100mg Viagra And Alcohol



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Interactions Between Viagra and Alcohol

For example, alcohol intoxication can slow the signals between the brain and the penis responsible for getting an erection. Drinking alcohol can also lead to dehydration, which reduces blood flow and impacts your ability to get an erection.

Viagra, ED, and Alcoholic Drinks

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem with getting and maintaining an erection that’s firm enough to have sexual intercourse. All men have trouble getting an erection from time to time, and the likelihood of this problem increases with age. If it happens to you often, though, you may have ED.

Viagra is a prescription drug that can help men with erectile dysfunction. For many people, romance means candlelight, soft music, and a glass of wine. The little blue pill, Viagra, can be part of this picture, but only if you drink small or moderate amounts of alcohol.

Drinking alcohol in moderation seems to be safe when you take Viagra. There seems to be no clear sign that the risks of alcohol use are made worse by Viagra. A study published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found no adverse reactions between Viagra and red wine. However, research on this topic is limited.

Still, just because Viagra and alcohol don’t seem to interact doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea to use them together. This is because chronic alcohol use is a common cause of ED. It’s so common, in fact, that a slang term for ED in Great Britain is “brewer’s droop.” So while you’re treating ED with Viagra, you may be doing yourself a disservice by mixing the drug with alcohol.

Scientists at Loyola University reviewed 25 years of research on the effects of alcohol use on the male reproductive system. Here are some of their findings. These effects have to do with alcohol in general and are not specific to combining Viagra with alcohol. Still, if you have erectile dysfunction, you may want to consider how alcohol can influence your sexual health and performance.

Effects on testosterone and estrogen

Both binge drinking and chronic alcohol use can affect testosterone and estrogen levels.

Testosterone in men is made in the testes. It plays a role in many functions of the body. It’s also the hormone most closely linked to male sexuality, and it’s responsible for the development of sexual organs and sperm.

Estrogen is mainly a female hormone, but it’s also found in men. It’s linked with the development of female sexual characteristics and reproduction.

If you’re a man, consuming more than a moderate amount of alcohol may lower your testosterone levels and raise your estrogen levels. Reduced testosterone levels combined with higher levels of estrogen may feminize your body. Your breasts may grow or you may lose body hair.

Effects on the testicles

Alcohol is toxic to testicles. Sources say consuming a lot of alcohol over time can cause shrinkage in your testicles. This reduces the volume and quality of your sperm.

Effects on the prostate

According to some sources, alcohol abuse may be associated with prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland). Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and problems with urination. Prostatitis may also be linked with erectile dysfunction.

To understand why ED happens, it helps to know how an erection occurs. An erection actually starts in your head. When you become aroused, signals in your brain travel to other parts of your body. Your heart rate and blood flow increase. Chemicals are triggered that make blood flow into hollow chambers in your penis. This causes an erection.

In ED, however, an enzyme called protein phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) interferes with this process. As a result, there’s not an increase in blood flow to the arteries in your penis. This stops you from getting an erection.

ED can be caused by a number of factors. These can include health issues such as:

  • increasing age
  • diabetes
  • medications, such as diuretics, blood pressure drugs, and antidepressants
  • multiple sclerosis
  • thyroid disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • high blood pressure
  • peripheral vascular disease
  • prostate cancer, if you’ve had your prostate removed
  • depression
  • anxiety

You can address some of these issues by trying these exercises to eliminate ED. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by your habits, however. These can include:

Viagra is the brand-name version of the drug sildenafil citrate. It was originally made to treat high blood pressure and chest pain, but clinical trials found it was not as effective as drugs that were already on the market. However, study participants showed an unusual side effect: a significant increase in erections. In 1998, Viagra was the first oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ED.

Weill Cornell Medical College reports that Viagra works for about 65 percent of men who try it. It does so by blocking PDE5. This is the enzyme that interferes with the increase of blood flow to the penis during an erection.

As for mixing Viagra and alcohol, a glass of wine isn’t dangerous. It may help you relax and enhance the romance. Keep in mind, though, that moderate or heavy alcohol use may make ED worse, which is counterproductive to taking Viagra.

If you have ED, you’re far from alone. The Urology Care Foundation says that between 15 and 30 million men in the United States have ED. There are many options for treating ED, so talk with your doctor about it. If you’re unsure where to start, check out Healthline’s guide to talking with your doctor about ED.

