way, it promotes the reduction of blood pressure.
How should Riociguat be taken?
Riociguat is administered orally.
Side effects associated with Riociguat
Riociguat may increase the risk of serious bleeding.
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Riociguat triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness or chest pain
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Pallor
- Tiredness, weakness, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, severe or persistent headaches or nausea
- Stomach swelling
- Swelling of the hands, legs, ankles or feet
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding or bruising
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Riociguat
Riociguat is contraindicated in pregnancy and in cases of veno-occlusive pulmonary disease. It should not be taken with nitrates, avanafil, dipyridamole, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil or theophylline. Moreover, smoking can reduce its effectiveness.
People being treated with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should take it at least one hour before or after taking Riociguat.
Taking Riociguat may impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially if there is concomitant use of alcohol or other drugs. Besides alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase the risk of dizziness and fainting associated with treatment, especially in the morning when you get up out of bed.
Lastly, before starting treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines, foods, or any other substance
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, particularly amyl nitrite, avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, cilostazol, dipyridamole, medications for high blood pressure, milrinone, nitrates, roflumilast, theophylline, antifungal azolicim HIV protease inhibitors, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, or St. John's wort
- You suffer (or have suffered) from bleeding disorders, pulmonary hemorrhages, kidney, liver or heart disease, hypotension, hypovolemia, circulatory disorders
- You are suffering from dehydration
- You are undergoing dialysis
- You underwent bronchial artery embolization
- You are smoking
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are trying to conceive a child
