Vardenafil and Allopurinol: Can They Be Taken Together?
Learn about the interaction between these medicines and how a UK prescriber assesses your safety.
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Vardenafil and Allopurinol: Understanding the Interaction
Published: 27 October 2026
Many men prescribed allopurinol for gout or high uric acid levels wonder whether vardenafil and allopurinol can be taken together safely. The good news is that no major direct interaction between vardenafil (generic Levitra) and allopurinol is commonly reported in clinical practice [5]. However, your prescriber will still review your full medication list during an online consultation to ensure vardenafil is suitable for you, as some medicines can affect how vardenafil works or increase the risk of side effects.
Always declare all your medicines
During your online consultation, list every medicine you take, including allopurinol, over-the-counter products, and supplements. This allows your prescriber to check for interactions and ensure vardenafil is safe for you.
What is vardenafil and allopurinol used for?
Vardenafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men [5]. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow when you are sexually aroused [1]. Vardenafil is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets and is usually taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. The effect can last for several hours, but you should not take it more than once a day [5].
Allopurinol is a prescription medicine used to prevent gout attacks and to manage high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia). It works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. Allopurinol is usually taken once daily as a long-term treatment and does not relieve an acute gout attack that has already started. It is commonly prescribed for people with recurrent gout, kidney stones caused by uric acid, or those undergoing chemotherapy.
Both medicines serve very different purposes and work through completely different mechanisms in the body. Understanding what each medicine does helps explain why they do not typically interfere with one another when taken together.
Is there an interaction between vardenafil and allopurinol?
There is no well-documented direct interaction between vardenafil and allopurinol [5]. These two medicines work through different pathways in the body: vardenafil affects an enzyme (PDE5) involved in blood vessel relaxation in the penis, while allopurinol inhibits an enzyme (xanthine oxidase) that produces uric acid. Neither medicine is known to significantly affect the metabolism or action of the other.
However, it is important to remember that every person's medical situation is unique. Your prescriber will review your complete medication list, including allopurinol, during your consultation to check for any potential issues. Some men taking allopurinol may also be prescribed other medicines for related conditions (such as high blood pressure or heart disease), and these additional medicines may interact with vardenafil [3][5].
The key point is that you should always declare all your current medicines, including over-the-counter products and supplements, when requesting vardenafil. This allows the prescriber to assess your individual situation and ensure that vardenafil is safe and appropriate for you.
How vardenafil is processed in the body
Vardenafil is broken down (metabolised) in the liver, mainly by an enzyme system called CYP3A4 [5]. Medicines that strongly inhibit this enzyme can increase vardenafil levels in the blood, raising the risk of side effects. Conversely, medicines that speed up this enzyme (inducers) can reduce vardenafil's effectiveness. Allopurinol does not significantly affect CYP3A4, which is why it is not expected to alter vardenafil levels. Your prescriber will check whether any of your other medicines interact with this enzyme system.
What does your prescriber check before prescribing vardenafil and allopurinol together?
When you request vardenafil through an online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, a UK-registered prescriber reviews your medical history and current medicines to ensure it is safe for you [2]. If you are taking allopurinol, the prescriber will note this but will focus on other factors that are more likely to affect vardenafil safety.
The prescriber will check for any contraindicated medicines, such as nitrates (GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate or dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or amyl/alkyl nitrites (poppers). You must never take vardenafil with these medicines, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [5]. The prescriber will also review whether you take alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or tamsulosin) for prostate or blood pressure problems, as these can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of vardenafil and may require a lower starting dose [5].
Your prescriber will also ask about any heart conditions, recent stroke or heart attack, very low blood pressure, or previous sudden vision loss (NAION), as vardenafil may not be suitable in these situations [5]. If you take other blood-pressure medicines alongside allopurinol, the prescriber will assess whether vardenafil can be used safely, as it can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect and cause dizziness. This thorough review ensures that vardenafil is prescribed only when it is safe and appropriate for you.
What you need to know
- No major interaction between vardenafil and allopurinol is commonly reported in clinical practice.
- Your prescriber reviews all your medicines during consultation to ensure vardenafil is safe for you.
- Never take vardenafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers due to dangerous blood pressure drop.
- Seek urgent help for chest pain during sex, erection over four hours, or sudden vision or hearing loss.
- Vardenafil requires a prescription after online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber.
Practical advice for taking vardenafil with allopurinol
If your prescriber approves vardenafil, you can usually continue taking allopurinol as normal. Take each medicine exactly as prescribed: allopurinol is typically taken once daily at the same time each day, while vardenafil is taken on demand, about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex [5]. Do not take vardenafil more than once in 24 hours.
Vardenafil requires sexual stimulation to work; it will not cause an erection on its own [1]. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking vardenafil, as heavy drinking can make erectile dysfunction worse and increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure. Grapefruit juice can raise vardenafil levels in the blood, so it is best to avoid it [5].
