Vardenafil and Metoprolol: Can They Be Taken Together?
Learn how these medicines interact and what your prescriber checks during a UK pharmacist-led consultation.
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Vardenafil and Metoprolol: Understanding the Interaction
Published: 2 November 2026
Many men wonder whether vardenafil and metoprolol can be taken together safely. The good news is that vardenafil, a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction, can usually be prescribed alongside metoprolol, a beta-blocker used for high blood pressure and heart conditions, but your prescriber will need to check your individual circumstances carefully. Both medicines can lower blood pressure, so understanding how they work together and what precautions to take is important for your safety.
At a glance
What is vardenafil and how does it work?
Vardenafil is the generic name for Levitra, a prescription medicine licensed in the UK to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) [5]. 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 does not cause an erection on its own—sexual stimulation is still needed for it to work.
Vardenafil is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets and is typically taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity [5]. The effect can last for several hours, but you should not take it more than once a day. Because vardenafil affects blood vessels throughout the body, not just in the penis, it can have an effect on your blood pressure, which is why it is important to tell your prescriber about all other medicines you take, including metoprolol.
What is metoprolol and why is it prescribed?
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, a type of medicine commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain), heart rhythm problems, and to protect the heart after a heart attack. Beta-blockers work by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the force with which the heart pumps blood, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload.
Metoprolol is available in different formulations, including immediate-release tablets (usually taken two or three times a day) and modified-release preparations (taken once daily). Because metoprolol lowers blood pressure, combining it with other medicines that also affect blood pressure—such as vardenafil—requires careful consideration by your prescriber to ensure your blood pressure does not drop too low.
Can you take vardenafil and metoprolol together?
Yes, vardenafil and metoprolol can usually be taken together, but your prescriber will assess your individual situation carefully before prescribing. Both medicines can lower blood pressure, so there is a potential for an additive effect—meaning your blood pressure might drop more than it would with either medicine alone. For most men whose blood pressure is well controlled on metoprolol, this combination is manageable, but it is not suitable for everyone.
Your prescriber will check your current blood pressure, your dose of metoprolol, any other medicines you take, and your overall heart health. If you have very low blood pressure, unstable angina, or have had a recent heart attack or stroke, vardenafil may not be suitable [5]. It is essential to be honest during your consultation about all your medicines and health conditions, so your prescriber can make a safe decision.
How the interaction works in plain English
Metoprolol lowers your blood pressure by slowing your heart and reducing how hard it pumps. Vardenafil relaxes blood vessels, which also lowers blood pressure slightly. When you take both together, the blood-pressure-lowering effects can add up. For most men, this is not a problem, but it can occasionally cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, especially when standing up quickly. This is why your prescriber will usually recommend starting on the lowest effective dose of vardenafil and monitoring how you feel.
What you need to know
- Vardenafil and metoprolol can usually be taken together if your blood pressure is well controlled.
- Both medicines can lower blood pressure, so your prescriber will start vardenafil at the lowest dose.
- Watch for dizziness when standing up and avoid heavy alcohol or grapefruit juice.
- Never take vardenafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers—this is dangerous.
- Cured Pharmacy offers discreet access to vardenafil after a UK prescriber consultation.
What does your prescriber check before prescribing vardenafil with metoprolol?
During your online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, the UK-registered prescriber will ask detailed questions to ensure vardenafil is safe for you. They will want to know your current dose of metoprolol, how long you have been taking it, and whether your blood pressure is well controlled. They will also ask about any other medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements, because some can interact with vardenafil.
The prescriber will check whether you have any heart conditions that make sexual activity inadvisable, such as severe heart failure, unstable angina, or a recent heart attack or stroke [5]. They will also ask about other medicines that are not safe with vardenafil, such as nitrates (GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate or dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers (amyl or alkyl nitrites), because these combinations can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you are taking any of these, do not take vardenafil.
If your prescriber decides vardenafil is suitable, they will usually recommend starting with the lowest dose (5mg or 10mg) and will advise you on what to watch for. You should never adjust your metoprolol dose or stop taking it without speaking to your GP, as this could affect your heart condition.
Practical advice for taking vardenafil and metoprolol safely
If you are prescribed vardenafil while taking metoprolol, there are some practical steps you can take to use it safely. First, take vardenafil exactly as prescribed—do not take more than one dose in 24 hours, and do not take a higher dose than recommended. Take it about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex, and remember that sexual stimulation is needed for it to work [5].
Be aware of how you feel when you first start taking vardenafil. Some men experience mild dizziness or light-headedness, especially when standing up quickly, because of the combined blood-pressure-lowering effect. If this happens, sit or lie down until you feel better. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol, as this can make dizziness worse and can also make it harder to get an erection. Grapefruit juice can increase the levels of vardenafil in your blood, so it is best to avoid it.
