Some of the drugs that can potentially interact with Levitra include nitrates, alpha blockers, and certain antibiotics or antifungals. Drug interactions with Levitra can potentially lead to side effects such as fainting or decreased blood pressure. Be sure to talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about any Levitra drug interactions that may apply to you.
An Overview of Levitra Drug Interactions
Levitra® (vardenafil HCL) can potentially interact with a number of other medicines. Some of the medications that can lead to Levitra interactions include:
- Alpha blockers for high blood pressure or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Certain heart arrhythmia medicines
- Certain antibiotics or antifungals
- Grapefruit juice
- Nitrates
Levitra Interactions Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when Levitra is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Alpha Blockers
In previous research studies, when alpha blockers and Levitra were used at the same time for people with high blood pressure or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), blood pressure
decreased. Some people experienced lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting when standing up from either a sitting or lying position. Your healthcare provider may recommend a lower dosage of Levitra if you are also taking an alpha blocker.
Arrhythmia Medicine
People taking certain medicines to treat an abnormal heart rhythm should not take Levitra. These medications include quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, and sotalol. Combining one of these medications with Levitra increases the risk of a very dangerous arrhythmia called QT prolongation.
Certain Antibiotics or Antifungals
Taking certain antibiotics and antifungals with Levitra can increase the level of Levitra in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. If taking these medications together, you should talk with your healthcare provider about your recommended Levitra dosage. For people taking these medications, the dose may be limited to a maximum of Levitra 2.5 mg or 5 mg in a 24-hour period, depending on the particular drug and dosage.
Grapefruit Juice
Although studies have not been done to see if grapefruit juice interacts with Levitra, it is likely that grapefruit juice would increase the level of Levitra in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. It may be advisable to avoid grapefruit juice while you are taking Levitra, until more information is available.
Nitrates
If you are taking nitrates, you should not use Levitra. This includes using recreational drugs called “poppers,” which can contain amyl nitrate or butyl nitrate. Combining nitrates and Levitra can cause dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension).
Protease Inhibitors
Protease inhibitors can increase the level of Levitra in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. You may need a lower Levitra dosage. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking Levitra with a protease inhibitor.
Summary of Levitra Drug Interactions
It is possible that not all Levitra drug interactions were discussed in this article. Therefore, you should talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about any specific drug interactions with Levitra that may apply to you.
Source: http://erectile-dysfunction.emedtv.com/levitra/levitra-drug-interactions-p3.html
