Vardenafil and Gliclazide: Can They Be Taken Together?
Learn about the interaction, what your prescriber checks, and how to use both medicines safely.
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Vardenafil and Gliclazide: Understanding the Interaction
Published: 31 October 2026
Many men wonder whether vardenafil and gliclazide can be taken together safely. The good news is that no major direct interaction between vardenafil (a medicine for erectile dysfunction) and gliclazide (a diabetes medicine) is commonly reported, and they are often prescribed together. However, both medicines can affect blood pressure and blood sugar, so your prescriber will carefully review your overall health, diabetes control, and any other medicines you take before prescribing vardenafil.
Key takeaways
- Vardenafil and gliclazide can usually be taken together safely with no major direct interaction reported.
- Your prescriber will check your diabetes control, blood pressure, and overall health before prescribing vardenafil.
- Be aware of dizziness from low blood pressure and low blood sugar symptoms when taking both medicines.
- Good diabetes management can improve erectile dysfunction over time by protecting blood vessels and nerves.
- Seek urgent help for chest pain during sex, erection lasting over four hours, or sudden vision or hearing loss.
What is vardenafil and gliclazide?
Vardenafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. 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 [5]. Vardenafil is the generic version of Levitra and is typically taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. It is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths, and you should take it no more than once a day [5].
Gliclazide is a medicine used to manage type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas, which work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, helping to lower blood sugar levels. Gliclazide is usually taken once or twice daily with meals. Good diabetes control is important for overall health, including sexual health, because high blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels and nerves, contributing to erectile dysfunction [1].
Both medicines are prescription-only and require careful assessment by a healthcare professional. If you have diabetes and are experiencing ED, it is important to discuss both conditions with your doctor or prescriber, as treating your diabetes effectively may also help improve erectile function.
Do vardenafil and gliclazide interact with each other?
There is no significant direct drug interaction between vardenafil and gliclazide reported in major clinical references [5]. This means that the two medicines do not chemically interfere with each other in a way that would make either one more or less effective, or directly increase the risk of side effects from the combination itself.
However, both medicines can have effects that require monitoring when used together. Vardenafil can cause a mild drop in blood pressure, which is usually not a problem for most men but can cause dizziness or light-headedness, especially when standing up quickly [5]. Gliclazide lowers blood sugar, and if your blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycaemia), you may also feel dizzy, shaky, or confused. These overlapping symptoms mean it is important to be aware of how you feel when taking both medicines.
Additionally, erectile dysfunction is common in men with diabetes, and treating your diabetes well with medicines like gliclazide can actually help improve ED over time by protecting your blood vessels and nerves [1]. Your prescriber will check your diabetes control, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health before prescribing vardenafil, ensuring it is safe for you to use alongside gliclazide and any other medicines you take.
How the interaction is managed
When you request vardenafil through an online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, you will be asked about all your current medicines, including gliclazide, and about your diabetes control. The prescriber will review your medical history, blood pressure, and any other conditions to ensure vardenafil is suitable for you. If you are taking other medicines that can interact more significantly with vardenafil—such as nitrates, alpha-blockers, or certain antifungals or HIV medicines—the prescriber will adjust the dose or advise against use [5]. Because gliclazide itself does not directly interact with vardenafil, the focus is on your overall health and diabetes management rather than the combination itself.
At a glance
What does your prescriber check before prescribing vardenafil and gliclazide together?
Your prescriber will carry out a thorough review to ensure it is safe for you to take vardenafil alongside gliclazide. They will ask about your diabetes, including how well controlled your blood sugar is and whether you have experienced any complications such as nerve damage (neuropathy) or blood vessel disease. Poorly controlled diabetes can contribute to ED, so your prescriber may also suggest discussing your diabetes management with your GP if needed [1][2].
They will check your blood pressure and ask about any heart conditions, because vardenafil can lower blood pressure slightly and is not suitable for men with certain cardiovascular problems, such as recent heart attack, unstable angina, or severe heart failure [5]. If you take other medicines for high blood pressure or heart conditions, the prescriber will review these carefully. Vardenafil must never be taken with nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs called 'poppers', as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [5].
The prescriber will also ask about any other medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies. Some medicines, such as certain antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV treatments, can raise vardenafil levels in the body, requiring dose adjustments or making vardenafil unsuitable [5]. Grapefruit juice can also increase vardenafil levels, so it is best to avoid it. Finally, the prescriber will ensure you understand how to take vardenafil correctly and what to do if you experience side effects.
Practical advice for taking vardenafil with gliclazide
If you are prescribed vardenafil while taking gliclazide, there are some practical steps you can take to use both medicines safely and effectively. First, take each medicine exactly as prescribed. Vardenafil should be taken about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex, and you should not take more than one dose in 24 hours [5]. Gliclazide is usually taken with meals to help control your blood sugar, so continue taking it as directed by your doctor.
Be aware of how you feel, especially in the first few times you take vardenafil. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down until the feeling passes. This can happen if your blood pressure drops, and it is more likely if you also drink alcohol or stand up quickly. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar—such as feeling shaky, sweaty, confused, or very hungry—check your blood sugar if possible and treat it according to your diabetes care plan (for example, with a sugary drink or glucose tablets). Let your doctor know if you have frequent low blood sugar episodes, as your gliclazide dose may need adjusting.
Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking vardenafil, as alcohol can make erectile dysfunction worse and add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect [5]. Grapefruit juice should also be avoided. If you develop any new symptoms or side effects, or if vardenafil does not work as expected, contact your prescriber or GP. Do not stop taking gliclazide or change your diabetes medicines without medical advice, as this could affect your blood sugar control.
