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, Nitro-Dur, 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.
Credits
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology |
| Last Updated | June 13, 2006 |
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