Vardenafil and Olmesartan: Can They Be Taken Together?

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Vardenafil and Olmesartan: Understanding the Interaction

Published: 2 November 2026

Many men wonder whether vardenafil and olmesartan can be taken together safely. Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction, while olmesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) prescribed for high blood pressure. The good news is that these two medicines can usually be taken together, but because both can lower blood pressure, your prescriber will need to check your overall cardiovascular health and current blood pressure control before approving treatment.

What Is Vardenafil and How Does It Work?

Vardenafil, also known by the brand name Levitra, is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK to treat erectile dysfunction [5]. It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow when you are sexually aroused [5].

Vardenafil is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets. You typically take it about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and it works only when you are sexually stimulated [5]. The medicine does not cause an automatic erection; it simply makes it easier to achieve and maintain one when you are aroused. The effect can last for several hours, but you should not take more than one dose in 24 hours [5].

Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil has a mild blood-pressure-lowering effect because it relaxes blood vessels throughout the body, not just in the penis [5]. This is why your prescriber needs to know about all your current medicines, especially those that also affect blood pressure, before approving vardenafil treatment.

What Is Olmesartan and Why Is It Prescribed?

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), a type of medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) [12]. It is often prescribed under brand names such as Olmetec. Olmesartan works by blocking the action of a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow. By blocking this hormone, olmesartan allows blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the strain on your heart [12].

High blood pressure is a common condition in the UK and is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Olmesartan is usually taken once daily, and it may be prescribed alone or in combination with other blood pressure medicines, such as diuretics or calcium channel blockers [12].

Many men with high blood pressure also experience erectile dysfunction. In fact, ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease [1][2]. Treating high blood pressure is essential for your overall health, and your doctor will want to ensure that any ED treatment you use is safe alongside your blood pressure medication.

How Do Vardenafil and Olmesartan Interact?

Vardenafil and olmesartan can usually be taken together, but there is a potential interaction because both medicines lower blood pressure [5][12]. Olmesartan lowers blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels, while vardenafil also has a mild blood-pressure-lowering effect as part of its mechanism of action [5]. When taken together, the combined effect on blood pressure can be greater than either medicine alone, which may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, especially when standing up quickly [5].

This interaction is not the same as the dangerous interaction that occurs when vardenafil is combined with nitrates, nicorandil, or riociguat—those combinations are absolutely contraindicated and must never be used together [5]. The interaction between vardenafil and olmesartan is generally manageable, and many men take both medicines safely under medical supervision [5][12].

Your prescriber will assess your blood pressure control, overall cardiovascular health, and any symptoms you may be experiencing before deciding whether vardenafil is suitable for you. If your blood pressure is well controlled on olmesartan and you have no symptoms of low blood pressure, vardenafil can often be prescribed, usually starting at the lowest effective dose [5]. It is essential to be honest during your consultation about all your current medicines and any dizziness or fainting episodes you have experienced.

The Mechanism in Plain English

Think of your blood vessels as flexible tubes. Olmesartan keeps them relaxed and open to reduce the pressure of blood flowing through them. Vardenafil also relaxes blood vessels, particularly in the penis, to allow more blood flow for an erection. When both medicines are working at the same time, the blood vessels may relax more than they would with either medicine alone, which can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This is why your prescriber checks your current blood pressure readings and asks about symptoms like dizziness before approving treatment.

What Your Prescriber Checks Before Approving Vardenafil

Before prescribing vardenafil to someone taking olmesartan, a UK prescriber will carry out a thorough clinical assessment [2][5]. This includes checking your current blood pressure readings to ensure they are well controlled and not too low. Very low blood pressure (hypotension) is a contraindication for PDE5 inhibitors because the additional blood-pressure-lowering effect could be dangerous [5].

Your prescriber will also ask about your cardiovascular health, including any history of heart attack, stroke, angina, heart failure, or abnormal heart rhythms [2][5]. Sexual activity itself places demands on the heart, and your prescriber needs to confirm that your heart is healthy enough for sex [2]. If you have unstable angina, a recent heart attack or stroke, or severe heart failure, PDE5 inhibitors may not be suitable [5].

You will be asked about all your current medicines, not just olmesartan. This is because vardenafil interacts with several other drugs, including potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, and clarithromycin), which can raise vardenafil levels in the blood and increase the risk of side effects [5]. If you are taking any of these medicines, vardenafil may be contraindicated or require dose adjustment [5]. Alpha-blockers (such as tamsulosin or doxazosin) also interact with vardenafil and require careful dose management [5]. Always declare every medicine, supplement, and herbal remedy you are taking during your consultation.

Practical Advice for Taking Vardenafil with Olmesartan

If your prescriber approves vardenafil while you are taking olmesartan, there are several practical steps you can take to use both medicines safely. First, continue taking olmesartan exactly as prescribed by your doctor—do not stop or change the dose without medical advice [12]. Stopping blood pressure medication suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise dangerously.

When you first start vardenafil, your prescriber will usually recommend the lowest effective dose to minimise the risk of low blood pressure [5]. Take vardenafil about 25 to 60 minutes before planned sexual activity, and avoid taking it more than once in 24 hours [5]. Be cautious when standing up quickly, especially after taking vardenafil, as the combined blood-pressure-lowering effect may cause dizziness or light-headedness. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy, and avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these symptoms.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking vardenafil, as alcohol can worsen erectile dysfunction and add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect, increasing the risk of dizziness and fainting [5]. Grapefruit juice can also raise vardenafil levels in the blood and should be avoided [5]. If you experience chest pain during or after sexual activity, stop immediately and seek urgent medical help—do not take nitrate medicines such as GTN spray, as the combination with vardenafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [5].

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

If you are taking both olmesartan and vardenafil, it is a good idea to monitor your blood pressure regularly at home or at your local pharmacy. Keep a record of your readings and share them with your GP or prescriber, especially if you notice any significant changes or if you develop symptoms such as persistent dizziness, fainting, or unusual fatigue. Your GP may need to adjust your olmesartan dose or review your overall blood pressure management.

Warning Signs and When to Seek Help

While most men tolerate the combination of vardenafil and olmesartan well, it is important to know the warning signs that require urgent medical attention. If you experience an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), seek emergency help immediately by calling 999 or going to A&E [5]. Priapism is a medical emergency that can cause permanent damage to the penis if not treated promptly.

Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing (which may be accompanied by ringing in the ears or dizziness), are rare but serious side effects of PDE5 inhibitors [5]. Stop taking vardenafil and seek urgent medical help if you experience either of these symptoms. Chest pain during or after sexual activity is also a medical emergency—stop sexual activity immediately, sit or lie down, and call 999 [5]. Do not take nitrate medicines such as GTN spray if you have taken vardenafil in the past 24 hours, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [5].

If you experience severe or persistent dizziness, fainting, or light-headedness, especially when standing up, contact your GP or prescriber as soon as possible. These symptoms may indicate that your blood pressure is too low, and your medicines may need to be reviewed [5][12]. Never stop taking olmesartan without medical advice, as this can cause your blood pressure to rise suddenly.

Common Side Effects to Be Aware Of

Common side effects of vardenafil include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and dizziness [5]. These are usually mild and temporary. If side effects are troublesome or persistent, speak to your prescriber, who may be able to adjust your dose or suggest an alternative ED treatment. Remember that all medicines can cause side effects, but many people experience none at all. The benefits of treatment usually outweigh the risks when medicines are used appropriately under medical supervision.

Scientific References

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

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