Is It Ok To Take Viagra With Blood Pressure Medication

Viagra is a drug that treats erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penile, increasing blood flow. The effects of Viagra expand the blood vessels, and so do the effects of blood pressure medications.    

Combining the use of both Viagra and blood pressure medications may or may not be safe. In this blog, we shall discuss about their interaction. But first, we shall see the individual impacts of Viagra and blood pressure medications.    

Viagra: Mechanism of action  

Viagra medications are used to restore the erection function. It has Sildenafil as its active ingredient. These medications come in the form of pills. They are approved by the FDA. It causes vasodilation, which reduces blood pressure in the blood vessels.        

Vasodilation relieves muscle tension and relaxes the blood vessels. This eases the blood flow and reduces the blood pressure. The decrease in blood pressure is not significant though. A slight drop in the blood pressure may happen.

This blood pressure drop may remain for a few hours. It persists until the effect of the medication is active. The blood pressure returns to its original levels once the effects of the medicine disappear.  

Blood pressure medications: Mechanism of action

Individuals take blood pressure medications to manage their blood pressure. These medications prevent blood pressure from rising to dangerous levels.

Managing blood pressure is necessary since persistent high blood pressure can potentiate the risk of health damage. These medications can lower the risk of heart damage, stroke, cardiovascular disorders, and others.     

Like Viagra, the function of blood pressure medications is also to expand blood vessels and relax them. This relaxation eases the blood flow and lowers the blood pressure.

High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction. Those who are already taking blood pressure medications may wonder if it is safe to use it with Viagra.       

Interaction of Viagra and blood pressure medications

While considering the use of both these medications, it is necessary to be watchful. Certain types of blood pressure medications can give rise to dangerous side effects after interaction with Viagra.

The types of blood medications one needs to avoid using with Viagra are as follows:

Nitrates

• Nitrate-based drugs are used for treating conditions like chest pain or angina and heart-related concerns.
• Combining the use of nitrate drugs with Viagra can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure. This can be indicated by symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or even heart attack.  

Calcium channel blockers

• These drugs reduce blood pressure and treat other conditions like chest pain and irregular heartbeat.
• Their combination with Viagra can be risky. It can cause a sudden and significant drop in the blood pressure.

Alpha-blockers

• These drugs are used to manage blood pressure, prostate problems, and to treat certain types of tumours.  
• Its interaction with Viagra causes a drastic drop in blood pressure, which can be fatal.

Beta-blockers

• Beta-blockers drugs can cause severe drop in the blood pressure after its combination with Viagra.
• Note that, not all beta-blockers produce such effects. The severity of blood pressure drop may depend on the type and dosage. 

ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB)

• These drugs open the narrowed blood vessels and reduce the blood pressure.
• They reduce the blood pressure. Their combination with Viagra can double the vasodilator effects.

These are the types of blood pressure drugs that are not compatible with Viagra. Their interaction can have life-threatening consequences. It is better to avoid using Viagra in case you are using any of these medicines.

Talk to your doctor

Blood pressure medications other than these may pose a lesser risk when used with Viagra. If you are taking blood pressure medicines, then before considering Viagra for your impotence issues, you must be careful.   

You can discuss this with your healthcare provider. They will suggest some treatment for erectile dysfunction problems. Firstly, they will check if the drug you are already using for managing blood pressure goes well with Viagra. They will look for risk factors. 

If the medicine is incompatible with Viagra, then they might prescribe you some other medicine. Or they might change the dosage and make some adjustments. 

The lowdown

Not all blood pressure medications interact with Viagra. But certain types of them do. Their combination with Viagra can be potentially harmful and unsafe. Therefore, to be on the safer side, it is necessary to seek your doctor’s advice.

They will examine your condition and several other factors. Based on that, they will recommend some effective treatments to manage both blood pressure problems and erectile dysfunction.