Drug interactions
Nitroprusside + Vardenafil
Severity: Major
Nitroprusside 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
Both agents act on the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway, and PDE5 inhibitors potentiate the vasodilating effect of nitric oxide donors. Combined use can cause profound hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nitroprusside 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
Nitroprusside releases nitric oxide and vardenafil inhibits PDE5, leading to additive cGMP-mediated vasodilation.
What to do
Avoid use in patients who have recently taken vardenafil unless benefits clearly outweigh risks. If nitroprusside is needed, use continuous invasive blood pressure monitoring and careful titration.
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 Nitroprusside with Vardenafil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nitroprusside 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. Both agents act on the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway, and PDE5 inhibitors potentiate the vasodilating effect of nitric oxide donors. Combined use can cause profound hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Nitroprusside 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: Avoid use in patients who have recently taken vardenafil unless benefits clearly outweigh risks. If nitroprusside is needed, use continuous invasive blood pressure monitoring and careful titration.
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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