Vardenafil and Formoterol: Can You Take Them Together?

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Vardenafil and Formoterol: Understanding the Interaction

Published: 31 October 2026

Vardenafil and formoterol are often prescribed together, and many men use both medicines without problems. Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction, while formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) used in inhalers for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is no major direct interaction between these two medicines, but your prescriber will still review your full medical history to ensure both are safe for you, particularly checking your heart and lung health.

What Is Vardenafil and How Does It Work?

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

Vardenafil is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. The usual starting dose is 10 mg, taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity [5]. It works only when you are sexually stimulated and should not be taken more than once a day. The medicine does not cure erectile dysfunction but can help you achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity when used correctly [5].

Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion. Vardenafil must never be taken with nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, poppers, or another PDE5 inhibitor, as these combinations can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [5].

What Is Formoterol and What Is It Used For?

Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) bronchodilator used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is inhaled and works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Formoterol is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems; instead, it is a preventer or maintenance treatment taken regularly to keep airways open.

Formoterol is often prescribed alongside an inhaled corticosteroid (such as beclometasone or budesonide) in combination inhalers like Symbicort or Fostair. It can also be used alone in some cases, though this is less common. The medicine acts on beta-2 receptors in the lungs, causing the airway muscles to relax and reducing inflammation over time.

Side effects of formoterol can include tremor, headache, palpitations, and muscle cramps. Because formoterol affects the heart rate and rhythm in some people, your prescriber will consider your cardiovascular health when reviewing your medicines. This is particularly important if you are also taking medicines for erectile dysfunction, as both conditions may share underlying risk factors such as smoking or cardiovascular disease.

How Formoterol Affects the Heart

Formoterol can occasionally cause a faster heart rate (tachycardia) or palpitations, especially at higher doses or when first starting treatment. These effects are usually mild and settle with continued use. However, if you have an existing heart condition—such as angina, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure—your doctor will assess whether formoterol is suitable for you and monitor you more closely.

Vardenafil and Formoterol: Is There an Interaction?

There is no major direct drug interaction between vardenafil and formoterol. They work on different systems in the body: vardenafil acts on blood vessels in the penis, while formoterol acts on receptors in the airways. Most men who use a formoterol inhaler for asthma or COPD can safely take vardenafil for erectile dysfunction, provided their prescriber has reviewed their full medical history [5].

However, both medicines can have effects on the cardiovascular system. Vardenafil can cause a small drop in blood pressure, and formoterol can occasionally increase heart rate or cause palpitations. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular conditions, your prescriber will check that it is safe for you to use both medicines together. This is a routine part of the online consultation process.

It is important to declare all your current medicines, including inhalers and over-the-counter treatments, when you request vardenafil. Your prescriber will review any potential risks and may adjust your dose or recommend a different ED treatment if necessary. Never stop or change your asthma or COPD treatment without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist, as this could make your breathing worse.

What Does Your Prescriber Check Before Approving Vardenafil and Formoterol?

When you request vardenafil through an online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, a UK-registered prescriber reviews your medical history, current medicines, and overall health. If you are using formoterol or any other inhaler, you will be asked to provide details so the prescriber can assess whether vardenafil is safe for you.

The prescriber will check for conditions that make PDE5 inhibitors unsuitable, such as recent heart attack or stroke, unstable angina, severe heart failure, very low blood pressure, or use of nitrates or nicorandil [5]. They will also consider whether your asthma or COPD is well controlled, as poorly managed lung disease can affect your ability to exercise and may be a sign that sexual activity could put strain on your heart.

If you are taking other medicines that can interact with vardenafil—such as alpha-blockers (e.g. tamsulosin, doxazosin) or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, clarithromycin, ketoconazole)—your prescriber will adjust your dose or choose a different treatment [5]. Formoterol itself does not require a dose change for vardenafil, but the overall picture of your health is always considered.

Why Cardiovascular Health Matters

Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, as the blood vessels in the penis are smaller and may show damage before larger vessels do [1]. If you have asthma or COPD and are also experiencing ED, it is worth seeing your GP for a full health check, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests. Treating underlying conditions can improve both your breathing and your erectile function.

Practical Advice for Using Vardenafil and Formoterol Together

If your prescriber approves vardenafil and you are already using formoterol, continue taking your inhaler exactly as prescribed. Do not stop or reduce your asthma or COPD treatment, as this could lead to worsening symptoms or a serious flare-up. Vardenafil does not interfere with how formoterol works, and formoterol does not reduce the effectiveness of vardenafil.

Take vardenafil about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex, on an empty stomach or after a light meal, as a heavy or high-fat meal can delay how quickly it works [5]. Use your formoterol inhaler as normal, at the times your doctor has advised. If you experience any unusual symptoms—such as chest pain, severe dizziness, palpitations, or difficulty breathing—stop sexual activity and seek medical advice immediately.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking vardenafil, as this can make it harder to get an erection and increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure. Do not use recreational drugs, especially 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites), as these are extremely dangerous when combined with any PDE5 inhibitor and can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure [5]. If you smoke, consider seeking support to quit, as smoking worsens both erectile dysfunction and lung disease.

When to Seek Medical Advice About Vardenafil and Formoterol

Most men tolerate vardenafil and formoterol together without problems, but you should contact your GP or pharmacist if you notice any new or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical help (call 999 or go to A&E) if you experience chest pain during sex, an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), sudden loss of vision or hearing, or severe breathlessness that does not improve with your usual inhaler [5].

If your asthma or COPD symptoms are getting worse—such as needing your reliever inhaler more often, waking at night with breathlessness, or feeling more wheezy than usual—see your GP or asthma nurse as soon as possible. Poorly controlled lung disease may mean that sexual activity is putting too much strain on your body, and your treatment plan may need adjusting.

If vardenafil causes side effects such as severe headache, dizziness, or flushing that do not settle, or if it does not work for you, speak to your prescriber. There are other PDE5 inhibitors available (sildenafil, tadalafil, avanafil) that may suit you better, and your prescriber can discuss alternatives. Never take more than the prescribed dose of vardenafil or use it more than once a day, as this increases the risk of side effects without improving effectiveness [5].

Other ED Treatments Available at Cured Pharmacy

If vardenafil is not suitable for you, or if you would like to try a different PDE5 inhibitor, Cured Pharmacy offers sildenafil (generic Viagra), tadalafil (generic Cialis), and avanafil (Spedra), all available after an online consultation reviewed by a UK prescriber. Each medicine has slightly different characteristics: sildenafil works in about an hour and lasts around four to six hours, tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, and avanafil works in as little as 15 to 30 minutes [3][4][6]. Your prescriber can help you choose the option that best fits your lifestyle and health needs.

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 31 October 2026]
2. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 31 October 2026]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 31 October 2026]
4. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 31 October 2026]
5. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Avanafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/avanafil/ [accessed 31 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.