Sildenafil And Alcohol – What You Need To Know

Sildenafil is a key ingredient in many erectile dysfunction medications. Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to get and maintain an erection. It is a common sexual health problem in men. Sildenafil is available in brands like Viagra, Aurogra, and Malegra.

It belongs to a group of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 or PDE 5 inhibitors. This PDE5 inhibitor works by increasing blood flow to the penis.

On the other hand, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down the activity of the brain, which affects motor skills, cognitive function, and overall alertness.

Some men think that consuming sildenafil with alcohol does not affect them and enhances their sexual experience; it’s crucial to know about the interaction between the two.

Understanding how mixing alcohol and sildenafil affects the body is essential for men who may combine them. This blog discusses the critical considerations and risks when using alcohol and Sildenafil together.

Sildenafil and Alcohol Interaction—What Happens When You Take Sildenafil and Alcohol?

When Sildenafil, also known as generic Viagra, is taken with alcohol, the alcohol can dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Sildenafil can also lower a person’s blood pressure but in a different way.

When mixed, the combined effect can lead to a notable drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting, dizziness, headaches, and, in some severe cases, even heart problems.

Research shows that your risk of experiencing adverse events from Sildenafil can increase if you drink a significant amount of alcoholic beverages. For example, a research study by Jong Nyeong Kim et al. published in the journal Sexual Medicine found that men who administered above-average amounts of alcohol had higher chances of developing flushing and headaches from erectile dysfunction medications than men who didn’t consume alcohol.

Additional Side Effects Of Sildenafil That May Be Worsened By Alcohol

Side effects of Sildenafil that may be worsened by alcohol intake include –

• Skin rash
• Visual changes
• Stuffy nose
• Stomach pain
• Chest discomfort, including fast or irregular heartbeat.

Can You Take Sildenafil With Alcohol?

According to a 2004 study by Stephen J, Leslie et al., there was no adverse reaction between alcohol (red wine) and Sildenafil [1].

In one study by Jay Narayan Pandit et al., it was stated that vasomotor effects of alcohol and Sildenafil, when used simultaneously, can directly or indirectly cause cerebrovascular accidents in rare cases [2].

Drinking alcohol while taking Sildenafil citrate in moderation can be fine for some people, but we do not recommend doing so because it risks adverse effects. And one more thing that one should remember is chronic use of alcohol is a common cause of erectile dysfunction.

How Soon Can I Start Drinking After Taking Sildenafil?

It’s better to wait until all of the medicine leaves your body before you start drinking alcohol. Sildenafil stays in the system for about a day.

As everyone’s body is different, it’s better to first talk to your doctor about when it’s safe for you to have a drink.

Always remember that medications like Sildenafil are to be used as needed, and think twice before taking this medication if you already have a few drinks in your system [3].

Are you wondering where to buy Sildenafil at reasonable prices? Then, visit our generic Viagra page to explore a wide range of brand versions of Sildenafil.

Are Certain People More At Risk When Combining Alcohol And Sildenafil?

Some people may have a stronger reaction to alcohol’s effects on Sildenafil than others who consume the same amount.

The risk of developing erectile dysfunction goes up as a person gets older, so you may be taking Sildenafil at a time in your life when you’re more impacted by alcohol. This could raise the risk of experiencing complications when you take your medicines and alcohol together.

Are There Any ED Treatments That Aren’t Affected By Alcohol?

There are certain ED treatment options aside from medicines that may be safer when used in combination with alcohol. These treatment options can significantly improve sexual wellness for men.
These options are as follows:

A vacuum device—this is a plastic tube that creates a vacuum to help proper blood flow into the penis for a firm erection.

An implanted device – The primary purpose of this device is to insert inflatable or malleable penile implants that help achieve an erection.

Surgery to repair arteries – The surgery repairs blocked arteries that are causing erectile dysfunction (usually for men under age 30).

A medical provider has to perform the procedure to repair arteries and implant a device surgically, whereas the vacuum device can be used at home.

What else should a person avoid while taking Sildenafil?

While taking Sildenafil, it is best to avoid grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can impact how the liver breaks down this medication. Taking grapefruit juice with Sildenafil could lead to increased levels of the medicine in the body, therefore increasing the risk of negative effects.

It is best to avoid consuming grapefruit juice at the same time or on the same day you’re using Sildenafil.

It’s also crucial to give your doctor a complete list of the medicines you use to prevent drug interactions.

Some medicines that can cause adverse interactions that lead to very low blood pressure include nitrates like nitroglycerine, alpha-blockers like doxazosin, and blood pressure medicines like amlodipine, losartan, and lisinopril [4].

Explore Healthline’s comprehensive guide on Sildenafil interactions with alcohol, grapefruit, and medications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether you can mix alcohol and sildenafil requires careful consideration. While it is generally not recommended to consume alcohol while taking Sildenafil, the specific consideration of each person should be taken into account.

It is crucial to consult your medical provider to assess the benefits and potential risks and make an informed decision prioritizing your health and overall well-being.