Polypharmacy is the name treat for chile common in the elderly. Many individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) also have hypertension, so it is not unusual for them to be prescribed Viagra (sildenafil) and amlodipine concomitantly. But is this combination safe, or does it carry any risk? Let’s talk about the pharmacological action of these drugs, whether or not they interact with each other, and what the medical community thinks of their joint use.
How Viagra and amlodipine work in the body
Viagra is taken by men who have difficulties getting or keeping erections. It works through the relaxing of penile smooth muscles by blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). This allows enhanced blood flow into the smooth-muscle-intensive corpus cavernosum in response to sexual stimulation, thereby facilitating erection. Within 30 to 60 minutes, usually, onset of effects occurs, and effects last for approximately four hours.
Amlodipine: a slow calcium channel blocker used for the treatment of high blood pressure and certain types of angina (chest pain). Sometimes the priorities of any human being get disturbed, and it literally happens that people might face an overdose of medication.
Potential interactions and blood pressure effects
They prevent the influx of Ca2+ into the muscle cells of the heart as well as those of vascular smooth muscles. This promotes relaxation of the smooth muscle of the vessels and consequent vasodilation. Vasodilation lowers blood pressure via lowering peripheral resistance.
Possible Effects on Blood Pressure and Interactions
While Viagra and amlodipine both lower blood pressure, they do so by different mechanisms and using different flow pathways in the human body. Their effects could potentially synergize to an unwanted degree – excessive drop in blood pressure, called hypotension.
Pragmatic considerations:
- Literature reports that after a single administration of Viagra, a mean fall in systolic of about 8 mmHg and in diastolic of about 5 mmHg occur in healthy subjects.
- In conjunction with amlodipine, the risk of hypotension rises further, especially for those whose blood pressure is labile to begin with or who are taking other agents that lower blood pressure.
What clinical studies and doctors recommend
Clinical Evidence
- Men with high blood pressure could safely take Viagra, even when on medications for pressure such as amlodipine, as long as their blood pressure is well controlled and they are closely watched. This has been shown in clinical studies and after the drug has been released to the market.
- “Moderate” intensity describes the effect that taking Viagra and amlodipine has on each other. Most doctors say to be careful, especially when starting, raising, or going back to taking either drug.
What a doctor says:
- Before taking these drugs together, always have a talk with your doctor.
- Doctors may tell you to start with the lowest amount of Viagra that works, usually 25 mg, and watch for signs of low blood pressure.
- They will probably advise you to check your blood pressure frequently after the first few doses or if doses are changed.
Signs of complications or when to avoid combining them
Keep an eye out for these signs: If you are taking amlodipine and Viagra at the same time, watch out for these signs of low blood pressure:
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Weakness
- Flushing
- Headache
- Heartbeat that is fast or irregular
If these symptoms show up, you should sit or lie down right away and see a doctor if they don’t go away quickly.
When to Avoid the Combination:
- If you have fainted or had very low blood pressure,
- If you are on nitrates (for chest pain) or alpha-blockers (for blood pressure or prostate problems), Viagra must never be taken. These drugs may dangerously lower the blood pressure if taken with Viagra.
- Heart unstable or recent attack or stroke.
Who should never mix ED drugs with BP meds
Absolute Contraindications:
- Never shall these combinations mix with ED drugs as blood pressure drugs:
- Persons on nitrate medicines for heart problems (nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate)
- Persons with very low blood pressure (hypotension)
Those who remain symptomatic even after treatment for unstable angina or serious heart failure
Relative Contraindications:
- People who take more than one blood pressure medicine should only mix them together under the close supervision of a medical professional.
- Those who are elderly or suffer from kidney or liver problems may be more susceptible to falling blood pressure.
Safe timing and dosage considerations
The time:
- Viagra should not be taken more than once daily, waiting for a period of 30 to 60 minutes before having intercourse.
- Viagra will start working more rapidly when taken without food, but its effects will be delayed by high-fat meals.
Dosage:
- The recommended initial dosage for Viagra with amlodipine is 25 milligrams, which serves as a base level for new users of either medication.
- Do not increase the dosage level until you have discussed it with your medical provider.
Monitoring:
- Test your blood pressure regularly, especially when you start taking new doses or change from previous ones.
- Report any signs of low blood pressure to your physician immediately.
Dietary Considerations:
The consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided since they alter drug effects in the body and intensify their side effects.
In conclusion
Most men who maintain proper blood pressure levels can take Viagra and amlodipine together safely, although these medications could potentially reduce blood pressure. The contact is mild and can be handled with the right medical help. Before starting treatment, consult your doctor, use the minimum effective dose, and watch for any adverse reactions. Viagra should never be consumed alongside nitrates or specific heart medications.
Men can generally handle sexual dysfunction and high blood pressure well when they implement these particular measures.
For more information, visit our website, Enquiry Pharmacy.
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