What Interacts with Vardenafil? Medicines, Foods & Medical Conditions
Vardenafil can interact with several medications and substances, even with medical conditions.
It can interact highly with nitrates, leading to a risk of dangerous blood pressure drops.
Also, it interacts with alpha-blockers, antifungals (ketoconazole), certain antibiotics (erythromycin), and grapefruit juice.
These interactions can affect how the drug works or might increase the risk of side effects.
Also, using Vardenafil under certain medical conditions can be unsafe and requires caution.
Understanding how Vardenafil interacts with other substances is a vital part of safe and effective ED treatment.
In this blog, we will tell you about the most common drug and food interactions to avoid.
Also, find out under which medical conditions using Vardenafil(Levitra) can be unsafe and require special caution.
Quick Intro: What is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It increases blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, helping achieve and maintain an erection.
Taken about an hour before sexual activity, it supports men who struggle to get or keep an erection. Vardenafil may interact with other medications and can lower blood pressure, thus medical guidance is essential.
Note: Not for use by women or children.
What are the Possible Drug Interactions for Vardenafil?
These are some of the interactions of Vardenafil pills. Hence, avoid taking it and also let your doctor know:
Alpha-blockers medicines
Alpha-blocker medicines are used for the treatment of enlarged prostate. Also, in some cases, it is used as a blood pressure medicine.
Some examples of alpha-blockers are Tamsulosin, Prazosin, Doxazosin, and many more.
When these medicines are taken with Vardenafil, it interacts and lowers the blood pressure too much.
Also, it can make you feel dizzy and faint.
Let your doctor know if you consume alpha-blocker medicines; They will adjust your dosage for safe use.
Antibiotics and antifungals
From the name, it is clear that antifungals and antibiotics help to treat fungal and bacterial infections in the body.
Some popular antibiotics and antifungal drugs include Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Voriconazole, Clarithromycin, and many others.
When taken with Vardenafil, its levels can be raised.
Hence, it can lead to specific side effects.
Both of its combinations can make medicine ineffective.
Therefore, consult a healthcare professional and get your dosage adjusted with antibiotics.
Nitrate Medicines
Nitrates help treat chest pain and angina, and their common types include nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and mononitrate.
They’re also found in recreational drugs like "poppers."
Taking nitrates with Vardenafil can dangerously lower blood pressure, causing dizziness or fainting.
Always inform your doctor about any nitrate use so they can adjust your treatment safely.
Blood Pressure Medications
Blood pressure medicines like Lisinopril, Ramipril, and Enalapril help manage high BP. Also read can Lisinopril cause ED.
When you take Vardenafil with them, you can have low blood pressure excessively, causing dizziness or fainting.
Always inform your doctor about your BP medications to avoid harmful interactions.
Explore how blood thinners like drugs effects you sexual health.
Cobicistat medicines
Cobicistat medicines are usually combined with other HIV medicines.
It is used with other medicines to boost their levels.
Examples of cobicistat medicines include Symtuza, Prezcobix, Evotaz, Stribild, Genvoya, and many more.
Similar to other medications, it also increases the levels of Vardenafil.
Hence, the chances of side effects become high.
Ritonavir Medicines
Ritonavir, used to treat HIV/AIDS, is found in drugs like Kaletra and Paxlovid.
It interferes with liver enzymes, increasing Vardenafil levels in the blood.
This raises the risk of side effects such as flushing and headaches.
If you're on ritonavir, limit Vardenafil to no more than 2.5 mg every 3 days.
Also, Vardenafil does not protect against STDs, so use other protective measures during sex.
What are the Disease Interactions for Vardenafil?
Using Vardenafil tablets under certain Medical conditions can be unsafe and may harm health.
So, If you suffer from health issues, inform your doctor before taking Vardenafil.
It might interact with:
- Peyronie's disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Multiple myeloma
- High or low blood pressure problem
- Sickle cell anemia
- Deformity of the penis due to any injury or surgery of the genital region
- Liver disease
- Had a heart attack or stroke in the past six months
- Kidney disease
- Active peptic ulcer disorder
- Bleeding disorders
- Retinitis pigmentosa
What are the Food Interactions for Vardenafil?
Here are some food items that may interact with Vardenafil and affect its working:
Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice:
Grapefruit interferes with liver enzymes that process Vardenafil, which increases the drug’s levels in the body.
Thus, higher levels of drugs in the body enhance the risk of side effects.
Limit grapefruit intake and consult your doctor if you consume it regularly.
Alternatives like orange or apple juice are safer.
Alcohol:
Alcohol can lower blood pressure and reduce Vardenafil’s effectiveness.
Excessive drinking may worsen side effects like dizziness.
Limit alcohol and inform your doctor about your intake for safer use.
High-Fat Meals:
High-fat foods can slow Vardenafil absorption, delaying its effect.
For better results, take it on an empty stomach or after a light meal.
Vardenafil Side Effects from Interactions
Vardenafil may cause side effects, especially when combined with certain drugs or substances.
Though rare, interactions can increase the risk of:
- Headache
- Chest or stomach pain
- Muscle pain
- Painful or prolonged erection
- Sudden hearing loss or decrease
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blurred vision or other visual issues
- Allergic reactions, including to PDE5 inhibitors
Always consult your doctor before using Vardenafil, especially if taking other medications.
Promptly report any unusual symptoms and seek emergency care or contact a poison control centre if a severe reaction occurs.
Final words
So, when you are using Vardenafil, make sure to remember all its interactions to avoid side effects worsening.
Once you know all, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all such medicines you take.
The Vardenafil(Levitra) interaction with nitrates can lower blood pressure levels and cause specific side effects.
So, inform the doctor all about it and get your dose adjusted today itself.
Checkout Cart: Shop ED Medicines & Vardenafil Pills
Vardenafil is one of the key PDE5 inhibitors used in ED medicines to improve blood flow and help men achieve stronger erections. It is commonly prescribed under brand names like Levitra and Vilitra.
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Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while using Vardenafil tablets. These can raise drug levels in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Always follow dietary guidelines from your doctor before you consider using any drug.
No, mixing PDE-5 inhibitors like tadalafil and vardenafil can lead to sudden low blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. Use only one ED medication at a time under medical supervision.
Vardenafil may be safe for heart patients if their condition is stable. It’s generally prescribed six months after a heart attack. Always consult a cardiologist before using ED medications with a heart condition.
Vardenafil is nearly 10 times more potent than sildenafil so that lower doses may help. This may reduce side effects, though effectiveness varies by individual. Always follow prescribed dosage instructions by your doctor, and do not make any changes by yourself.
Vardenafil tablets can lower blood pressure, and drinking alcohol may intensify this effect. Combining the two can cause dizziness, fainting, headaches, and heart palpitations. It’s best to limit or avoid alcohol while using Vardenafil.