Can I take Sildenafil and Grapefruit together?

Varför detta händer

Your body uses a specific enzyme (called CYP3A4) in the gut and liver to break down sildenafil. Grapefruit contains natural compounds that 'block' this enzyme. Because the enzyme is busy dealing with the grapefruit, it cannot break down the sildenafil as quickly as usual, leading to higher-than-intended levels of the drug in your body.

It is best to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice entirely while using sildenafil. If you have already consumed grapefruit, wait at least 24 hours before taking a dose of sildenafil. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or a prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours) after taking this combination, seek medical help immediately.

Nitrate medication use (e.g. GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate)

You must never take sildenafil if you are using nitrate medicines for chest pain or heart problems. Combining them can cause a sudden, life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Sudden vision loss or priapism

Seek immediate medical help if you experience a sudden decrease or loss of vision, or if you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of sildenafil in your blood. This may increase the risk of side effects like headaches, flushing, or low blood pressure. It is best to avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

Alkohol

Drinking alcohol can make it harder to get an erection. Alcohol can also lower your blood pressure; taking it with sildenafil may cause your blood pressure to drop too low, leading to dizziness or fainting. It is recommended to keep alcohol intake to a minimum.

Fettrika måltider

If you take sildenafil with a heavy or high-fat meal (such as a burger and chips), the medicine may take longer to start working. For the fastest effect, it is best taken on an empty stomach or with a light meal.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Interaktionskontroll för läkemedel helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Ansvarsfriskrivning

Denna information är endast avsedd för allmän utbildning och bör inte användas som en ersättning för professionell medicinsk rådgivning. Rådfråga alltid din läkare, apotekare eller annan kvalificerad vårdpersonal innan du fattar beslut om dina mediciner. Individuella omständigheter kan variera, och endast en vårdpersonal som känner till din medicinska historia kan ge personlig vägledning.