If you experience chest pain during or after sex, do not use GTN spray or any nitrate medicine, as the combination with vardenafil can be dangerous. Instead, stop sexual activity and seek urgent medical help. If you develop an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or severe dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.
When to contact your GP or pharmacist
Contact your GP or pharmacist if you experience persistent dizziness, fainting, or if your blood pressure feels unusually low after starting vardenafil. You should also get in touch if vardenafil does not work for you, as there may be other treatment options. Never stop taking metoprolol or change the dose without medical advice, as this could affect your heart condition. Your GP can review your medicines and adjust them if needed.
When to get urgent help
- 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
- Chest pain during or after sex—do not use GTN; call 999
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or feeling very unwell—seek same-day medical advice
- Allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)—call 999
Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
Other ED treatment options if vardenafil is not suitable
If vardenafil is not suitable for you, or if you prefer to try a different medicine, there are other licensed PDE5 inhibitors available in the UK. Sildenafil (generic Viagra) is taken about one hour before sex and is available from £0.45 per tablet at Cured Pharmacy [3]. Tadalafil (generic Cialis) can be taken on-demand (at least 30 minutes before sex, with effects lasting up to 36 hours) or as a lower daily dose, and is available from £7.95 [4]. Avanafil (Spedra) works quickly, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and is available from £20.95 [6].
All PDE5 inhibitors work in a similar way and have similar interactions with metoprolol, so the same precautions apply. Your prescriber will help you choose the most suitable option based on your preferences, how quickly you want the medicine to work, and how long you want the effect to last. If PDE5 inhibitors are not suitable or do not work for you, other treatments such as Vitaros (alprostadil cream) or Caverject (alprostadil injection) may be options, but these require a prescription and a discussion with your GP or a specialist [7].
It is also important to address any underlying causes of ED. Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of heart disease or diabetes, so if you have not already done so, see your GP for a health check [1][2]. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, and increasing physical activity can all improve erectile function and your overall health.
How Cured Pharmacy can help
Cured Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (GPhC 9012511) offering discreet, convenient access to ED treatments after a consultation with a UK-registered prescriber. You can complete a confidential online questionnaire, and a prescriber will review your answers to ensure the treatment is safe and suitable for you. If approved, your medicine is dispensed by our pharmacy and delivered discreetly to your door. Use code Ednew on your first order for a discount on all ED medicines.
Start low, go slow
If you take metoprolol, your prescriber will usually start you on the lowest dose of vardenafil (5mg or 10mg) to minimise the risk of dizziness. You can adjust the dose later if needed, but always follow your prescriber's advice.
Scientific References
- NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 2 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 2 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 2 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 2 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 2 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Avanafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/avanafil/ [accessed 2 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Alprostadil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/alprostadil/ [accessed 2 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.
Common Questions
Is it safe to take vardenafil if I am on metoprolol for high blood pressure?
Yes, vardenafil can usually be taken safely with metoprolol, but your prescriber will check your blood pressure, your dose of metoprolol, and your overall heart health first. They will usually start you on the lowest dose of vardenafil.
Will vardenafil make my blood pressure drop too low if I take metoprolol?
For most men whose blood pressure is well controlled on metoprolol, the combination is safe. Some men may experience mild dizziness, especially when standing up quickly, but serious low blood pressure is uncommon if the medicines are used as prescribed.
Can I take vardenafil and metoprolol on the same day?
Yes, you can take both on the same day. Metoprolol is usually taken once or twice daily as prescribed by your GP, and vardenafil is taken as needed, about 25 to 60 minutes before sex, up to once a day.
Do I need to tell my GP that I am taking vardenafil with metoprolol?
It is a good idea to let your GP know, especially if you experience any side effects or if your blood pressure changes. Your GP can monitor your blood pressure and adjust your medicines if needed.
What should I do if I feel dizzy after taking vardenafil with metoprolol?
Sit or lie down until the dizziness passes. Avoid standing up quickly. If dizziness is severe, persistent, or you feel faint, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.
Can I take other ED medicines like sildenafil or tadalafil if I am on metoprolol?
Yes, all PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil) have similar interactions with metoprolol. Your prescriber will assess which is most suitable for you, and the same precautions apply to all of them.
Are there any medicines I must not take with vardenafil?
Yes, do not take vardenafil with nitrates (GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate or dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, poppers (amyl or alkyl nitrites), or another PDE5 inhibitor. These combinations can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
How do I get vardenafil if I take metoprolol?
You can request vardenafil through an online consultation at Cured Pharmacy. A UK-registered prescriber will review your health, including your metoprolol use, and if suitable, your prescription will be dispensed and delivered discreetly.
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Medically reviewed by
Tarun Kumar, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)