Viagra® and alcohol: is it safe to take them together?

Medical review by: Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM

Summary:

• Viagra® (sildenafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by enhancing blood flow to the penis, but there are concerns about its safety when combined with alcohol.
• Alcohol is a depressant affecting the cardiovascular system and can exacerbate ED symptoms, potentially complicating the use of Viagra®.
• Combining Viagra® and alcohol can significantly lower blood pressure, leading to risks like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
• Alcohol can reduce Viagra®’s effectiveness and increase side effects such as headaches, flushing, and dizziness, potentially leading to more serious health risks.
• It’s advised to moderate or avoid alcohol consumption when taking Viagra® and to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice and safe use of the medication. 

Is it safe to take Viagra^® while drinking alcohol?

Viagra^® (generically called sildenafil), is a widely used medication for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). The drug enhances blood flow to the penis, which makes getting and sustaining an erection easier during sexual arousal. But since alcohol can increase the likelihood of ED symptoms, many people wonder whether taking Viagra^® with alcohol is a good idea—or if it’s even safe.

The more you understand about Viagra^® and how it works, the better a position you’ll be in to decide how you use it for yourself. Below, the Lemonaid Team walks you through everything you need to know about Viagra^® and alcohol, including whether they interact and what it could mean for you.

How alcohol affects the body

Alcohol is a depressant that significantly affects the body—particularly the cardiovascular system. It causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to lowered blood pressure.

In higher amounts, alcohol can lead to significant impairment of cognitive and motor functions, including decreased reaction time, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination. These effects are especially crucial to consider for individuals taking medications like Viagra^®, as the combined impact on the body can be complex.

How Viagra^® works in the body

Viagra^® increases your ability to get an erection by relaxing the penile muscles. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)—a molecule vital for muscle relaxation and blood flow in the penis.

Men who don’t produce enough cGMP naturally often suffer from ED because the limited amount of cGMP they do produce is broken down by PDE5 too quickly. When Viagra^® blocks PDE5, enough cGMP is produced that the muscles in the penis can relax and blood can flow to them, making it easier to get an erection when aroused.

Learn more about the science behind Viagra^® here: Viagra^® Guide: Uses, Benefits, Side-Effects & More

Interactions between Viagra^® and alcohol:

Combining Viagra^® (sildenafil) with alcohol can lead to significant risks due to their interactive effects on the body. Here’s an overview:

1. Low blood pressure: 
   1. Both Viagra^® and alcohol act as vasodilators, which means they work to widen blood vessels and thereby lower blood pressure. When taken together, this effect can be amplified, potentially leading to symptoms like:
      • Dizziness
      • Lightheadedness
      • Fainting spells.
   2. This is particularly risky for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. If you have a heart condition or a weak heart, you should be particularly careful about taking Viagra® or alcohol (even separately).
2. Impacting Viagra^®’s effects: 
   1. According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, alcohol can interfere with the metabolic process of sildenafil, reducing its efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction. This may result in the temptation to take higher doses of the medication, which in turn increases the risk of adverse side effects.
3. Increased Viagra^® side effects: 
   1. Common side effects of Viagra® that can be intensified by the consumption of alcohol include:
      • Headaches
      • Flushing
      • Dizziness
   2. A study in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that the combined use of alcohol and sildenafil increased the incidence and severity of these side effects. The same study also suggests that using alcohol or tobacco with sildenafil could potentially increase the risk of death due to “significant interactions” between these substances.

Recommendations & precautions

Taking Viagra^® with alcohol has obvious risks, but many people still enjoy a drink or two before taking Viagra^®. While this is riskier than not drinking at all during Viagra^® use, it seems to be an acceptable level of risk for these individuals.

Remember, the interaction between Viagra^® and alcohol depends in part on the amount of alcohol consumed—so moderate to heavy drinking can have a more pronounced effect. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. It’s crucial to stay within these limits or, ideally, consume less when taking Viagra^®.

For some individuals, it might be advisable to avoid alcohol altogether, especially if they experience side effects from Viagra^® or have certain health conditions. The decision on alcohol consumption should be made after consulting with a healthcare provider, who can offer personalized advice based on individual health status and medical history.

Get personalized assistance with Lemonaid Health

You can always reach out to our medical team for tailored guidance on whether Viagra^® is appropriate for you. Lemonaid Health offers a variety of ED treatment options including Viagra, after a consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.

Viagra^® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.