Last medically reviewed on August 3, 2016

Interactions Between Viagra and Alcohol

Medically reviewed

Table of contents

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects roughly 30 million men in the United States, and Viagra (the name-brand version of sildenafil) is one of the safest and most popular medicines used to treat the condition.

Alcohol drinking is also very common: In 2019, more than 59% of men 18 and older reported drinking alcohol in the past month, and 29% reported binge drinking.

Most men know that a few drinks affects their ability to perform in the bedroom.

For some, alcohol helps them last longer; for others, it makes it harder to get and maintain an erection.

So it’s no wonder that many men want to know if it’s safe to drink alcohol when taking Viagra and if doing so will alter Viagra’s effectiveness.

In this article, I’ll describe how alcohol interacts with Viagra as well as how drinking can play a role in impotence.

This information can help you can lead the healthy sex life that you desire.

What Is Viagra?

Viagra is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat ED.

Because it’s been on the market the longest of any ED pill, its side effects and drug interactions are well known and it’s often the first-line ED medication recommended by doctors.

The active ingredient in Viagra is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor called sildenafil citrate.

Sildenafil citrate blocks the enzyme PDE5 from breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).

This molecule is key for erections because it causes the penile muscles to relax and the blood vessels that go into the penis to widen.

Together, this increases blood flow to the penis, which can help men get and maintain better erections.

Viagra is designed to be taken shortly before sexual activity.

It takes about 30 minutes to an hour to take effect and stays in your system for 4-5 hours.

At any time during that window, if a man is aroused, Viagra may help him become erect.

Is it safe to take Viagra with alcohol?

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you’re currently pouring yourself a drink and wondering if it’s safe to combine Viagra and alcohol, here’s what you need to know: It is likely safe to take Viagra with alcohol if you are drinking in moderation and have consulted with your healthcare provider.

However, there are some strings attached to that statement. Let’s dive a bit deeper into how alcohol and Viagra (generic name: sildenafil citrate) affect the body and when it’s best to pump the brakes on mixing sildenafil and alcohol.

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Can you take Viagra with alcohol?

Many men drink alcohol on the days they plan to use Viagra (see Important Safety Information), commonly known as the “little blue pill.” As long as your alcohol use is not excessive (and have cleared it with your healthcare provider), it is likely safe for you to have a glass or two of wine (or the equivalent serving of beer or spirits) while taking sildenafil, or its brand-name, Viagra (DailyMed, 2020).

Side effects of Viagra and alcohol

People who abuse alcohol (more than 15 drinks a week) and take Viagra recreationally may have a higher risk of side effects (Kim, 2019).

One study showed that over 45% of men who took Viagra with alcohol for recreational purposes had a higher risk of side effects, including facial flushing, headaches, chest pain, changes in vision, and lightheadedness (Kim, 2019).

How does Viagra (sildenafil) work?

Grapefruit juice, sildenafil, and alcohol

The type of alcohol you drink and what you mix it with may also matter. A study looking at men who drank red wine and took Viagra showed no clinically significant interaction with the combination (Leslie, 2004). However, if you prefer grapefruit juice with your cocktails, there may be an interaction with sildenafil.

Viagra is broken down by the liver, and grapefruit juice may affect how well the liver can accomplish this. Researchers looked at men who took Viagra with grapefruit juice and found that the combination can increase the amount of the drug circulating in your body (Jetter, 2002).

While this is not usually a dangerous outcome, higher levels of Viagra may increase the risk of common side effects like headaches, flushing, or low blood pressure (DailyMed, 2020). To be safe, you should avoid taking Viagra with grapefruit juice and consider another mixer if you’re planning on combining sildenafil and alcohol.

Alcohol and erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) tends to affect men in older age groups, especially those aged 70 years and over. However, ED does not only happen in old age—it can also occur in younger men. Lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of developing this condition. These include obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption (AUA, 2018).

A common term for ED after drinking alcohol is “whiskey dick.” The effects of alcohol on a man’s erectile function will vary. In general, alcohol acts as a depressant. It can cause erection problems by negatively affecting some of the pathways involved in sexual arousal, blood circulation, and nerve sensitivity—all of which need to be functioning properly to have a satisfying sexual desire l encounter (Arackal, 2007).

For example, alcohol intoxication can slow the signals between the brain and the penis responsible for getting an erection. Drinking alcohol can also lead to dehydration, which reduces blood flow and impacts your ability to get an erection.

How much sildenafil and alcohol is too much?

