Possible Drug Interactions While Taking Viagra

Like with any other prescription medication, when you decide to take on another medication you have to be well aware of all possible side effects and more importantly, any possible drug interactions your new medication can have with any of your existing medications. Viagra drug interactions can in some cases be very dangerous so it is very important that you discuss all of your current medications and possible interactions with your doctor before starting a treatment course with Viagra. For example, alpha blockers used to control high blood pressure have been known to have significant drug interactions with Viagra.

The following is just a small list of drugs that can potentially interact with Viagra (sildenafil citrate):

Alpha Blockers

These meds are used to control high blood pressure (HBP) as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Common alpha blockers include known brand names such as, Minipress (prazosin), Cardura (doxazosin) and Hytrin (terazosin).

Common Interactions: In several case studies, combining alpha blockers with Viagra caused blood pressure to decrease. A decrease blood pressure, as you know, can be very dangerous if left unattended. Other reported interactions have been dizziness, light-headedness and in some cases fainting after having been in a sitting or laying down position. It is not recommended to take a Viagra dosage of above 25mg within a 4 hour timeframe of having taken any kind of alpha blocker.

Erythromycin

Common Interactions: When you combine this drug with Viagra, your metabolic assimilation of Viagra can be altered. Make sure you comment your erythromycin use to your doctor so that he/she can adjust your Viagra dosage to balance out the altered state of Viagra assimilation in the body.

Cimetidine

Commonly known brand name is Tagamet.

Common Interactions: When Viagra is combined with cimetidine, it seems to raise the level of Viagra in the blood, which can be potentially harmful for your health. If you are taking cimetidine, make sure you talk over alternatives with your doctor before you start taking Viagra.

Ritonavir

Commonly known brand name is Norvir. It is a protease inhibitor.

Common Interactions: Taking Viagra in conjunction with Ritonavir has been shown to greatly increase the Viagra levels in the blood stream and could be potentially harmful. Viagra doesn’t appear to alter the levels of ritonavir in any way but should be used with caution when taking both drugs simultaneously. While other protease inhibitors haven’t been tested, the same results are to be expected.

Saquinavir

Commonly known brand name is Fortovase.

Amlodipine

Nitrates

The most common type of nitrate is nitroglycerin.

Common Interactions: Nitrate has been known to cause large and sudden drops in a person’s systematic blood pressure and can be very dangerous if not treated. Viagra should by no means be taken if you are taking any type of nitrate.

Antifungals

Commonly known brand names are Nizoral (ketoconazole), Diflucan (fluconazole) or Sporanox (itraconazole)

Common Interactions: Taking Viagra together with any type of antifungal has been known to cause the body to metabolize Viagra differently. If you are taking antifungals, make sure you inform your doctor, they may consequently choose to adjust your dosage to balance out any interactions you may experience.

While this list does include the most commonly known drug interactions with Viagra, it does not include every possible interaction and as mentioned before, it is imperative for you to thoroughly speak about possible drug interactions that might affect you with your doctor.