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Viagra, containing Sildenafil, is a medication that treats Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in males.
ED is an inability of males to get or maintain a firm erection. It is a common condition, affecting 30 million males in the US alone.
Viagra works by improving blood flow to the penis. It is a safe and effective medicine with an efficacy of 82%.
But it can interact with specific drugs, leading to serious health complications.
This article will discuss drugs not to take with Viagra to avoid any risks.
Table of Contents
Drugs not to take with Viagra
Viagra (Sildenafil) is a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
It works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzymes.
These enzymes are responsible for breaking down Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP).
cGMP is a molecule that helps to dilate penile blood vessels.
This dilation improves blood flow to the penis. Thus, helping individuals in getting or maintaining an erection.
But certain drugs have a similar mechanism of action as Viagra.
They can interact with Viagra (Sildenafil). And can result in reduced effectiveness, increased side effects, or life-threatening complications.
Specific drugs not to take with Viagra include Nitrates, Alpha-blockers, GC stimulators, antifungal medicines, etc.
Here we discuss all these drug interactions in detail.
Nitrates
Source: Getty_imagesNitrates are a group of medicines that treat Angina (chest pain) and other heart diseases.
They work by contributing Nitric Oxide, which dilates blood vessels.
This allows more oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart. Thus, reducing the symptoms of Angina.
As mentioned, Viagra (Sildenafil) also functions by widening blood vessels.
If you take Nitrates and Viagra together, the blood vessels may dilate excessively.
This can result in a sharp drop in blood pressure. And lead to adverse effects like dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or stroke.
Examples of Nitrates include:
- Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual)
- Isosorbide Dinitrate (Isordil)
- Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monoket)
So, Nitrates are among the drugs not to take with Viagra at any cost.
Recommended Read- A Dangerous Mix: Viagra and Nitroglycerin
Alpha-blockers
Alpha-blockers are a class of medicines that treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and high blood pressure.
If you take Alpha-blockers and Viagra together, they can lead to Hypotension.
Hypotension occurs when the blood pressure drops below the normal range.
This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Examples of alpha-blockers include:
- Tamsulosin
- Prazosin
Protease inhibitors
Protease inhibitors are used to slow down the progression of HIV.
But it is advisable not to take Protease inhibitors and Viagra together.
This is because Protease inhibitors block a liver enzyme called CYP24A. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down Viagra in the body.
If you take both medicines at the same time, your body won’t be able to break down Viagra.
This can lead to increased levels of Viagra in the body. Thus, increasing the risk of its side effects.
A protease inhibitor that you should not take with Viagra is Ritonavir (Norvir).
Other Erectile Dysfunction medicines
Other PDE5 inhibitors are among the drugs not to take with Viagra (Sildenafil).
These include Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil.
Since they all belong to the same class of medicine, they have the same effects on the body.
If taken together, they can exacerbate the side effects.
Antifungal medicines
Source: Getty_imagresAntifungal medicines are helpful in treating infections caused by fungi.
You should not take antifungal medicines with Viagra as they may increase the risk of Viagra’s side effects.
They do this by preventing your body from breaking down Viagra.
This leads to Viagra accumulation in the body for a longer period. Thus, increasing the risk of its side effects.
Antifungal medicines that interact with Viagra include:
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
Before taking these two medicines with Viagra, talk to your doctor.
Guanylate Cyclase (GC) stimulators
Guanylate Cyclase (GC) stimulators help treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
It helps lower blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries to treat PAH.
Taking Viagra with a GC stimulator can lower your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Thus, it is advisable not to combine GC stimulators and Viagra.
Some GC stimulators that can interact with Viagra include
- Riociguat
- Vericiguat
When should you not take Viagra
You should not take Viagra when
- You are taking any drugs like Nitrates, Alpha-blockers, etc
- You are allergic to the active ingredient of Viagra, i.e., Sildenafil
- You are suffering from renal dysfunction
- You recently have had suffered a heart attack or stroke
- You are using any other PDE5 inhibitor like Tadalafil, etc
- You are consuming alcohol or grapefruit juice
In these cases, try to avoid using Viagra (Sildenafil)
Recommended Read- Mixing Viagra and Alcohol: A Risky Affair
Final words
So, can you take Viagra with other medicines?
You may or may not take Viagra with other medicines.
This decision depends on the specific medication you are using along with Viagra.
As mentioned, some medicines like Nitrates can interact with it.
So to ensure safety, it is necessary to consult a doctor before taking Viagra.
The doctor will need to know all medicines you are currently taking. It helps them to determine if there are any potential interactions with Viagra.
If any interactions are found, the doctor may adjust the dosage. They may also recommend an alternative treatment for ED.
Recommended Read- Reviving Intimacy: Proven Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mix Viagra and sleeping pills?
You can mix Viagra and sleeping pills. Prescription-based sleeping pills include antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs. No evidence suggests drug interactions between these classes of sleeping pills and Viagra. But it is advisable to consult a doctor as interactions vary from person to person.
Can you take Viagra with statins and blood thinners?
Yes, you can take Viagra with statins and blood thinners. No interactions are found between Viagra and them. Still, it is advisable to consult a doctor before combining medicines.
Can you still take Viagra with high blood pressure medication?
Taking Viagra with antihypertensive drugs may drop blood pressure excessively. This is riskier for patients with heart conditions. But if your doctor prescribes it, you can take Viagra with blood pressure medicines.
What interferes with Viagra’s working?
High-fat meal interferes with Viagra’s working. Fatty food can delay the absorption and Viagra’s onset of action by 1 hour. Thus, it is advisable to take Viagra either on an empty stomach or with light meals.
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