What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Nitroglycerin and sildenafil
Nitroglycerin's FDA label of February 15, 2023 names sildenafil in its contraindications section; sildenafil's label does not name nitroglycerin itself but warns about its class (nitrate vasodilators). The nitroglycerin label: “Do not use NITRO-DUR in patients who are taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary arterial hypertension.”
Check it at the source: the nitroglycerin FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 15, 2023, Viatris Specialty LLC); the sildenafil FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 17, 2023, Viatris Specialty LLC).
What does the nitroglycerin label say about sildenafil?
Nitroglycerin label, contraindicationsUse of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, such as avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, or soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators.
Nitroglycerin label, drug interactionsPDE-5-Inhibitors such as avanafil, sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil have been shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of organic nitrates.
Nitroglycerin In Dextrose label (Baxter Healthcare Company, August 22, 2016), contraindicationsDo not use Nitroglycerin in 5% Dextrose Injection in patients who are taking certain drugs for erectile dysfunction (phosphodiesterase inhibitors) such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.
Nitroglycerin In Dextrose label (Baxter Healthcare Company, August 22, 2016), drug interactionsConcomitant use of Nitroglycerin in 5% Dextrose Injection with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil) can cause hypotension and is contraindicated (see Contraindications ).
Nitro-Dur label (Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC, May 30, 2023), contraindicationsDo not use NITRO-DUR in patients who are taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil) for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Source: FDA drug label (Nitroglycerin In Dextrose, NDA019970), Baxter Healthcare Company, effective August 22, 2016 (SPL set 457a026c-ebce-4701-9deb-2d7652759a99), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (Nitrostat), Viatris Specialty LLC, effective February 15, 2023 (SPL set 9a52da75-d0af-4237-96c0-0b12adfa8636), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the sildenafil label say about nitroglycerin?
Sildenafil's label does not name nitroglycerin itself; it warns about its class (nitrate vasodilators):
Sildenafil label, contraindicationsCONTRAINDICATIONS Administration of VIAGRA to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form.
Sildenafil label, contraindicationsConsistent with its known effects on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1 , 12.2) ], VIAGRA was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, and its administration to patients who are using nitric oxide donors such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form either regularly and/or intermittently is therefore contraindicated.
Source: FDA drug label (Viagra), Viatris Specialty LLC, effective November 17, 2023 (SPL set d905dc8d-917f-4ea3-a4ee-a1ecf6967d4e), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Nitroglycerin | Sildenafil | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Angina, High blood pressure, Heart failure, Heart attack and coronary artery disease | Erectile dysfunction, Pulmonary arterial hypertension |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.127 per tablet 0.4 mg tablet sl | $0.132 per tablet 100 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once