Key Takeaways
- The AN 355 pill is a white, oval-shaped tablet containing sildenafil citrate 100 mg — the active ingredient in Viagra.
- Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- The AN 355 imprint identifies this as a generic sildenafil tablet manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals.
- While sildenafil itself is not considered addictive, psychological dependence on ED medications can develop.
- Sildenafil has potentially dangerous interactions with nitrates (heart medications), alpha-blockers, and recreational drugs like poppers (amyl nitrite).
- Counterfeit sildenafil pills are common and may contain unknown and dangerous substances.
Identifying the AN 355 Pill
If you have found a pill imprinted with "AN 355," here is what you need to know:
- Imprint: AN 355
- Color: White
- Shape: Oval (capsule-shaped)
- Active Ingredient: Sildenafil citrate 100 mg
- Drug Class: PDE5 inhibitor
- Manufacturer: Amneal Pharmaceuticals
- Prescription Required: Yes (in the US)
What Is Sildenafil Used For?
Sildenafil citrate is used to treat two primary conditions:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
- Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal
- It does not cause spontaneous erections — sexual stimulation is still required
- Effects begin within 30-60 minutes and last approximately 4-6 hours
- The 100 mg dose (AN 355) is the highest commonly prescribed dose
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH):
- Under the brand name Revatio, sildenafil is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs
- The dosing for PAH is different (typically 20 mg three times daily)
Side Effects of Sildenafil
Common side effects include:
- Headache (most common, ~16% of users)
- Flushing (redness of face and neck)
- Nasal congestion
- Dizziness
- Visual changes (blue-tinged vision, light sensitivity)
- Indigestion and stomach upset
Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:
- Priapism (erection lasting more than 4 hours) — a medical emergency
- Sudden vision loss
- Sudden hearing loss
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
Dangerous Drug Interactions
Sildenafil has potentially fatal interactions with certain medications:
- Nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide) — can cause dangerously low blood pressure
- Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, doxazosin) — additive blood pressure lowering
- Recreational poppers (amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite) — similar to nitrate interaction
- Ritonavir and other HIV protease inhibitors — increase sildenafil levels
- Some antifungals and antibiotics — can increase sildenafil levels
Sildenafil Misuse and Dependence
While sildenafil is not physically addictive, problematic patterns of use include:
- Recreational use: Taking sildenafil without ED for performance enhancement
- Psychological dependence: Feeling unable to perform sexually without the medication
- Combination with illicit drugs: Using sildenafil with cocaine, MDMA, or methamphetamine (extremely dangerous for the heart)
- Purchasing from unregulated sources: Counterfeit pills may contain unknown substances
If you or a loved one is facing these challenges, learn more about personalized opioid recovery plans available at Trailhead Treatment Center in Salem, NH.
Why Pill Identification Matters
Finding an unknown pill is concerning. Pill identification is important for:
- Parents who find pills in a child's room
- Healthcare providers treating overdose patients
- Individuals who want to verify their medication is legitimate
- Families concerned about a loved one's substance use
Trailhead Treatment Center provides how medication-assisted treatment supports recovery to support lasting recovery and wellness.
Conclusion
The AN 355 pill is generic sildenafil 100 mg, a prescription medication for erectile dysfunction. While not a substance of abuse in the traditional sense, it can be misused and has dangerous interactions with certain medications and recreational drugs. If you are concerned about a loved one's substance use or have questions about pill identification, Trailhead Treatment Center can help guide you toward appropriate resources.