If you are going to consume alcohol while taking Viagra, be sure to do so responsibly. Limit your alcohol intake to 1–2 drinks per day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the amount of alcohol in a standard drink is one of the following (CDC, 2020):

  • 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content)
  • 8 ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content)
  • 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content)
  • 1.5 ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey)

Drink water or nonalcoholic beverages in between the alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. Know your limits, and be sure to stop drinking alcohol when you start to feel intoxicated.

Alcoholism: signs, causes, and treatments

And, for those on certain prescription drugs like nitrates or alpha-blockers, do not take Viagra, even without alcohol, before speaking with your healthcare provider as negative drug interactions and serious side effects can occur when these are combined with Viagra.

Mixing Viagra and alcohol: the takeaway

The bottom line is that you don’t have to completely give up alcohol if you’re taking Viagra. You can still safely have a drink, but remember that alcohol can sometimes make it more difficult for you to get an erection. And if you have more questions about mixing sildenafil and alcohol, or are curious about other ED medications like Cialis (generic name tadalafil; see Important Safety Information) or Levitra (vardenafil), contact your healthcare provider.

References

  1. American Urology Association (AUA). (2018). Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. (2018). Retrieved November 24, 2021 from https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)
  2. Arackal, B. S., & Benegal, V. (2007). Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 49(2), 109–112. Doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.33257. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2917074/
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Facts about moderate drinking. Retrieved November 24, 2021 from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-drinking.htm
  4. DailyMed. (2020). Viagra- sildenafil citrate tablet, film coated. Retrieved on November 24, 2021, from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=a2a9f459-e692-4e85-83b0-a35fbf35e91b#section-7.5
  5. Jetter, A., Kinzig-Schippers, M., Walchner-Bonjean, M., Hering, U., Bulitta, J., & Schreiner, P. et al. (2002). Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 71(1), 21-29. doi: 10.1067/mcp.2002.121236. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11823754/
  6. Kim, J., Oh, J., Park, D., Hong, Y., & Yu, Y. (2019). Influence of Alcohol on Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors Use in Middle- to Old-Aged Men: A Comparative Study of Adverse Events. Sexual Medicine, 7(4), 425-432. doi: 10.1016/j.esxm.2019.07.004. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31444051/
  7. Leslie, S., Atkins, G., Oliver, J., & Webb, D. (2004). No adverse hemodynamic interaction between sildenafil and red wine. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 76(4), 365-370. doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.07.005. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15470336/

Is it safe to combine alcohol with Viagra?

Good news for all the guys out there who take prescription drugs to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) . You don’t have to choose between “the little blue pill” and sharing a bottle of wine with your Valentine’s Day date. As long as your alcohol consumption isn’t excessive, it is generally considered safe to have a drink when you are under the influence of Viagra and medications like it.

Just be sure to get to the pharmacy in time if you want to avoid the lines: Valentine’s Day is on a Friday this year, and that’s the most popular day among SingleCare users to fill ED prescriptions.

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Is there a Viagra and alcohol interaction?

“There does not seem to be a major drug interaction between alcohol and any of the drugs that are used for erectile dysfunction,” says Sharzad Green, Pharm.D. , a pharmacy coach and trainer with Advanced Pharmacy Consulting in Tempe, Arizona. Popular ED drugs include Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil). Revatio also contains sildenafil and is prescribed for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but is sometimes prescribed off-label for ED as well.

In fact, having a drink or two might even work in your favor: A 2018 meta-analysis (an analysis of many studies) conducted by the Department of Urology at the West China School of Medicine in Chengdu, China, found that light to moderate alcohol use was actually associated with a decreased risk of erectile dysfunction.

“Sometimes, a little alcohol helps with sexual response because it can decrease inhibitions, anxiety, and stress,” says Stanley Myers, MD , a urologist and sexual medicine specialist in Portland, Oregon. Although Viagra works within 30 to 60 minutes , sexual desire and stimulation are still needed.

Can alcohol affect erectile dysfunction?

The key phrase here is “a little.” The amount of alcohol matters. The story changes when it comes to men who drink heavily and/or engage in binge drinking (as indicated by the study, and just basic medical advice). Men should not consume more than two alcoholic drinks per day, regardless of whether they take medication ( any medication) or intend to engage in sexual activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What is the threshold for binge drinking? The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines it as consuming five or more drinks on any one occasion . And while that doesn’t change the fact that there aren’t any official drug-drug interactions between alcohol and ED drugs, drinking alcohol excessively can dull sexual response. In other words, it makes the use of Viagra and its counterparts somewhat futile. People who misuse alcohol, specifically, fare very poorly. According to research published in 2007 , 72% of male alcoholics experience some type of sexual dysfunction.

