Vardenafil and Losartan: Can They Be Taken Together?
Learn how these medicines interact and what your UK prescriber checks before treatment.
Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online
ED Treatments We Offer
Pricing Disclaimer: Prices on some pages may not be up to date — the live pricing table below and pricing shown during consultation are official current prices and take precedence over any other figures on the site.
Vardenafil and Losartan: Understanding the Interaction
Published: 1 November 2026
Many men taking losartan for high blood pressure wonder whether vardenafil and losartan can be taken together safely. The good news is that vardenafil, a medicine for erectile dysfunction (ED), can usually be prescribed alongside losartan, but the combination requires careful assessment by a prescriber because both medicines lower blood pressure. This page explains how the two medicines work, what checks your prescriber will carry out, and the practical steps you can take to use them safely.
At a glance
What is vardenafil and how does it work?
Vardenafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which also includes sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). Vardenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in when you are sexually aroused, which helps you get and keep an erection [5].
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. The effect can last for several hours, but you should not take more than one dose in 24 hours [5]. Because vardenafil relaxes blood vessels, it can also cause a small drop in blood pressure throughout the body, which is why interactions with other blood-pressure medicines need to be checked.
At Cured Pharmacy, vardenafil is available on prescription after an online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber, who will review your medical history and current medicines to ensure it is safe and suitable for you.
What is losartan and why is it prescribed?
Losartan is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to protect the kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medicines called angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), which work by blocking the action of a hormone that narrows blood vessels, allowing the vessels to relax and blood pressure to fall [1].
High blood pressure is a common condition that often has no symptoms but increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Losartan is usually taken once or twice a day, and it is important to keep taking it even if you feel well, because it is controlling your blood pressure in the background.
Many men with high blood pressure also experience erectile dysfunction. In fact, ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, which is why it is important to see your GP if you develop new erection problems [1][2]. Treating high blood pressure with medicines like losartan can improve overall health, but some men worry about whether their blood-pressure medicine will interact with ED treatment.
The link between high blood pressure and ED
High blood pressure can damage the lining of blood vessels over time, reducing blood flow to the penis and making it harder to achieve an erection. Treating high blood pressure is important for long-term health, and in many cases, once blood pressure is well controlled, ED treatment can be safely added if needed [2].
Can you take vardenafil and losartan together?
Yes, vardenafil and losartan can usually be taken together, but the combination must be assessed by a prescriber. Both medicines lower blood pressure, so taking them together can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect. This means there is a risk of dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, especially when you stand up quickly or when you first start treatment [5].
The interaction between vardenafil and losartan is not a reason to avoid the combination altogether, but it does mean your prescriber will check that your blood pressure is stable and well controlled before prescribing vardenafil. They may also recommend starting on a lower dose of vardenafil to reduce the risk of side effects. Most men tolerate the combination well, especially if their blood pressure is not too low to begin with.
It is important to be honest during your consultation about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Your prescriber will use this information to decide whether vardenafil is safe for you and what dose is most appropriate. Never take vardenafil if you are also using nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers, as these combinations can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [5].
What you need to know
- Vardenafil and losartan can usually be taken together after a prescriber checks your blood pressure is stable
- Both medicines lower blood pressure, so the combination may cause dizziness in some people
- Your prescriber may start you on a lower dose of vardenafil to reduce the risk of side effects
- Never take vardenafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers as this is dangerous
- Contact your prescriber if you experience persistent dizziness or any concerning side effects
How the interaction between vardenafil and losartan works
Losartan lowers blood pressure by blocking a hormone that tightens blood vessels, allowing them to relax and widen. Vardenafil also relaxes blood vessels, particularly in the penis, but it has a mild effect on blood vessels elsewhere in the body too. When you take both medicines together, the blood-pressure-lowering effects can add up, which may lead to a greater drop in blood pressure than either medicine would cause on its own [5].
In most cases, this additive effect is small and manageable, especially if your blood pressure is well controlled and not already low. However, if your blood pressure drops too much, you may feel dizzy, light-headed, or faint, particularly when you stand up or change position quickly. This is more likely to happen when you first start taking vardenafil or if your dose is increased.
Your prescriber will take your current blood pressure into account and may advise you to start on the lowest dose of vardenafil (usually 5mg) to see how you respond. If you experience dizziness or feel unwell after taking vardenafil, sit or lie down until you feel better, and let your prescriber know at your next review.
Why this interaction is usually manageable
Unlike the dangerous interaction between vardenafil and nitrates, the interaction with losartan is predictable and can be managed by careful dose selection and monitoring. Most men taking losartan can use vardenafil safely under medical supervision [2][5].
What your prescriber will check before prescribing vardenafil and losartan
Before prescribing vardenafil, your prescriber will ask about your current medicines, including losartan and any other blood-pressure treatments. They will want to know whether your blood pressure is stable and well controlled, and whether you have experienced any dizziness or fainting recently. If your blood pressure is very low or poorly controlled, vardenafil may not be suitable until your blood pressure is optimised [2][5].
