Drug interactions
Indinavir + Vardenafil
Severity: Major
Indinavir and Vardenafil: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Indinavir, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, markedly increases vardenafil exposure and prolongs its half-life. This raises the risk of severe hypotension, syncope, priapism and QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Indinavir and Vardenafil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Strong inhibition of CYP3A4 by indinavir decreases first-pass and systemic clearance of vardenafil.
What to do
Limit vardenafil to a maximum of 2.5 mg in 24 hours and monitor blood pressure and for adverse effects. Consider an alternative agent if the patient has cardiovascular risk.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Vardenafil
- Amyl nitrite + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Glyceryl trinitrate pr + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Isosorbide dinitrate + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Isosorbide mononitrate + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Nicorandil + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Nitroglycerin po + Vardenafil Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Indinavir with Vardenafil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Indinavir and Vardenafil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Indinavir, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, markedly increases vardenafil exposure and prolongs its half-life. This raises the risk of severe hypotension, syncope, priapism and QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Indinavir and Vardenafil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit vardenafil to a maximum of 2.5 mg in 24 hours and monitor blood pressure and for adverse effects. Consider an alternative agent if the patient has cardiovascular risk.
What other medicines interact with Vardenafil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vardenafil with, for example, Amyl nitrite, Glyceryl trinitrate pr, Isosorbide dinitrate. The full list is on the Vardenafil page.
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