Tadalafil medications are generally used for treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. These are classified under phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor drugs. Their function is to suppress the action of PDE5 enzymes and prevent them from clogging the penile arteries and blocking the blood flow.
These potent medications can give rise to some serious side effects after their interaction with certain types of drugs or substances. The effects of tadalafil may produce some mild side effects, but its interaction with some drugs can lead to severe side effects that can be life-threatening.
Given below are certain types of drugs or substances that can lead to dangerous side effects after interaction with tadalafil:
Nitrates
Nitrate-based drugs are generally used for treating heart diseases and preventing chest pain or angina. Nitrate drugs that are most prescribed by healthcare providers include isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin, and isosorbide dinitrate.
Combining the use of any of these drugs with tadalafil can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor substance that has vasodilating properties. Their interaction with nitrates-based drugs can expand the blood vessels and reduce the blood pressure to such an extent that it might become fatal. Therefore, individuals who are already using nitrate drugs must never use tadalafil before informing their healthcare provider.
Blood pressure drugs
Individuals having high blood pressure or hypertension are highly likely to develop erectile dysfunction. They might think about using tadalafil pills to improve their erection function, but it is not safe to do so. The blood pressure medications are already reducing their high blood pressure to prevent any risk of health issues. Their combination with tadalafil can lead to a severe reduction in blood pressure.
Tadalafil is a pure vasodilator medication, which is also responsible for reducing blood pressure by causing the expansion and dilation of the blood vessels. A combination of tadalafil and blood pressure drugs can double the vasodilator effect. Therefore, if you are already using BP drugs then do not use tadalafil without talking to your doctor.
Alpha-blockers
These drugs are also used for treating the issues of high blood pressure or hypertension. They relax the blood vessels and expand them to make the blood flow with ease through the vascular passages. As the blood flows with ease, the blood pressure reduces.
If you use tadalafil and alpha-blocker medicine together, your blood pressure will get reduced suddenly, and you might experience the symptoms of low blood pressure that include dizziness, drowsiness, and fainting. Never combine the use of both these drugs unless your doctor has given you permission.
sGC stimulators
Drugs such as Riociguat (Adempas) belong to the category of sGC stimulators that are used for managing the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These are used for reducing the blood pressure inside the lungs by causing vasodilation. Their combination with tadalafil can be detrimental, as it can cause severe hypotension (low blood pressure).
Protease inhibitors
These drugs are used for treating viral infections like hepatitis C and HIV. Their interaction with tadalafil can enhance the effects of tadalafil. This can lead to an overdose of tadalafil, thereby potentiating the risk of severe side effects such as low blood pressure, priapism (prolonged painful erections lasting for more than 4 hours), vision loss, etc. Therefore, ask your doctor if you are planning to use tadalafil.
Alcohol
Alcohol has vasodilator properties too. It can dilate the blood vessels and cause a slight decrease in blood pressure until its psychoactive effects are running actively in the bloodstream. If you combine tadalafil and alcohol, this might potentiate the risk of severe blood pressure drop. Their combination is not safe. Hence, do not combine them.
Grapefruit
Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice on the day you plan to use tadalafil medication. Their interaction can also cause serious blood pressure decrease, which can give rise to symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea.
The list of medications that interact with tadalafil is not limited to this one. There can be various other medications that might not be suitable with tadalafil. So, before using tadalafil, people with chronic health conditions or those who are taking some drugs, supplements, or OTC pills must ask their doctor whether the combination of tadalafil is safe with the drug they are using. This will eliminate the risk of serious side reactions.