Your prescriber will also check for other conditions that might make vardenafil unsuitable, such as recent heart attack or stroke, unstable angina, severe heart failure, or a history of sudden vision loss. They will ask about other medicines that can interact with vardenafil, including nitrates, alpha-blockers, and certain antifungal or HIV medicines. If you take an alpha-blocker such as doxazosin or tamsulosin (often prescribed for prostate symptoms), extra caution is needed because the combination with vardenafil can cause a significant drop in blood pressure [5].
At Cured Pharmacy, the online consultation asks detailed questions about your health and medicines. A UK-registered prescriber reviews every consultation individually to ensure vardenafil is safe and appropriate for you. If there are any concerns, the prescriber may ask for more information or suggest an alternative treatment.
When to get urgent help
- Chest pain during or after sex (do not take nitrates if you have used vardenafil in the past 24 hours)
- An erection lasting more than four hours (priapism)
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or collapse
- Allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
Practical advice for taking vardenafil and losartan safely
If you are prescribed vardenafil while taking losartan, there are several practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of side effects. First, take vardenafil exactly as prescribed, usually starting with the lowest effective dose. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours, and do not combine vardenafil with another PDE5 inhibitor such as sildenafil or tadalafil [5].
Be aware that dizziness or light-headedness is more likely when you stand up quickly, especially in the first few hours after taking vardenafil. Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down, and sit down again if you feel dizzy. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when using vardenafil, as alcohol can lower blood pressure further and make ED worse [5]. Grapefruit juice can increase the level of vardenafil in your blood, so it is best to avoid it.
If you experience chest pain during or after sex, stop and seek medical help immediately. Do not take nitrate medicines (such as GTN spray) if you have used vardenafil in the past 24 hours, as this combination is dangerous. If you have an erection lasting more than four hours, or sudden loss of vision or hearing, go to A&E straight away [5]. Always keep your GP informed about all the medicines you are taking, and do not stop or change your losartan without medical advice.
When to contact your prescriber
Contact your prescriber if you experience persistent dizziness, fainting, or any side effects that concern you. They can review your treatment and adjust the dose if needed. If your blood pressure changes or you start a new medicine, let your prescriber know before taking vardenafil again [5].
Start low, go slow
If you take losartan or another blood-pressure medicine, your prescriber will likely start you on the lowest dose of vardenafil (5mg) to see how you respond. This reduces the risk of dizziness and allows safe dose adjustment if needed.
Scientific References
- NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 1 November 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.
Trusted by thousands
Real people, real results
“Fabulous service and quick delivery”
“Felt the effects of these after about 5 days. Erections are better and can get aroused and ready easier”
“Excellent value and brilliant customer service”
“I received excellent service and everything went well. The order arrived quickly and in perfect condition. It's working very well! Thank you to the whole team for the great work!”
“Delivery was good, the product lived up to expectations.”
How Our Online Service Works
Choose your treatment
Select from our recommended UK-licensed medications.
Answer quick questions
Select safe UK treatments. Quick answers.
Get it delivered fast
We will deliver direct to you as quickly as tomorrow.
Get Discreet ED Treatment Online
Reviewed by UK-based prescribers · Takes under 3 minutes · Discreet Packaging
Your Questions Answered
Is it safe to take vardenafil if I am on losartan for high blood pressure?
Yes, vardenafil can usually be taken safely with losartan, but your prescriber will check that your blood pressure is stable and well controlled first. They may start you on a lower dose of vardenafil to reduce the risk of dizziness.
Will vardenafil make my blood pressure drop too low if I take losartan?
Vardenafil can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of losartan, but in most cases this is manageable. Your prescriber will assess your blood pressure and overall health to ensure the combination is safe for you.
Can I take vardenafil and losartan on the same day?
Yes, you can take your regular losartan dose and vardenafil on the same day if your prescriber has approved the combination. Take vardenafil about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and continue your losartan as prescribed.
What should I do if I feel dizzy after taking vardenafil with losartan?
Sit or lie down until you feel better, and avoid standing up quickly. If dizziness persists or you feel faint, contact your prescriber or seek medical advice.
Do I need to stop losartan before starting vardenafil?
No, you should not stop losartan without medical advice. Your prescriber will review both medicines together and decide whether vardenafil is safe to add to your current treatment.
Can I take vardenafil if I take other blood-pressure medicines as well as losartan?
Possibly, but you must declare all your medicines during the consultation. Taking multiple blood-pressure medicines with vardenafil increases the risk of low blood pressure, so your prescriber will assess the combination carefully.
Are there any blood-pressure medicines I must not take with vardenafil?
Do not take vardenafil with nitrates, nicorandil, or riociguat, as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Alpha-blockers require extra caution and careful dose adjustment.
How do I know if vardenafil is working safely with my losartan?
If you can take vardenafil without experiencing dizziness, fainting, or other side effects, and it helps with erections, the combination is likely working well. Keep your prescriber informed of any changes in your health or medicines.
Medically reviewed by
Tarun Kumar, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)