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Levitra Drug Interactions

by on July 13, 2012

Combining Levitra (vardenafil) with certain medications can lead to drug interactions. Individuals taking Levitra should be aware of the medications that can potentially interact with it.

Significant Drug Interactions

Some of the medications that can cause significant drug interaction with Levitra include the following:

Nitrate-containing medications – Combining Levitra with nitrate-containing medications can enhance the blood pressure lowering effects of nitrates which can lead potentially life threatening adverse effects. It is recommended that people with chest pain (angina), especially those who are taking nitrates, should not use Levitra.

  • Nitroglycerin tablets, spray or patches
  • Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
  • Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur)
  • Amyl nitrite “poppers”

Alpha-blockers – These medications are usually prescribed to lower blood pressure. Levitra can potentiate the blood pressure lowering effects of alpha-blockers as such should be avoided. Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking alpha-blocker medications.

  • Alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
  • Doxazosin (Cardura)
  • Phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline)
  • Phentolamine (Regitine)
  • Prazosin (Minipress)
  • Silodosin (Rapaflo)
  • Tamsulosin (Flomax)
  • Terazosin (Hytrin)

Erectile dysfunction medications/PDE5 inhibitors – Levitra should not be used together with other PDE5 inhibitors, even if they are used for other medical purposes.

  • Sildenafil (Viagra)
  • Tadalafil (Cialis)

CYP3A4 Inhibitors – Levitra is processed in the body through the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway. The enzyme CY3A4 is necessary for the effective metabolism and clearance of Levitra from the body. However, there are some medications that can inhibit the action of this enzyme potentially leading to high levels of Levitra in the blood. Therefore, Levitra should not be taken with CY3A4 inhibitors.

  • Atazanavir (Reyataz)
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
  • Erythromycin (E-mycin)
  • Indinavir (Crixivan)
  • Isoniazid
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox)
  • Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  • Nefazodone (Serzone)
  • Nelfinavir (Viracept)
  • Nicardipine (Cardene)
  • Posaconazole (Noxafil)
  • Ritonavir (Norvir)
  • Certain anti-seizure drugs

Bronchodilator – Concomitant use of theophylline and Levitra can cause a slight increase in heart rate. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking this medication for necessary dose adjustments.

  • Theophylline (Aerolate, Slo-bid, Theo-Dur)

Antihypertensive medications – Levitra may enhance the blood pressure lowering effects of antihypertensive drugs. Clinical studies reveal that combining Levitra and antihypertensive medications can cause a significant decrease in blood pressure. Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any antihypertensive drugs.

If you are using any of these medications, be sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider. Depending on your response to treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend changing your medication or stopping either of the medications.

Take note however that an interaction between two medications does not always require discontinuing any of the medications. Discuss with your healthcare provider possible drug adjustments.

This medication guide does not list all drugs that can possibly interact with Levitra. Tell your healthcare provider all the drugs (prescription and prescription) that you take. Some natural and herbal products can also affect the action of Levitra.

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