[Interaction between sildenafil and antihypertensive drugs: what is evidence-based?]

Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2001 Oct 12;126(41):1144-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2001-17743.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Hypertension is an important risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). Consequently, there is a high coincidence between hypertension and ED. Oral sildenafil (Viagra) is an effective treatment for ED in patients with treated or untreated hypertension. The most common adverse events of sildenafil (headache, flushing, hypotension) result from its moderate vasodilating properties. The concomitant use of sildenafil and organic nitrates is contraindicated because it may lead to a potentiation of the decreases in blood pressure and thus cause life-threatening hypotension. In contrast, the concomitant use of sildenafil and different classes of antihypertensive agents (beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists) may lead to additive but not to potentiating blood pressure decreases. Thus, this combination is unlikely to cause clinically significant hypotension or an increased incidence of adverse events. Sildenafil is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for ED in patients taking concomitant antihypertensive medication, including those on multidrug regimens.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antihypertensive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Erectile Dysfunction / complications
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Piperazines / adverse effects
  • Piperazines / pharmacology*
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use
  • Placebos
  • Posture
  • Purines
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Piperazines
  • Placebos
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Sildenafil Citrate