Types of interactions with Viagra

Viagra, also known as sildenafil, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is essential to be aware of drugs that interact with Viagra, as they can cause serious side effects. Interactions can be categorized as major, moderate, or minor.

Interactions with alpha blockers

Alpha blockers, such as tamsulosin (Flomax), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), and terazosin, are known to interact with Viagra. These interactions can cause low blood pressure, which may require dosage adjustments to manage the effects.

Interactions with nitrates

Viagra can have serious interactions with nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual, Nitrostat, others), and isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil). Combining these medications can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, and they should not be taken together.

Interactions with alcohol

While Viagra is not known to interact with alcohol directly, mixing the two substances can potentially cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, or fainting. It is advisable to inform your healthcare provider if you experience any of these signs or have concerns about taking sildenafil with alcohol.

Interactions with blood pressure medications

Viagra can interact with blood pressure medications like amlodipine, losartan, and clonidine, making low blood pressure more likely to occur. If you are on any of these medications, it is crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking Viagra.

Interactions with other erectile dysfunction medications

Some other erectile dysfunction medications can interact with Viagra, including alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE), riociguat (Adempas), and PDE5 inhibitors such as avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn).

These interactions can cause low blood pressure and should be avoided or managed with dosage adjustments.

Interactions with HIV drugs

Viagra may interact with certain HIV drugs, such as ritonavir, saquinavir, and atazanavir. Some protease inhibitors can increase sildenafil citrate levels in the blood, while drugs like efavirenz and nevirapine can reduce sildenafil levels. Adjusting the dosage may be necessary to manage these interactions.

Interactions with antifungal drugs

Oral antifungal drugs, like ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox), can interact with Viagra. These interactions can cause low blood pressure, and dosage adjustments may be required.

Interactions with antibiotics

Viagra can interact with certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or erythromycin. These interactions can cause low blood pressure, and dosage adjustments may be needed to manage the effects.

Strategies to avoid or manage drug interactions

To avoid or manage drug interactions with Viagra, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you are taking before starting treatment. Additionally, avoid heavy meals with high-fat components on days when you plan on taking Viagra, as fatty meals can cause the medication to take effect more slowly.