Vardenafil and Malarone: Can You Take Them Together?

Vardenafil and Malarone: What You Need to Know

Published: 1 November 2026

If you're taking vardenafil and Malarone together, you'll be pleased to know that no major direct interaction is commonly reported between these two medicines. Vardenafil (also known as Levitra) is a prescription treatment for erectile dysfunction, while Malarone (atovaquone with proguanil) is an antimalarial medicine often prescribed for travel to malaria-risk areas. However, every medicine you take must be declared during your online consultation, so your prescriber can check your full medication list and health history to ensure vardenafil is safe and suitable for you.

What is vardenafil and how does it work?

Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor licensed in the UK for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men [5]. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, which helps increase blood flow when you are sexually aroused. This improved blood flow can make it easier to get and keep an erection suitable for sexual activity [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, and no more than once a day [5]. It does not work automatically—you still need sexual stimulation for the medicine to be effective. The effect can last for several hours, though this varies between individuals.

Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil is only available on prescription in the UK. At Cured Pharmacy, vardenafil is supplied after an online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber, who will check your medical history, current medicines, and overall suitability for treatment.

What is Malarone and why is it prescribed?

Malarone is a prescription antimalarial medicine that contains two active ingredients: atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride. It is commonly prescribed to prevent malaria in travellers visiting regions where the disease is endemic, and it can also be used to treat malaria if you become infected [12].

Malarone is usually taken once daily, starting one or two days before you enter a malaria-risk area, throughout your stay, and for seven days after you leave. It is generally well tolerated, though some people experience mild side effects such as headache, nausea, or stomach upset [12].

Because Malarone is often taken for short courses around travel, many men wonder whether it is safe to continue their regular erectile dysfunction treatment while taking it. The good news is that Malarone does not belong to any of the drug classes known to cause serious interactions with vardenafil.

Is there an interaction between vardenafil and Malarone?

No major direct interaction is commonly reported between vardenafil and Malarone. Malarone (atovaquone with proguanil) does not significantly affect the liver enzymes (CYP3A4) that break down vardenafil, and it is not known to cause the dangerous blood-pressure drop seen with medicines such as nitrates or riociguat [5][12].

However, it is important to remember that every person's situation is different. Your prescriber or pharmacist will review your full medication list—including Malarone and any other medicines, vitamins, or supplements—during your consultation. This ensures that vardenafil is safe for you, taking into account your overall health, other conditions, and any other treatments you are using.

If you are prescribed Malarone for travel and you already use vardenafil, or if you want to start vardenafil while taking Malarone, simply declare both medicines in your online consultation. The prescriber will confirm that the combination is appropriate for you and advise on any precautions you should take.

What your prescriber checks

During your consultation, the prescriber will ask about all your current medicines, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal remedies. They will also check for conditions that might make vardenafil unsuitable, such as recent heart attack or stroke, unstable angina, severe heart failure, very low blood pressure, or previous sudden vision loss (NAION) [5].

Even though Malarone itself does not interact with vardenafil, the prescriber will ensure that no other medicine you are taking poses a risk. For example, if you are also on nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or another PDE5 inhibitor, you must not take vardenafil [5]. Similarly, if you use potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, or clarithromycin), vardenafil may be contraindicated or require dose adjustment [5].

Practical advice for taking vardenafil and Malarone together

If your prescriber confirms that vardenafil is safe for you while taking Malarone, follow the dosing instructions for each medicine separately. Take Malarone with food or a milky drink at the same time each day to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption [12]. Take vardenafil about 25 to 60 minutes before planned sexual activity, with or without food, and no more than once in 24 hours [5].

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol, as heavy drinking can worsen erectile dysfunction and add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of vardenafil, increasing the risk of dizziness or fainting [5]. Grapefruit juice can raise vardenafil levels in your blood, so it is best avoided or limited while using this treatment [5].

If you experience any unusual symptoms—such as severe dizziness, chest pain during sex, an erection lasting more than four hours, or sudden loss of vision or hearing—stop taking vardenafil and seek urgent medical help. These are rare but serious side effects that require immediate attention [5]. Always carry your repeat prescription details and a list of your medicines when travelling, in case you need medical care abroad.

Other medicines and vardenafil: what you must avoid

While vardenafil and Malarone can usually be taken together, there are some medicines that must never be combined with vardenafil because they can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Do not take vardenafil if you use nitrates (such as GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate, or isosorbide dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs known as 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites) [5]. Never take vardenafil with another PDE5 inhibitor, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or avanafil [5].

If you take alpha-blockers for prostate symptoms or high blood pressure (such as doxazosin, tamsulosin, or alfuzosin), there is a risk of low blood pressure and dizziness. You should be stable on the alpha-blocker before starting vardenafil, and your prescriber will usually recommend the lowest starting dose [5].

Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors—including ritonavir, cobicistat, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin—can significantly raise vardenafil levels, and vardenafil is often contraindicated or not recommended with these medicines [5]. CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St John's wort, can reduce vardenafil's effectiveness [5]. Always tell your prescriber about every medicine you take, including those bought over the counter or online.

When to see your GP

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction for the first time, it is important to see your GP for a full assessment. ED can be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes [1][2]. Your GP can arrange tests, review your overall health, and discuss treatment options with you.

If you develop new symptoms while taking vardenafil—such as chest pain, severe dizziness, or changes in vision or hearing—stop the medicine and contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. If you have an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), go to A&E immediately, as this is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment [5].

How to get vardenafil from Cured Pharmacy

Vardenafil is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, so you will need a consultation with a prescriber before it can be supplied. At Cured Pharmacy, the process is straightforward and confidential. You complete a short online health questionnaire, which is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. The prescriber will check your medical history, current medicines (including Malarone), and overall suitability for vardenafil.

If approved, your medicine is dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy (GPhC 9012511) and delivered discreetly to your door. Vardenafil is available from £16.95, or £13.56 for your first order with code Ednew. We also offer a range of other ED treatments, including sildenafil (from £0.45), tadalafil (from £7.95), and avanafil (Spedra, from £20.95), so you can discuss the best option for your needs during your consultation.

Remember, you should never stop or change a prescribed medicine—such as Malarone—without advice from your doctor or pharmacist. If you have any questions about your treatment or how to take your medicines together, our pharmacy team is here to help. You can contact us through the website or speak to a pharmacist for further guidance.

Why choose Cured Pharmacy?

Cured Pharmacy is a fully registered online pharmacy (GPhC 9012511) based in the UK. Every prescription is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber and dispensed by qualified pharmacists. We offer fast, discreet delivery, clear advice, and a range of licensed ED treatments at transparent prices.

Our online consultation is designed to be quick and confidential, and you can complete it at a time that suits you. If you have any concerns or questions about vardenafil, Malarone, or any other aspect of your treatment, our team is always available to provide professional, non-judgemental support.

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
2. 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]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
4. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Summaries of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflets. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/ [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.