Nitrate-containing medications and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors

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Nitrate-containing medications and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis, have revolutionized the treatment of erection problems (erectile dysfunction). However, they can cause life-threatening side effects for anyone who also takes nitroglycerin or another medication containing an organic nitrate. This combination can make your blood pressure fall too low, possibly leading to a stroke, a heart attack, or death.

Medications that contain organic nitrates include:

Nitroglycerin (such as Deponit, Minitran, Nitrek, Nitrodisc, Nitro-Dur, Nitroglyn, Nitrolingual Spray, Nitrostat).
Isosorbide mononitrate (such as Imdur, ISMO, Monoket Tablets).
Isosorbide dinitrate (such as Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate).
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (such as Duotrate, Peritrate, Tetraneed).
Sodium nitroprusside (such as Nipride, Nitropress).
Amyl nitrite (sometimes called "poppers"), which are sometimes abused.

Nitrates found in foods are not a danger when taking phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

Credits

Author	Ralph Poore
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
Last Updated	June 13, 2006

Last updated:	June 13, 2006
Author:	Ralph Poore
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Terrina Vail

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