Can I take Sildenafil and Amlodipine together?

Why this happens

Both medicines work by relaxing and widening your blood vessels to improve blood flow. When used at the same time, their effects add together, which can lead to an extra reduction in blood pressure.

What you should do

You can usually take these together, but you should be cautious. Start with the lowest possible dose of sildenafil. Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid dizziness. If you feel very dizzy or faint, sit or lie down immediately and contact your doctor.

Important precautions

Nitrate medication use (e.g. GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate)

You must never take sildenafil if you are using nitrate medicines for chest pain or heart problems. Taking them together can cause a sudden, life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Grapefruit juice consumption

Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice. It can increase the levels of these medicines in your blood, making side effects like dizziness, headaches, and low blood pressure more likely.

Prolonged erection (Priapism)

If you experience an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, you must seek immediate medical emergency help to prevent permanent damage to the penis.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can make it more difficult to get an erection. Alcohol also lowers blood pressure; combining it with sildenafil can cause your blood pressure to drop significantly, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

High-fat meals

Taking sildenafil with a very heavy or high-fat meal (such as a burger and chips) can delay the absorption of the medicine. This means it may take much longer than usual to start working.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.