Vardenafil and Dutasteride: Can You Take Them Together?

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Key takeaways

• No major interaction is commonly reported between vardenafil and dutasteride
• Your prescriber reviews your full medication list to ensure both treatments are safe for you
• Dutasteride can sometimes cause ED; vardenafil may help manage this side effect
• Alpha-blockers taken with vardenafil need careful monitoring due to blood pressure effects
• Never take vardenafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers

What Is Vardenafil and How Does It Work?

Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra, a prescription medicine licensed in the UK to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) [5]. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in when you are sexually aroused [1].

Vardenafil is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets. You usually take it about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and it works only when you are sexually stimulated [5]. The effect can last for several hours, but the medicine should be taken no more than once a day.

Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, and nasal congestion [5]. Vardenafil is not suitable for everyone—for example, it must never be taken with nitrates (such as GTN spray), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs called 'poppers', because the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [3][5].

What Is Dutasteride and Why Is It Prescribed?

Dutasteride is a prescription medicine that belongs to a class called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It is licensed in the UK to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged and can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting to urinate, a weak stream, or frequent trips to the toilet [2].

Dutasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate growth. By lowering DHT levels, dutasteride can shrink the prostate over time and improve urinary flow. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label for male pattern hair loss, as DHT plays a role in hair thinning.

Dutasteride is taken as a daily capsule, usually 0.5mg once a day. It can take several months to see the full benefit. Side effects may include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness or enlargement, and ejaculation problems. Because dutasteride itself can sometimes contribute to ED, it is important that your prescriber knows you are taking it when considering treatment for erectile dysfunction [2].

Can Dutasteride Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Yes, dutasteride can sometimes cause or worsen erectile dysfunction as a side effect. This happens because lowering DHT levels can affect sexual function in some men. If you develop ED while taking dutasteride, it does not mean you have to stop the medicine—many men successfully use a PDE5 inhibitor such as vardenafil alongside dutasteride to manage both conditions. Your prescriber will discuss the best approach for you during your consultation.

At a glance

Do Vardenafil and Dutasteride Interact with Each Other?

No major interaction is commonly reported between vardenafil and dutasteride. They work through different mechanisms in the body: vardenafil increases blood flow to the penis by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, while dutasteride reduces prostate size by blocking the 5-alpha reductase enzyme [5]. Because they do not share the same metabolic pathways or target the same systems, they are generally considered safe to take together.

However, it is important to remember that dutasteride itself can cause erectile dysfunction in some men, and vardenafil is used to treat ED. If you are taking dutasteride for an enlarged prostate and experience ED, your prescriber may recommend vardenafil or another PDE5 inhibitor to help manage this side effect.

Even though no significant interaction is expected, your prescriber will still review your full medication list, medical history, and any other conditions during your online consultation. This ensures that both medicines are appropriate for you and that there are no other factors—such as other medicines you take or underlying health conditions—that might affect safety or effectiveness [2][5].

What Does Your Prescriber Check Before Approving Vardenafil and Dutasteride?

When you request vardenafil through an online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, a UK-registered prescriber will review your answers to ensure the medicine is safe and suitable for you. They will check your current medicines, including dutasteride, to look for any interactions or contraindications [5].

Your prescriber will ask about your cardiovascular health, because PDE5 inhibitors like vardenafil can lower blood pressure slightly. If you take medicines for high blood pressure, alpha-blockers for prostate symptoms (such as tamsulosin or doxazosin), or any other heart or blood pressure medicines, the prescriber must ensure you are stable on those treatments and may recommend starting vardenafil at a lower dose [3][5].

They will also check that you are not taking any medicines that are absolutely contraindicated with vardenafil, such as nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or another PDE5 inhibitor. Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, or clarithromycin) can raise vardenafil levels in the blood, and vardenafil is contraindicated or requires dose adjustment with these medicines [5]. Your prescriber will review the summary of product characteristics (SmPC) if you take any of these.

Alpha-Blockers and Vardenafil: An Important Consideration

If you take an alpha-blocker such as tamsulosin, doxazosin, or alfuzosin for urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, your prescriber will take extra care. Alpha-blockers and PDE5 inhibitors can both lower blood pressure, and taking them together may increase the risk of dizziness or fainting [5]. You should be stable on your alpha-blocker before starting vardenafil, and your prescriber will usually recommend the lowest effective dose of vardenafil. Never start or stop an alpha-blocker or vardenafil without medical advice.

Practical Advice for Taking Vardenafil and Dutasteride Together

If your prescriber approves both medicines, take each one exactly as directed. Dutasteride is usually taken once daily at the same time each day, with or without food. Vardenafil is taken on demand, about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and should not be taken more than once in 24 hours [5].

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking vardenafil, as alcohol can make erectile dysfunction worse and increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure. Grapefruit juice can raise vardenafil levels in the blood and should be avoided [5]. If you take other medicines for high blood pressure or prostate symptoms, stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the risk of dizziness.

If you experience any new or worsening side effects after starting vardenafil, contact your prescriber or pharmacist. Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing, indigestion, and nasal congestion, and these are usually mild [5]. If you have chest pain during sex, stop and seek urgent medical help—do not take a nitrate medicine such as GTN spray if you have used vardenafil in the past 24 hours, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [3][5].

When to Seek Medical Help and Warning Signs to Watch For

Most men tolerate vardenafil and dutasteride well, but you should be aware of warning signs that need urgent attention. If you develop an erection that lasts longer than four hours (priapism), go to A&E immediately or call 999. Priapism is a medical emergency that can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly [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 of PDE5 inhibitors. Stop taking vardenafil and seek urgent medical help if this happens [5]. If you experience chest pain, severe dizziness, or fainting during or after sex, stop sexual activity and get medical help straight away.

If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction—such as a rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing—call 999 or go to A&E. Do not stop taking dutasteride suddenly without speaking to your doctor, as it is a long-term treatment. If you have concerns about side effects from either medicine, contact your GP, pharmacist, or the prescriber who issued your prescription for advice [1][2].

Can I Take Vardenafil with Other Prostate Medicines?

If you take other medicines for prostate symptoms, such as an alpha-blocker (tamsulosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin) or finasteride (another 5-alpha reductase inhibitor similar to dutasteride), your prescriber will review the combination carefully. Alpha-blockers can interact with vardenafil and increase the risk of low blood pressure, so dose adjustments or extra monitoring may be needed [5]. Always declare every medicine, supplement, and herbal remedy you take during your consultation, even if you think it is unrelated.

When to get urgent help

• Erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism)—go to A&E or call 999 immediately
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes—stop vardenafil and seek urgent medical help
• Chest pain during or after sex—stop activity, get medical help, and do not take nitrates
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing or dizziness—stop vardenafil and contact a doctor urgently
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or signs of allergic reaction (swelling, rash, difficulty breathing)—call 999 or go to A&E

Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.

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