Precautions while taking sildenafil (Viagra)

Sildenafil (brand name Viagra, etc.) is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, but there are several contraindications and combinations that require caution. Some of these are listed below:

1. Nitrates: concomitant use with nitrates and nitric oxide donors used to treat chest pain can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. These include nitroglycerin and isosorbide.
2. Guanylate cyclase stimulants: concomitant use with riociguat can also dangerously lower blood pressure and should be avoided.
3. Some antibiotics and antifungals: clarithromycin, erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, etc., these drugs may slow the breakdown of sildenafil in the body and may increase the risk of side effects.
4. HIV protease inhibitors: Concomitant use with HIV medications such as ritonavir and saquinavir can increase blood levels of sildenafil and increase the risk of side effects.
5. Alpha-blockers: Combined use with telmisartan or doxazosin, drugs used to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hypertrophy, can intensify the blood pressure lowering effect and cause dizziness or fainting spells.

What not to do

• Heavy alcohol consumption: Alcohol is a vasodilator and when combined with sildenafil, increases the risk of blood pressure drops.
• Driving and hazardous work: Sildenafil can sometimes affect vision or cause dizziness, so you should avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience such side effects.
• Heavy Machinery Operation: For the above reasons, care should also be taken when operating heavy machinery.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions when using sildenafil and report any other medications you are taking to your doctor.