Lifestyle and diabetes management
Managing your diabetes well is one of the most important things you can do to improve erectile dysfunction and your overall health [1]. This includes taking gliclazide as prescribed, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and monitoring your blood sugar levels. Losing weight if you are overweight, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can all help improve both diabetes control and erectile function [2]. Regular check-ups with your GP or diabetes nurse are important to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed. If you have concerns about ED, do not be embarrassed to discuss it—it is a common problem, especially in men with diabetes, and effective treatments like vardenafil are available.
Tell your prescriber everything
Always declare all your medicines, including gliclazide and any other diabetes treatments, during your consultation. This ensures your prescriber can check for interactions and prescribe vardenafil safely.
Warning signs and when to seek help with vardenafil and gliclazide
While vardenafil and gliclazide can usually be taken together safely, there are some warning signs that require urgent medical attention. If you develop chest pain or discomfort during or after sexual activity, stop what you are doing and seek immediate medical help. Do not take nitrate medicines (such as GTN spray) if you have used vardenafil in the past 24 hours, as this combination can be dangerous [5]. Tell the healthcare professional that you have taken vardenafil.
If you have an erection that lasts longer than four hours (called priapism), go to A&E straight away. This is a medical emergency that needs treatment to prevent permanent damage [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 immediate medical attention [5].
If you experience symptoms of very low blood sugar—such as severe confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures—this is also a medical emergency. Call 999 or go to A&E. Less urgent side effects, such as headache, flushing, indigestion, or a blocked nose, are common with vardenafil and usually mild [5]. If these are troublesome or persistent, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist. If you have any concerns about taking vardenafil with gliclazide or any other medicine, contact your GP, pharmacist, or the prescribing service for advice.
Getting vardenafil and gliclazide: what to expect at Cured Pharmacy
At Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered online pharmacy, you can request vardenafil through a confidential online consultation. You will be asked detailed questions about your health, including your diabetes, current medicines (such as gliclazide), blood pressure, and any heart conditions. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers to ensure vardenafil is safe and suitable for you. If approved, your medicine will be dispensed by our pharmacy team and delivered discreetly to your door.
Vardenafil is available at £16.95, or £13.56 for your first order with code Ednew. We also offer other ED treatments, including sildenafil (from £0.45, or £0.36 with code Ednew), tadalafil (from £7.95, or £6.36 with code Ednew), and avanafil (Spedra, £20.95, or £16.76 with code Ednew). All are prescription-only and require a consultation. Your gliclazide will continue to be prescribed by your GP or diabetes specialist, and you should not stop or change it without their advice.
If the prescriber has any concerns about your diabetes control or the combination of medicines you are taking, they may recommend that you discuss your ED with your GP before starting vardenafil. This is to ensure you receive the safest and most effective care. Our team is here to support you, and you can contact us if you have questions about your treatment or need further advice.
Why see your GP about erectile dysfunction
If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction for the first time, it is important to see your GP, even if you plan to use an online service like Cured Pharmacy [1][2]. ED can be an early warning sign of underlying health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or poorly controlled diabetes. Your GP can carry out tests, review your diabetes management, and check for other conditions that may be contributing to ED. Treating these underlying causes can improve your erectile function and your overall health. Once any serious conditions have been ruled out or managed, your GP can discuss treatment options with you, or you can use a regulated online pharmacy service for ongoing prescriptions.
When to get urgent help
- Chest pain or discomfort during or after sexual activity—call 999 and do not take nitrates if you have used vardenafil
- Erection lasting longer 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, sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness—seek urgent medical attention
- Severe confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures (possible severe low blood sugar)—call 999
Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
Scientific References
- NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 31 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 31 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [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.
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Your Questions Answered
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Can I take vardenafil if I have diabetes and take gliclazide?
Yes, vardenafil and gliclazide can usually be taken together safely, as no major direct interaction is reported. Your prescriber will check your diabetes control, blood pressure, and overall health to ensure vardenafil is suitable for you.
Will vardenafil affect my blood sugar levels?
Vardenafil does not directly affect blood sugar levels. However, it can cause dizziness, which may be confused with symptoms of low blood sugar, so be aware of how you feel and monitor your blood sugar if needed.
Do I need to tell my prescriber that I take gliclazide?
Yes, you must tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including gliclazide, during your consultation. This helps them assess whether vardenafil is safe for you and whether any dose adjustments are needed.
Can I take vardenafil with other diabetes medicines?
Vardenafil does not have major direct interactions with most diabetes medicines, including metformin, insulin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists. Your prescriber will review all your medicines to ensure the combination is safe.
What should I do if I feel dizzy after taking vardenafil?
Sit or lie down until the dizziness passes. Vardenafil can lower blood pressure slightly, causing dizziness, especially if you also drink alcohol or stand up quickly. If dizziness is severe or persistent, contact your prescriber or GP.
Will treating my diabetes help my erectile dysfunction?
Yes, good diabetes control can improve erectile function over time by protecting your blood vessels and nerves. Taking gliclazide as prescribed, along with a healthy lifestyle, can help both your diabetes and ED.
Can I drink alcohol while taking vardenafil and gliclazide?
You can drink alcohol in moderation, but heavy drinking can make erectile dysfunction worse and add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of vardenafil, increasing the risk of dizziness. It is best to limit alcohol intake.
What if vardenafil does not work for me?
If vardenafil is not effective, speak to your prescriber. They may suggest trying a different dose, switching to another ED medicine such as sildenafil or tadalafil, or reviewing your diabetes control and overall health with your GP.
Medically reviewed by
Tarun Kumar, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)