Sildenafil: not for use with nitrates. (Regulatory and safety matters).

New Zealand -- The Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) has emphasized the importance of asking patients about sildenafil (Viagra[R]) use before any formulation of nitrates is administered, and that patients prescribed nitrates should be reminded not to take sildenafil. Also, patients being prescribed sildenafil, which is contraindicated in patients taking nitrates for cardiovascular disease, should be asked about regular or intermittent nitrate use, including recreational use.

Patients taking sildenafil who develop acute angina pectoris should be given analgesics for pain and/or other angina treatments. In cases of serious or complicated angina or …