Sildenafil Interactions: How Does it React with Food, Alcohol, and Medicine

Thirty million people in the USA have Erectile Dysfunction

According to John Hopkins Medicine, the number of people affected by ED will rise up to 322 million by 2025.

Sildenafil is a medicine used for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. 

It is an active ingredient in Viagra, the first FDA-approved medicine to treat ED.

Sildenafil helps increase blood flow to the penis, which helps to get an erection.

It is common for medicines to interact with other drugs and foods.

It is vital to know potential drug interactions when taking Sildenafil. Meds such as Nitrates may interact with Sildenafil and can affect its efficacy.

Read the following article to learn more about the interactions of Sildenafil.

Understanding Sildenafil interactions with meds, food, and alcohol

sildenafil interaction with alcohol and foodSource: Getty_images
Alcohol, food and meds

 Sildenafil interacts with several drugs, foods, and alcohol, affecting ED treatment. 

It is important to understand the Sildenafil interactions before taking it.

Let us understand how Sildenafil interacts with drugs, food, and medications.

Sildenafil interactions with Nitrates

Nitrates are meds used for treating chest pain caused by heart diseases.

According to a study, the interaction between Nitrates and Sildenafil can be very harmful. It can worsen the side effects of Sildenafil

It can cause low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

If you have to take Nitrates for your health condition, you should consult your doctor for the prescribing of a medicine that can work in the ED without interacting with Nitrates.

Sildenafil interactions with alcohol

Sildenafil can cause low blood pressure. Consuming alcohol and Sildenafil can increase the lowering of blood pressure. Alcohol can affect the efficacy of Sildenafil. 

You may experience dizziness, headache, fainting, and lightheadedness after taking alcohol with Sildenafil.

It is always a good idea to consult your doctor or healthcare provider before consuming alcohol while taking medications, including sildenafil.

Sildenafil interactions with food

Taking Sildenafil with food can affect its effectiveness in treating ED. Eating food high in fat may increase the time for Sildenafil to take effect.

You should eat a healthy meal before taking Sildenafil. Fast foods, fatty meats, and processed foods affect the working of Sildenafil for ED.

Sildenafil interactions with Grapefruit

Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can interact with Sildenafil. It is advised and essential to avoid grapefruit. 

Grapefruit can increase the amount of Sildenafil in the body. 

This can further increase the side effects of Sildenafil. Additionally, it can delay the effects of Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction.

Sildenafil interactions with medicines

Sildenafil interactions with other medicinesSource: phodopus
Different pills

It is possible that Sildenafil can react with other medicines. 

According to a study, Sildenafil should not be used by people who consume organic Nitrates or take blood pressure or HIV medicines.

The following medicines are not recommended as they can interact with Sildenafil.

  • Amprenavir
  • Amyl Nitrite
  • Ceritinib
  • Indinavir
  • Nitroglycerin
  • Lopinavir
  • Molsidomine
  • Nelfinavir

Talk with a doctor if you take any med apart from Sildenafil, as the drug interaction can be dangerous.

Warning
Always contact your doctor or 911 if you experience any severe side effects of Sildenafil.

To sum up

Sildenafil can interact with various other meds, which can affect its working.

You should know the potential Sildenafil interactions with drugs which may be dangerous. 

It would be best not to intake Sildenafil with medicines used to treat HIV and low blood pressure.

Taking Sildenafil with alcohol can worsen its side effects like lowering the blood pressure.

Fatty foods and grapefruit can also affect the efficacy of Sildenafil. 

Headache, nausea, blurry vision, and chest pain are some side effects of Sildenafil. 

 Being aware of these potential interactions can ensure the safe and effective use of Sildenafil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drug has a serious drug interaction with Sildenafil?

Some drugs can have severe Sildenafil interactions with Sildenafil. You should not take it with Nitrates and the medications used for treating low BP.

Can I take Sildenafil with food?

Yes, Sildenafil can be taken with food, but you should avoid high-fat meals as they reduce the effectiveness of the meds.

Can I take supplements while taking Sildenafil?

Sildenafil may interact with supplements, increasing the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

How long should I wait to take other medications after taking Sildenafil?

Sildenafil may stay in your body for four hours. You should take it at least 24 hours after taking any medication that could interact with it. However, you should consult a healthcare provider.

Who should not take Sildenafil?

People with heart problems or liver problems should avoid taking Sildenafil. However, it is advisable to declare your medical history to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Citations:
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Jim Carson is a highly skilled and dedicated medical writer passionate about advancing medical practice. With years of experience in the field of medical sciences, Jim has made significant contributions to various studies aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. He currently writes for Cheapmedicineshop.com, providing expert insights and knowledge on various topics. Jim's expertise extends to various areas, including drug interactions, dosages, side effects, and best practices for medication use. In Los Angeles, Jim lives with his loving wife, children, and beloved pets. He deeply values spending time with his family and cherishes their presence. When he's not writing, Jim enjoys watching football games and staying updated with the latest sports news. Jim's writing shines through his commitment to advancing medical practice and improving healthcare outcomes. Readers can trust Jim's articles to be informative, accurate, and reliable, making him a trusted pharmaceutical information source for the website's audience.