nitric oxide
6 interactions related to nitric oxide
beetroot + vardenafil
Vardenafil blocks PDE5 and prolongs nitric oxide signaling. Beetroot is a major dietary source of nitrate that the body converts to nitric oxide, so concentrated beetroot products can add to vardenafil's blood pressure lowering effect.
beetroot + nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin releases nitric oxide to dilate blood vessels and relieve angina. Beetroot is the most concentrated dietary source of inorganic nitrate, which the body also converts to nitric oxide, so combining the two can cause additive vasodilation, low blood pressure, headache, and fainting.
dark chocolate + blood pressure medications
Dark chocolate flavanols improve nitric-oxide-dependent vasodilation and modestly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure (typically 2–3 mmHg). Combined with antihypertensives, this can additively lower blood pressure, occasionally producing symptoms of hypotension such as dizziness in sensitive patients.
citrulline + arginine
Oral arginine has poor bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Citrulline bypasses the liver and is converted to arginine in the kidneys, sustaining elevated plasma arginine. Combined oral dosing produces a faster and higher plasma arginine peak than either alone, increasing nitric oxide synthesis.
beetroot + sildenafil
Beetroot is high in dietary inorganic nitrate that the body converts to nitric oxide, the same vasodilator pathway amplified by PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil. While organic nitrate drugs (not dietary) are the formal contraindication, large doses of beetroot juice can meaningfully lower blood pressure and may add to sildenafil's vasodilatory effect.
beetroot + tadalafil
Tadalafil inhibits PDE5 for up to 36 hours, prolonging the vasodilatory effect of any nitric oxide pathway activation. Beetroot's dietary nitrate becomes nitric oxide in the body and can add to tadalafil's blood pressure lowering, particularly with concentrated beetroot shots or supplements.