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Is It Safe To Use Sildenafil And Alcohol Together?

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Viagra was the first FDA-approved oral Erectile Dysfunction (ED) treatment in the United States.

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra.

You should take Sildenafil 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.

But the effects of Sildenafil may last for up to four hours.

If you have ED, you will have difficulty getting and maintaining an erection.

Sildenafil may interact with some medications, health conditions, and foods.

Taking Sildenafil and alcohol together may result in side effects.

As a result, doctors usually tell people not to take Sildenafil and alcohol together.

The following article explains why you should not combine alcohol and Sildenafil (Viagra).

Relation between Alcohol and ED

link between alcohol and ED Source: Getty_images_signature
Intake of alcohol

Alcohol is not usually a good choice for your sexual health.

Studies reveal that alcohol consumption has many harmful effects on sexual function.

According to research, most alcohol-dependent men suffer from one or more sexual dysfunctions.

The most common is Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, and low libido.

Fact
Viagra does not increase your desire to have sex. Talk to your doctor if you think your sex drive has dropped.

Sildenafil and alcohol interaction

Sildenafil is a Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5).

It inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, preventing cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate breakdown (cGMP).

When cGMP levels rise, smooth muscles relax, and blood vessels widen in the penile region.

The widening of blood vessels enhances blood flow inside the penis.

And as a result, an erection is attained and maintained.

The link between moderate alcohol intake and problems like ED is less evident.

But, it usually is safe to consume a small amount of alcohol with Sildenafil. 

If you’re taking Sildenafil to treat ED, alcohol may be counteracting its effects.

If you are using ED medications such as Sildenafil, you should avoid alcohol.

Alcohol may not only reduce the efficiency of the medication, but it may also worsen its side effects.

As a result, mixing alcohol and Sildenafil may impair the medicine’s effectiveness.

Warning
Viagra is a prescription-only medicine, so do not buy it over the counter or from a non-verified online store.

Sildenafil and alcohol side effects

side effects of alcohol and sildenafil Source: Enrykun
Confuse man

It is typically safe to consume a small amount of alcohol while taking Sildenafil.

However, heavy drinking may increase your chances of experiencing its side effects.

Some of the most common side effects of combining Sildenafil (Viagra) and alcohol are:

  • Headache
  • Heartburn 
  • Flushing 
  • Insomnia 
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscular aches 

Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.

Did you know that headache is the most commonly reported side effect of Sildenafil (Viagra)? This is often dubbed a “Viagra headache.” Delve deeper into this topic by reading the article– Can You Really Have Viagra Headache?

Recommended Article:
Read the following article to learn more about the Viagra and alcohol connection: Can Viagra and Alcohol Be Consumed at The Same Time?

Key Takeaways

Consuming Sildenafil (Viagra) with moderate levels of alcohol may be safe.

Alcohol interacts with Sildenafil and worsens its side effects, such as headaches, flushing, dizziness, etc.

Heavy alcohol drinking increases the likelihood of experiencing these symptoms.

Consuming alcohol may have no discernible effect on Sildenafil or how it works.

Nonetheless, it may slow down various bodily functions, including getting an erection.

As a result, you should avoid taking Sildenafil (Viagra) and drinking alcohol together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink alcohol and take Sildenafil?

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking ED drugs such as Sildenafil. Alcohol may interfere with the medication’s effectiveness. It can also exacerbate side effects such as flushing and headaches. If you’re taking Sildenafil, consult your doctor before drinking alcohol.

How much alcohol can you consume before taking Sildenafil?

No fixed limit exists for how much alcohol you can drink before taking Sildenafil.
But you must limit your alcohol intake while you are taking Sildenafil. 
It is safe to enjoy a small amount of alcohol, but it’s better to avoid it.

How should I take Sildenafil for the best results?

For the best effects, take Viagra (Sildenafil) on an empty stomach about an hour before you plan to have sex. 
A standard dose of Sildenafil should be effective for about four hours.

How soon after taking my ED medication can I start drinking?

It is best to avoid consuming alcohol until all the medication has cleared your system. Sildenafil lasts approximately a day.
Since everyone’s body is different, it’s best to consult your doctor about when to drink.

What are some side effects of taking Sildenafil and alcohol together?

Using Sildenafil or drinking alcohol on their own may cause unwanted side effects. 
You may experience side effects like headaches, flushing, dizziness, etc., if you take alcohol and Sildenafil together.

Citations:
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Photo of author Janet Fudge
Janet Fudge is a highly skilled and experienced pharmacologist who serves as a contributing writer for CheapMedicineShop.com. With a strong academic background from a premier US University and a passion for helping others, Janet has become a trusted voice in the pharmaceutical world. After completing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, Janet embarked on a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, working with various clients, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and drug manufacturers. Her in-depth knowledge of pharmacology and dedication to patient-centered care has led her to excel in her field. As a writer for CheapMedicineShop.com, Janet uses her wealth of expertise to provide readers with accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information on various topics related to medicine and healthcare. Her engaging writing style and ability to break down complex topics into easily digestible content make her a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and the general public.
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