If you experience any new or unusual symptoms after starting vardenafil, such as persistent dizziness, chest pain during sex, or an erection lasting more than four hours, seek medical help immediately. Do not stop taking allopurinol without speaking to your doctor, as stopping suddenly can trigger a gout flare. If you are prescribed a new medicine by your GP or another healthcare professional while taking vardenafil, let them know so they can check for interactions.
What to do if you take other medicines for gout or related conditions
Some people taking allopurinol may also use colchicine (for acute gout attacks) or medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. While colchicine does not interact significantly with vardenafil, blood-pressure medicines can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of vardenafil [3][5]. Always declare every medicine you take during your consultation, including those prescribed by different doctors, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements. Your prescriber will assess the overall picture to ensure vardenafil is safe for you.
Are there any warning signs to watch for with vardenafil and allopurinol?
Most men who take vardenafil and allopurinol together do not experience problems, but it is important to be aware of warning signs that need urgent medical attention. If you develop chest pain or discomfort during or after sex, stop sexual activity and seek immediate medical help, as this could indicate a heart problem [5]. Do not take nitrate medicines (such as GTN spray) if you have used vardenafil in the past 24 hours, as this combination is dangerous.
An erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage to the penis [5]. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing (sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness), are rare but serious side effects that require urgent medical assessment [5].
Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and dizziness [5]. These are usually mild and temporary. If you feel very dizzy or faint, sit or lie down until the feeling passes, and avoid driving or operating machinery. Allopurinol can occasionally cause skin rashes; if you develop a new rash after starting vardenafil, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice, as it may be related to allopurinol rather than vardenafil.
When to get urgent help
- Chest pain or discomfort during or after sex – call 999 immediately
- Erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) – go to A&E immediately
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes – seek urgent medical attention
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, with or without ringing in the ears – contact a doctor urgently
- Severe dizziness or fainting after taking vardenafil – seek same-day medical advice
Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
How to get vardenafil safely if you take allopurinol
At Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (GPhC 9012511), you can request vardenafil through a confidential online consultation. A UK-registered prescriber will review your medical history, including your use of allopurinol and any other medicines, to ensure vardenafil is safe and suitable for you. If approved, your medicine is dispensed by our pharmacy team and delivered discreetly to your door.
Vardenafil (generic Levitra) is available from £16.95 for a pack, or £13.56 for your first order with code Ednew. We also offer other PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil (generic Viagra) from £0.45 per tablet (£0.36 with code Ednew) and tadalafil (generic Cialis) from £7.95 (£6.36 with code Ednew). Your prescriber will help you choose the most suitable option based on your preferences and medical history [1][2].
If you have not seen a GP about your erectile dysfunction, we encourage you to do so, especially if ED is a new problem. ED can be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, and your GP can arrange tests and address any contributing factors [1][2]. Once you have a clear diagnosis and any underlying conditions are being managed, an online consultation for ED treatment can be a convenient and discreet option.
Other ED treatment options at Cured Pharmacy
In addition to vardenafil, we offer sildenafil (taken about one hour before sex, effect lasts up to four hours), tadalafil (on-demand or daily dosing, effect can last up to 36 hours), and avanafil (Spedra, works in as little as 15 to 30 minutes) [3][4][6]. All are PDE5 inhibitors and work in a similar way, but they differ in how quickly they start working and how long they last. Your prescriber can discuss which option may suit your lifestyle and preferences. All require a prescription following a clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber.
Scientific References
- NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 27 October 2026]
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 27 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 27 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 27 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 27 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Avanafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/avanafil/ [accessed 27 October 2026]
Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.
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Can I take vardenafil if I am on allopurinol for gout?
Yes, in most cases. No major interaction between vardenafil and allopurinol is commonly reported, but your prescriber will review your full medical history and all current medicines during your consultation to ensure vardenafil is safe for you.
Will allopurinol make vardenafil less effective?
No, allopurinol is not known to reduce the effectiveness of vardenafil. The two medicines work through different pathways in the body and do not typically interfere with one another.
Do I need to take vardenafil and allopurinol at different times of day?
There is no need to separate the doses. Allopurinol is usually taken once daily, while vardenafil is taken on demand before sexual activity. Follow the instructions for each medicine as prescribed.
What should I tell my prescriber if I take allopurinol?
Declare all your current medicines, including allopurinol, during your online consultation. Also mention any other conditions you have, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, as these may affect whether vardenafil is suitable.
Can I drink alcohol if I take vardenafil and allopurinol?
Small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to cause problems, but heavy drinking can worsen erectile dysfunction and increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure when taking vardenafil.
Are there any medicines I must not take with vardenafil?
Yes. Never take vardenafil with nitrates (GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate or dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, poppers, or another PDE5 inhibitor, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
What if I get side effects from vardenafil while taking allopurinol?
Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing, and indigestion. If you experience chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, or sudden vision or hearing loss, seek urgent medical help.
Can I switch from vardenafil to another ED medicine if I take allopurinol?
Yes, other PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil or tadalafil are also available and do not have a known interaction with allopurinol. Your prescriber can discuss which option may suit you best during your consultation.
Medically reviewed by
Tarun Kumar, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)