Nitrate-containing medications and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis, have revolutionized the treatment of erection problems (erectile dysfunction). However, they can cause life-threatening side effects for anyone who also takes nitroglycerin or another medication containing an organic nitrate. This combination can make your blood pressure fall too low, possibly leading to a stroke, a heart attack, or death.

Medications that contain organic nitrates include:

  • Nitroglycerin (such as Deponit, Minitran, Nitrek, Nitrodisc, Nitrodur, Nitroglyn, Nitrolingual Spray, Nitrostat).
  • Isosorbide mononitrate (such as Imdur, ISMO, Monoket Tablets).
  • Isosorbide dinitrate (such as Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate).
  • Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (such as Duotrate, Peritrate, Tetraneed).
  • Sodium nitroprusside (such as Nipride, Nitropress).
  • Amyl nitrite (sometimes called “poppers”), which are sometimes abused.

Nitrates found in foods are not a danger when taking phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

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2 Comments

  1. My Penis Stuff » Blog Archive » Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors) for erection problems:

    [...] not take PDE-5 inhibitors if you are taking any medication that contains nitrates, such as nitroglycerin. This combination can lower blood pressure dangerously, possibly leading to [...]

  2. My Penis Stuff » Blog Archive » Viagra and other oral medications:

    [...] them. PDE-5 inhibitors may worsen certain medical conditions and interact with a number of drugs. Erectile dysfunction medications are dangerous when used with nitrate medications, such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, others), often [...]

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