 Viagra (generic name sildenafil) is a medication used to treat men who have trouble getting an erection. A serious, life-threatening drug interaction can occur between Viagra and nitrate medicines. Some of the more common nitrate medicines include isosorbide mononitrate (brand names Imdur, ISMO), isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil, Iso-Bid), and nitroglycerin (Minitran, Nitro-bid, Nitroderm, Nitro-Dur, and Nitrostat). Combining any of these drugs with Viagra can cause very low blood pressure, fainting, and even death. Drugs such as itraconozole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), erythromycin (Ery-Tab), cimetidine (Tagamet), indinivir (Crixivan), and nelfinivir (Viracept) can cause the amount of Viagra to build up in the body. This can raise the risk of severe side effects, including very low blood pressure and unconsciousness. Grapefruit juice may cause a similar reaction, so avoid it if you take Viagra. Make sure you doctor knows if you have any liver or kidney problems, because you may be at greater risk for side effects and need a smaller dose of Viagra. Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex Inc., 2001.
Viagra product information, Pfizer Labs, 2000.
Hansten, P.D., J.R. Horn. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Applied Therapeutics, 1999.
This answer prepared 02/20/01.
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