{"id":626281,"date":"2024-01-18T17:06:22","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T22:06:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626281"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:14:23","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:14:23","slug":"sildenafil-interactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/sildenafil-interactions\/","title":{"rendered":"Sildenafil interactions to avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sildenafil is a generic prescription drug commonly known by the brand names <\/span>Viagra and Revatio<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Viagra<\/span><\/a> is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. Viagra and generic sildenafil <\/span>in these strengths<\/span><\/a> are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat <\/span>erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a> (ED). <\/span>Revatio<\/span><\/a> is available in 20 mg tablets. Revatio and generic sildenafil in this strength are FDA-approved to treat <\/span>pulmonary arterial hypertension<\/span><\/a> (PAH). PAH is a condition of high lung blood pressure caused by obstruction of the small arteries. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Sildenafil is a member of a drug class known as <\/span>phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors<\/span><\/a>. For <\/span>erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a>, sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis in combination with sexual stimulation. This helps cause an erection. For PAH, sildenafil works by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs, which helps blood flow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sildenafil is a commonly prescribed medication. <\/span>As of 2020<\/span><\/a>, in the United States, over one million people filled almost 3 million prescriptions for this drug. When taking sildenafil, it is important to be aware of various drug interactions and other factors, such as certain foods, that can cause or worsen adverse effects or affect how effective this medicine is. Continue reading to learn more about sildenafil interactions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sildenafil-drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Whether you take sildenafil for <\/span>ED<\/span><\/a> or PAH, the interactions are the same. Let’s review some of the drug interactions of sildenafil.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nitrates<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nitrates<\/span><\/a> are a class of medications used to treat certain cardiovascular conditions, such as chest pain (<\/span>angina<\/span><\/a>). They are known as <\/span>vasodilators<\/span><\/a> because they dilate the veins and arteries, which helps improve chest pain. However, nitrates also have a hypotensive effect, lowering blood pressure. Sildenafil should never be taken with any nitrate medications because it makes the hypotensive effect stronger and could cause dangerously low blood pressure and fainting. Healthcare providers will never prescribe sildenafil to someone who takes a nitrate medication. Examples of nitrates include:<\/span><\/p>\n