Can you take Viagra with alcohol?

Many men wonder if they can have a drink while taking Viagra. A glass of wine or beer is part of a relaxing evening for many, but alcohol can affect how well the medicine works and how your body responds to it. At Fellos, we provide honest and expert information about the safe use of medication so that you are well prepared.

What happens when you take Viagra

Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil, a so-called PDE5 inhibitor. It relaxes the smooth muscle layer in the walls of the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow when you are sexually stimulated. Without stimulation, nothing happens: Viagra does not provide an automatic erection. Clinical research confirms that, when properly dosed and administered, sildenafil is effective for erection problems of various causes. The standard dosage is 50 mg taken approximately one hour before sexual activity. The maximum dose is 100 mg per day, maximum once a day.

What does alcohol do to your erection?

Alcohol has a direct effect on both the nervous system and blood vessels, and that effect backfires when it comes to getting a good erection. Clinical research shows that excessive alcohol consumption is an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction, even apart from the use of medication. The reason is twofold. First, alcohol slows nerve conduction, so that stimuli are transmitted less well. Secondly, alcohol disrupts the physiological processes that support an erection. Pharmacological research shows that chronic alcohol consumption damages the signaling mechanism of nitric oxide and soluble guanylyl cyclase, exactly the system that actually activates sildenafil. So an evening of heavy drinking quickly results in less than hoped.

Is it dangerous to combine Viagra and alcohol?

One or two drinks are not a major hazard for most healthy men in combination with sildenafil. It only becomes problematic with larger amounts of alcohol. Both alcohol and sildenafil dilate the blood vessels, and the combined effect can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure. Haemodynamic research shows that sildenafil alone has a moderate antihypertensive effect, which can result in dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting if consumed excessively. This risk is higher in men with existing cardiovascular problems or when taking a higher dose. Important note: sildenafil is absolutely contraindicated in combination with nitrates, NO donors and riociguat. This combination can cause life-threatening drops in blood pressure and should never be used regardless of alcohol consumption.

Does alcohol reduce the effects of Viagra?

Yes, especially with larger quantities. Research shows that alcohol can significantly reduce the effectiveness of sildenafil in alcohol-related erectile dysfunction. Alcohol slows gastric emptying and can therefore slow the uptake of sildenafil, causing the peak blood concentration to be later and lower than desired. In addition, alcohol suppresses the sexual response itself: the nerves react less sensitively, the stimulation is reduced and the blood flow to the penis is blocked. The result is that you use the medicine but benefit less from its effect.

How to use Viagra safely

You get the most out of sildenafil when you take it sober or after a light meal with a glass of water. Eating fat slows down the effect, which also applies to alcohol in larger amounts. Take the medicine about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and make sure you are relaxed, as stress and tension counteract the effect. Limit alcohol consumption to a maximum of one or two drinks when taking sildenafil. Never take it in combination with nitrates or “poppers”: this combination is absolutely contraindicated and can lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure. If you are unsure about your personal situation, or if you are taking other medications, it is wise to first present this to a doctor. Fellos offers an accessible route for this: via an online intake, you can treat erection problems accompanied by a Dutch doctor.

How does Fellos help with erection problems?

Fellos makes access to medical care easier for men without sacrificing quality. Via this is how Fellos works you can see how the process works: an online intake of three minutes, assessment by a Dutch doctor and, in case of positive advice, discreet delivery of registered medication to your home. No appointment is required and you don't have to go anywhere. The doctor will look at your personal situation, including possible medication use, existing conditions and the correct dosage. Want to know more about the company behind the platform? On the page about Fellos you can read who is behind the care.

Use Viagra safely with advice from Fellos

With erection problems, you are not alone. A drink doesn't have to stand in the way of using sildenafil, but being aware of the combination makes a big difference. Moderate alcohol consumption combined with the correct dosage and intake is acceptable for most men. In case of excessive drinking, the following applies: omit Viagra that night. Are you unsure about what is safe in your situation, or do you want to know if sildenafil is right for you? Start an online intake with Fellos and receive personalized advice from a doctor.

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