Sildenafil is a medication used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in males.
Sildenafil also helps to treat the signs and symptoms of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in men and women.
Erectile Dysfunction is a sexual health issue where males cannot maintain hard and long-lasting erections during sexual intercourse.
Sildenafil belongs to a class of medicines known as Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
These medications block an enzyme known as PDE5 from obstructing blood flow to the penis.
This, in turn, helps to maintain penile erection.
However, various Sildenafil interactions have been discovered, which can hinder the pill’s capacity to function correctly.
In this article, you will further know about Sildenafil interactions.
Sildenafil Interactions: In Depth
A medicine improves your health or makes you feel better when it functions properly.
But,it may interact poorly with another medication, a particular food, or alcohol, leading to side effects. This is known as drug interaction.
Interaction might cause your medicine to stop working, become ineffective, or become excessively dangerous. It could potentially have negative effects, which may further worsen your symptoms.
Sildenafil has been shown to interact with 324 other substances.
Now, let’s understand these interactions of Sildenafil further in detail.
Sildenafil Interactions With Other Medicines
Some medications should never be combined with Sildenafil as they can result in side effects such as headaches and flushing.
Therefore it is important to discuss the medicines you are taking.
Your doctor might adjust the dosage or advise you to take safety measures to avoid a drug-drug interaction.
Sildenafil may interact with medicines like Nitrates, Azole antifungals, Alpha-blockers, and other ED pills. Use caution when taking Sildenafil with any of the following medicines:
Nitrates
If Sildenafil is combined with Nitrates, your blood pressure may drop significantly.
A severe drop in blood pressure can cause fainting, lightheadedness, and, in rare cases, heart attack or stroke.
Never combine Sildenafil with any recreational substances containing Amyl Nitrate, Butyl Nitrite, or some medications used to treat Angina or chest pain.
Alpha-blockers
Your blood pressure may drop too low if you take Sildenafil with Alpha-blockers(such as Doxazosin or Tamsulosin).
These medicines are used to treat an enlarged prostate/BPH or high blood pressure. Low blood pressure can cause lightheadedness or fainting.
To reduce the risk of low blood pressure, your doctor might start your ED treatment with a lesser dosage of Sildenafil.
Other Medicines
The excretion of Sildenafil from your blood might be impacted by other medications, which may change how Sildenafil functions.
Therefore, you should avoid taking HIV Protease inhibitors like Saquinavir, Azole antifungals like Itraconazole, and Ketoconazole with Sildenafil.
Additionally, Macrolide antibiotics like Clarithromycin and Erythromycin, Rifampin, and Ritonavir, among others, might interact.
Other ED Pills
Do not use Sildenafil with other Erectile Dysfunction (ED) like Tadalafil or Vardenafil or Pulmonary Hypertension medications.
Also, avoid taking this pill along with other products containing Sildenafil.
Your healthcare provider must be aware if you are taking any of the medications mentioned above while you are also taking Sildenafil.
Sildenafil Interactions With Food
Source: Africa_ImageSildenafil shouldn’t be taken at or close to mealtimes.
Also, blue pills should be avoided when consuming specific foods.
This may cause serious interactions. There could be problems if you combine Sildenafil with alcohol and grapefruit juice.
Alcohol
Alcohol and Sildenafil together may have an even greater blood pressure-lowering impact.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, flushes, headaches, and heart palpitations may be more frequent symptoms if alcohol is combined with Sildenafil.
Learn more about the connection between Sildenafil and alcohol. Read Sildenafil and Alcohol: Understanding the Risks.
Grapefruit
Avoid consuming grapefruits and grapefruit juice daily if you use Sildenafil as part of your ED treatment.
According to a research report published by NIH, grapefruit should not be consumed along with Sildenafil.
The consumption of grapefruit might increase Sildenafil levels in your body and prolong the time it takes for the pill to start working.
Always consult your doctor before changing the amount of grapefruit products in your diet.
Sildenafil Interactions With Diseases
Sildenafil is found to interact with Cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, and liver disease.
Cardiovascular disease
According to a journal published in NCBI, Sildenafil should not be recommended to heart patients.
In individuals with prior cardiovascular illness, sexual activity is not advised owing to the possible cardiac risk.
Kidney disease
In individuals with severe renal impairment, Sildenafil’s removal from your body may be slow.
This might lead to the build-up of the pill in your body.
Liver disease
Sildenafil clearance from the human body is mostly driven by the liver’s metabolic processes.
Sildenafil medication should not be given to individuals with severe liver impairment.
As an initial treatment, a lower dosage of Sildenafil should be given to individuals with moderate hepatic impairment.
Conclusion
Sildenafil interactions can negatively affect your health, despite being a safe and effective prescription medication for Erectile Dysfunction.
People who use organic Nitrates, blood pressure tablets, or specific HIV treatments shouldn’t take Sildenafil.
Some Protease inhibitors can raise the level of Sildenafil citrate in your blood.
Additionally, it has interactions with some foods. Therefore, speaking with your doctor before taking the medication is wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medicines should not be taken with Sildenafil?
Sildenafil and certain medications should not be combined.
If you are taking Nitrates, which include Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Dinitrate, and Isosorbide Mononitrate, let your doctor or chemist know.
Consult your doctor or chemist before starting, stopping, or changing medications.
Can you take Sildenafil and Ibuprofen together?
Yes. Ibuprofen and Sildenafil were not found to interact with one another. It does not imply that there are no interactions, though.
Always get advice from your doctor before combining Sildenafil with any other medicine.
Does Sildenafil interact with milk?
No scientific research demonstrates that taking Sildenafil with milk results in any interactions or adverse effects.
Can Sildenafil be consumed along with coffee?
Yes. Caffeine significantly affects the cardiovascular system by raising blood pressure and heart rate, which increases cardiac output.
As a result, the liver will receive more blood flow, which might increase Sildenafil metabolism when coffee is present.
Can you consume antibiotics along with Sildenafil?
No. Before combining Sildenafil and any antibiotic, see a medical professional.
The combination of these medicines may markedly enhance the blood levels and effects of Sildenafil.
Depending on the severity of your disease, you might not be able to take these pills together or require a dose change or more regular medical check-ups.
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