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Patients should consult their physician before taking any other medication (either prescription or over-the-counter), including nutritional supplements or herbal remedies. Substances that can intensify the effects of vasodilators and lead to severe hypotension (low blood pressure) include:
- Other vasodilators or antihypertensives, unless prescribed as part of a combination therapy.
- Alcohol, which is itself a vasodilator.
- Medications for sexual dysfunction.
- Nicotinic acid. A form of vitamin B3 that is sometimes used as a cholesterol-reducing drug.
- Grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice interferes with the liver’s ability to rid the body of vasodilators and many other substances. This could lead to a buildup of vasodilators to dangerous levels in the body. While the buildup is less likely if the juice is ingested four or more hours prior to the medicine, patients taking vasodilators are advised to speak with their physicians before drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit itself.
The following substances may counteract the effects of some vasodilators and increase blood pressure:
- Narcotics (prescription-strength painkillers)
- Nicotine
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
In addition, some over-the-counter medications may adversely react with vasodilators, including those for appetite control, asthma, flu, colds, cough, sinus problems or hay fever.
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