Vardenafil and Hydroxychloroquine: Can They Be Taken Together?

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What is vardenafil and how does it work?

Vardenafil is the generic name for Levitra, a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men [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. This helps you get and keep an erection suitable for sexual activity.

Vardenafil is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets and is usually taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity [5]. The effects can last for several hours, but you will only get an erection when you are sexually stimulated—vardenafil does not work automatically. You should take vardenafil no more than once a day.

Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil can lower blood pressure slightly. This is usually not a problem for most men, but it means your prescriber needs to check your heart health and any other medicines you take to make sure vardenafil is safe for you.

What is hydroxychloroquine and why is it prescribed?

Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription medicine most commonly used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and certain skin conditions. It works by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system. Hydroxychloroquine has been used safely for many years and is generally well tolerated.

Some men taking hydroxychloroquine long-term may experience erectile dysfunction, though this is not a common side effect. ED can have many causes, including the underlying condition itself, other medications, stress, or cardiovascular factors. If you have noticed changes in your erections since starting hydroxychloroquine, it is worth discussing this with your GP or rheumatologist.

Hydroxychloroquine can, in rare cases, affect heart rhythm (a condition called QT prolongation). This is why your prescriber will ask about your heart health and any other medicines that might also affect heart rhythm when you request ED treatment.

When to get urgent help

• An erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)—go to A&E immediately
• Sudden loss of vision or hearing—stop vardenafil and seek urgent medical help
• Severe chest pain during or after sex—call 999
• New or worsening palpitations, dizziness, or fainting after taking vardenafil
• Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing)—call 999

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

Can you take vardenafil and hydroxychloroquine together?

There is no major direct interaction between vardenafil and hydroxychloroquine that would make the combination unsafe for most men. However, both medicines can potentially affect the electrical activity of the heart (the QT interval), so your prescriber will carefully assess your individual situation during the online consultation.

Your prescriber will ask about any history of heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, and will review all your current medicines. If you are taking other medicines that can also affect heart rhythm, or if you have certain heart conditions, your prescriber may recommend a different ED treatment or advise you to see your GP for further checks before starting vardenafil.

It is essential that you declare hydroxychloroquine and all other medicines you take—including over-the-counter products and supplements—when you complete your consultation. This allows the prescriber to make a safe, informed decision about whether vardenafil is suitable for you, or whether an alternative PDE5 inhibitor such as sildenafil or tadalafil might be a better choice.

What your prescriber will check

During your online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, the UK-registered prescriber will review your medical history, current medications, and any heart or blood pressure conditions. They will check whether you have any risk factors for heart rhythm problems, and whether vardenafil is the most appropriate ED treatment for you. If there are any concerns, they may suggest an alternative medicine or recommend that you discuss ED treatment with your GP first.

Other medicines that interact with vardenafil

While vardenafil and hydroxychloroquine can usually be taken together, there are some medicines that must never be taken with vardenafil because they can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. These include nitrates (such as GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate, or isosorbide dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, and amyl or alkyl nitrites (poppers). Do not take vardenafil if you use any of these medicines [5].

Vardenafil can also interact with alpha-blockers (such as tamsulosin or doxazosin, used for prostate or blood pressure problems), which can increase the risk of dizziness or fainting. If you take an alpha-blocker, you should be stable on it before starting vardenafil, and your prescriber will usually recommend the lowest dose of vardenafil to start [5].

Certain antibiotics and antifungal medicines (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, ketoconazole, or itraconazole) can increase the levels of vardenafil in your blood. Vardenafil is contraindicated or requires dose adjustment with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, so always tell your prescriber about any antibiotics or antifungals you are taking [5]. Grapefruit juice can also raise vardenafil levels and should be avoided.

At a glance

Practical advice for taking vardenafil safely with hydroxychloroquine

If your prescriber approves vardenafil for you, take it as directed—usually one tablet about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Sexual stimulation is needed for vardenafil to work; it will not cause an automatic erection.

Continue taking your hydroxychloroquine exactly as your rheumatologist or GP has prescribed. Do not stop or change the dose of hydroxychloroquine without medical advice, even if you start ED treatment. If you experience any new symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, or an erection lasting more than four hours, seek medical help immediately.

Limit alcohol when taking vardenafil, as heavy drinking can make ED worse and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or low blood pressure. A healthy lifestyle—including regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and managing stress—can also improve erectile function and overall cardiovascular health [1][2].

When to contact your doctor

If vardenafil does not work for you, or if you experience side effects such as severe headache, visual disturbances, or chest pain during sex, contact your GP or prescriber. Do not increase the dose on your own. Your prescriber may suggest trying a different PDE5 inhibitor, such as sildenafil or tadalafil, or refer you to a specialist for further assessment.

Getting vardenafil and hydroxychloroquine prescriptions from Cured Pharmacy

Cured Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (GPhC 9012511) offering discreet, convenient access to ED treatment. If you are taking hydroxychloroquine and would like to try vardenafil, you can complete a short online consultation. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers, check for any interactions or contraindications, and approve treatment if it is safe and suitable for you.

Vardenafil is available from £16.95, or £13.56 for your first order with code Ednew. If vardenafil is not suitable, the prescriber may recommend an alternative such as sildenafil (from £0.45, or £0.36 with code Ednew) or tadalafil (from £7.95, or £6.36 with code Ednew). All ED medicines are dispensed by our UK pharmacists and delivered in plain, discreet packaging.

Remember, ED can be an early warning sign of heart disease or diabetes, so if you have not already done so, it is a good idea to see your GP for a general health check [1][2]. Managing any underlying conditions will not only improve your overall health but may also help your erectile function.

Why choose Cured Pharmacy?

Cured Pharmacy combines clinical expertise with convenience. Our online consultations are reviewed by experienced UK prescribers, and our pharmacists are available to answer any questions about your treatment. We offer a range of ED medicines at transparent prices, with fast, discreet delivery across the UK.

In summary

• No major direct interaction between vardenafil and hydroxychloroquine is commonly reported
• Both medicines can affect heart rhythm, so prescribers check your heart health carefully
• Always declare all medicines during your consultation for a safe assessment
• Never take vardenafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or another PDE5 inhibitor
• Seek urgent help if you have chest pain, an erection over 4 hours, or sudden vision loss

Frequently Asked Questions