Medications · FAQ
Why must sildenafil never be combined with nitrates?
Short answer
Sildenafil and nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure when taken together. Do not use sildenafil with nitroglycerin, isosorbide medicines, or recreational nitrites called poppers. If chest pain occurs after sildenafil, call 911, do not take a nitrate, and tell emergency staff when you took sildenafil.
Sildenafil must not be taken with nitrates. Both can lower blood pressure. Together, they can cause a severe drop that may lead to fainting or a medical emergency. This warning applies even if you use a nitrate only once in a while.
Nitrates include nitroglycerin tablets, sprays, patches, and ointments used for chest pain. They also include isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate. Recreational nitrites, often called poppers, are also unsafe with sildenafil. Tell your prescriber about all prescription drugs and recreational substances you use.
If you develop chest pain during or after sex, stop sexual activity and call 911. Do not take nitroglycerin or another nitrate on your own after sildenafil. Tell emergency staff the dose you took and the time you took it, so they can choose safe care.
Do not try to plan a safe gap between sildenafil and nitrates yourself. Your medical team must guide that decision. Sildenafil also must not be combined with riociguat, a medicine for certain types of high blood pressure in the lungs.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.