Title: Nitroglycerin Drug-Drug Interactions<br/>Author: Ashley Martinelli<br/><a href='mailto:1912'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
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Most are aware of asking men for history of medications for erectile dysfunction (PDE5 inhibitors: sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) but many overlook the fact that men and women may be on these medications chronically for pulmonary hypertension. Men can also be on these medications for the treatment of BPH. <u>Be broad in your history taking and do not limit the discussion to erectile dysfunction or a specific gender.</u></p>
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<b>Drug interaction:</b></p>
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-PDE5 inhibitors prevent the breakdown of cGMP</p>
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-Nitrates are nitric oxide donors that increase the production of cGMP</p>
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-The combination can lead to excessive vasodilation</p>
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<b>If accidentally co-administered:</b></p>
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There is no antidote for this medication error. Support the patient with Trendelenburg positioning, fluid administration, and if needed, vasopressors such as norepinephrine until blood pressure stabilizes.</p>
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<b>How long should you wait to administer nitrates after a patient takes a PDE5 Inhibitor?</b></p>
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Sildenafil and vardenafil: 24 h after last dose*</p>
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Tadalafil > 48 h after last dose*</p>
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*Even if acute ACS event</p>
<fieldset><legend>References</legend>
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Schwartz BG, Kloner RA. Drug interactions with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension. Circulation. 2010;122:88-95.</p>
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