“[Heavy drinking] will definitely cause a negative impact on a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection,” says Nefertiti Childrey, DO , a urologist at Total Urology Care of New York. Excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence can contribute to a number of other medical issues, like metabolic syndrome and liver disease, Dr. Childrey adds.

Does it matter what beverage you choose?

Along with the very practical advice to avoid excessive drinking, it is also important to choose the right cocktail when mixing Viagra and alcohol. Some are safer than others.

If you prefer red wine, you are in luck! Data shows there’s no clinically significant reaction between the two. It was studied specifically in relation to Viagra and hypotension (presumably because of worries that the combination could trigger dangerously low blood pressure levels, a speculation Dr. Myers says is likely overstated). Not only that, another Harvard study found that flavonoid-rich consumables, including red wine, have the potential to reduce the incidence of ED.

If the Greyhound (vodka + grapefruit juice) is your drink of choice, that mixer might interfere with your Viagra ( as grapefruit juice does with many medications , according to the FDA). Harvard University reports that while clinical trials and information are incomplete, the Viagra/grapefruit juice combo could trigger side effects such as headaches, flushing, or low blood pressure. If your beverage is citrus-juice free, you’re probably in the clear.

It’s often recommended to take Viagra on an empty stomach, which could be problematic if you’re drinking alcohol. Ask your doctor if you can take your dose after eating. One study found that there was no significant difference when Viagra was taken before a meal or with food.

Side effects of Viagra

Whether you’re mixing Viagra with alcohol or not, it’s important to know which side effects of Viagra you can expect and those that require medical attention. The most common side effects of ED medication are lightheadedness or headache, stomach upset or indigestion, and back or muscle pain.

Seek medical attention if you experience an erection that lasts longer than four hours. Abnormal vision and hearing loss are also serious side effects that require urgent medical help. Although rare, Viagra can cause a heart attack or stroke in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. Go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms like chest pain or irregular heart rate. A popular chest pain treatment is nitroglycerin (a nitrate); however, the combination of Viagra (or any ED medication described above) and nitroglycerin is very dangerous, increasing the risk of dangerously low blood pressure, fainting, or heart attack.

As always, despite these promising facts, be sure to speak with your own doctor or pharmacist about whether it is safe for you to drink alcohol with your ED meds. If you don’t have any other contraindications, you’ll likely get the green light to enjoy a few drinks in moderation.

“I think if there were an absolute contraindication for a man to have alcohol with these medications, [the medications] probably wouldn’t be as successful as they are,” says Dr. Childrey. “So because of that, I don’t advise patients not to drink. But I do review the general risks associated with medication and alcohol intake.”

Alcohol And Viagra

Can you take Viagra and drink alcohol at the same time?

Alcohol And Viagra

Can you take Viagra and drink alcohol at the same time?

“Taking Viagra with alcohol increases your risk of side effects. Alcohol also makes it much more difficult to get and keep an erection.” – Dr Zenon Andreou

“Taking Viagra with alcohol increases your risk of side effects. Alcohol also makes it much more difficult to get and keep an erection.”

Many men who take Viagra also want to have a drink at the same time. However, combining the two could actually have a negative impact on your ability to get an erection. Find out how much alcohol is safe to drink with Viagra.

Contents

Can Viagra be taken with alcohol?

Viagra is the most popular treatment for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. However, alcohol is one of the reasons why you might be experiencing erectile dysfunction in the first place. Although alcohol may help you overcome anxiety, it can also take a toll on your sexual function.

Drinking alcohol can affect a large hormone producing gland in the brain which leads to reduced testosterone secretion and potentially hormone-induced ED. It is also thought that alcohol levels can have an affect on the nerves in the penis which cause an erection, but the exact way alcohol causes ED is as yet unknown. If you’re taking Viagra because you have had erection problems in the past, you should avoid alcohol.

In addition, alcohol and Viagra (and similar products like Viagra Connect or Sildenafil) can interact. Viagra lowers your blood pressure, as does alcohol. If your blood pressure level gets too low, you may experience dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, headache and even heart palpitations. Having these Viagra side effects isn’t just potentially dangerous – it also won’t improve your sexual performance.