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Amlodipine and Viagra are the two medicines that treat different medical conditions.
Viagra is an Erectile Dysfunction (ED) treatment.
Whereas, Amlodipine is an anti-hypertensive medicine that treats high blood pressure.
Both medicines dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow.
There may be risks in taking these two drugs together.
This article will explore the dangers of taking Amlodipine and Viagra together, if any.
Table of Contents
Amlodipine and Viagra: The basics
Source: Getty_imagesAmlodipine is a medicine to treat Hypertension (high blood pressure).
It can also help treat certain types of chest pain and coronary artery disease.
Amlodipine belongs to the class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers.
It works by dilating the blood vessels. This allows blood to flow easily and reduces the heart’s workload.
Thus, helping in lowering high blood pressure.
In contrast, Viagra is a medicine that treats Erectile Dysfunction.
It contains the active ingredient Sildenafil, which is a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
It inhibits PDE5 enzymes in the penis. This inhibition helps to dilate blood vessels.
Thus, improving blood flow to the penis.
Enhanced blood flow helps individuals to get or maintain a firm erection.
Did you know that Viagra is also known as the “little blue pill.” To delve into the history behind this name, refer to this article– History of the Blue Pill: Origin and Cultural Impact
Can Amlodipine cause Erectile Dysfunction
Source: Africa_imagesAmlodipine may or may not cause Erectile Dysfunction.
The accurate answer is inconclusive. This is because studies have yielded conflicting results.
Some studies have shown that Amlodipine frequently causes ED, while others have shown that it rarely causes ED.
So, the exact conclusion cannot be drawn.
1. One study showed that long-term use of Amlodipine reduces testosterone levels in males.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone. Its reduction can decrease the sex drive of males and the ability to get good-quality erections. Thus, it may lead to Erectile Dysfunction.
2. Another research showed that calcium channel blockers caused the highest cases of sexual dysfunctions.
3. But as per WebMD, among all anti-hypertensive drugs, Amlodipine rarely causes Erectile Dysfunction.
Numerous medicines can lead to the development of sexual dysfunctions like ED. To discover the names of these drugs, explore this article– ED Dangers: Drugs That Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Can you take Viagra with Amlodipine
The short answer is yes.
It is generally safe to take Amlodipine and Viagra together.
But you should take them together only if your doctor recommends it.
This is because a moderate interaction exists between Amlodipine and Viagra.
The doctor will analyze your medical and health conditions. If he/she believes the combination of Viagra and Amlodipine is safe for you, they will recommend it.
The riskiest medication to combine with Viagra is Nitrates, as this combination can pose a life-threatening danger. To gain a thorough insight into this subject, explore this article– A Dangerous Mix: Viagra and Nitroglycerin
Amlodipine and Viagra interaction
As mentioned, there is a moderate interaction between Viagra and Amlodipine.
Both Sildenafil (Viagra’s active ingredient) and Amlodipine are vasodilators. They have the potential to lower blood pressure.
When taken together, Sildenafil adds to the blood pressure-lowering effects of Amlodipine.
This combination can cause a reduction in blood pressure.
But this reduction is additive and not stronger. It means their combined effect on reducing blood pressure is simply the sum of their individual effects.
They do not produce effects greater than the sum of their separate effects. Thus, their interaction may not increase the adverse effect profile.
In fact, one study showed that Sildenafil might enhance the beneficial effects of Amlodipine.
Still, if you experience symptoms like fainting or dizziness, call a doctor immediately.
Interaction varies from person to person, based on health conditions. So, it is important to consult a doctor before taking two medicines whose effects are similar.
For an in-depth exploration of the interactions of Sildenafil, consider reading this article– Interactions of Sildenafil: Drugs, Food, and Disease
For example, if medicine A reduces blood pressure by 10 mm hg and medicine B reduces blood pressure by 5 mm hg, so when taken together, their additive effect would be a reduction in blood pressure by 15 mm hg (10 + 5).
Who should not take Amlodipine and Viagra together
As discussed, you can take Viagra with Amlodipine. Their combination is safe.
But some patients must avoid using Amlodipine and Viagra together. These include:
1. Patients with Hypotension
If you have a condition of Hypotension (low blood pressure), avoid using the combination of Viagra and Amlodipine.
This combination might drop their blood pressure to dangerous levels.
2. Patients with severe heart diseases
Amlodipine is not advisable for people with/or at high risk of heart failure. And taking it with Viagra would only worsen the situation.
So, people in this category should not use Amlodipine or its combination with Viagra.
3. Patients taking Nitrates medicine
Concurrent use of Amlodipine and Viagra with Nitrates is not recommended.
It can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure.
This drop can even be life-threatening, so do not use them at the same time.
4. Patients with kidney or liver disease
The liver metabolizes Amlodipine and Viagra, and the kidney helps with their excretion.
Impaired kidney and liver function leads to the accumulation of medicine in the body.
This raises the risk of interactions and side effects.
So, patients with liver or kidney disease should avoid using this combination. They may ask the doctor to adjust their dosages if they have to use them.
Final words on Amlodipine and Viagra
Although Amlodipine and Viagra treat different conditions, their effects are similar.
There is a moderate interaction between these two drugs.
If taken together, they may interact and cause an additive drop in blood pressure.
Their combined effect on reducing blood pressure is not greater than the sum of their separate effects. So they are less likely to worsen each other’s effects.
The best way to avoid drug interaction is not to take those medicines together.
But if you need to take Viagra and Amlodipine together, consult a doctor.
The doctor will analyze whether this combination is safe for you or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which class does Amlodipine belong to?
Amlodipine belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. They help to lower high blood pressure. Amlodipine works by dilating the blood vessels, which helps improve blood flow. It does this by reducing calcium flux into cells.
What are the risks of taking Amlodipine and Viagra together?
The risks of taking Amlodipine and Viagra together include an additive reduction in blood pressure. This is because both medications can cause blood vessel relaxation. This may result in fainting and dizziness. So, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking these two medicines together.
Can Amlodipine help improve ED?
Amlodipine is not a treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It is a medicine for treating high blood pressure. But it may indirectly help improve ED symptoms if high blood pressure is an underlying cause of ED. You may use medicines like Viagra (Sildenafil) specifically designed for treating ED.
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