Q. If a person is on a cholesterol-lowering drug (Zocor 10mg) but otherwise healthy (no high blood pressure, no diabetes, no nitrates), can he safely take Viagra to overcome an erectile dysfunction problem? I heard Viagra has side effects only for people on nitrates.
A. As you correctly pointed out, there is only one contraindication to Viagra, and that is for people on nitrates. The interaction of the drugs can cause heart attacks, and several patients taking nitrates and Viagra together have died. I refer all my patients to the manufacturer’s insert, which lists all the side effects associated with Viagra. For more information, see my earlier article about Viagra.
In my practice I commonly prescribe Viagra to many of my patients with multiple medical problems. At this point people on Zocor are not prevented from taking Viagra, but all patients seeking Viagra need to be seen by a physician to determine the proper dosage and risk profile.
