The medication Sildenafil, also known as generic Viagra, is used to treat ED or impotence.
A guy with erectile dysfunction will struggle to get and maintain an erection during sexual activity.
This medication may interact unfavourably with certain conditions, illnesses, and foods.
When combined, sildenafil and alcohol may cause serious negative effects.
Consequently, doctors advise avoiding consuming alcohol and Viagra together.
In addition, excessive alcohol use, along with smoking, inactivity, and bad dietary practices, is one of the leading reasons for impotence in men.
The reasons why sildenafil and alcohol shouldn’t be drunk together are discussed in this article. But first, let’s explore the definition of Sildenafil in more detail.
Sildenafil
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially approved sildenafil as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).
It was initially created by Pfizer in 1998 under the trade name Viagra, and a generic variant was released in 2017.
This medicine’s active ingredient, Sildenafil, is present in both the generic and brand-name varieties.
Generic Viagra medications include Fildena 100, Cenforce, and Kamagra.
Take this medication on a prescription 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. However, its effects could last up to four hours.
What are the effects of sildenafil?
Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) is inhibited by sildenafil, like other ED medicines.
By blocking the PDE5 enzyme, sildenafil prevents the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
Vasodilation and smooth muscle relaxation take place in the penile region as cGMP levels rise. This relaxation and dilation improve blood flow within the penis.
A man can therefore get and maintain an erection. However, sexual excitement is necessary for a solid erection.
What does alcohol have to do with erections?
To achieve an erection, the brain, nerves, blood vessels, and hormones must all be active. But all of these can be adversely impact by binge drinking.
Alcohol affects these processes by decreasing the Central Nervous System (CNS) of the brain’s reaction.
Information from the brain is communicate to the rest of the body through the CNS.
The sensitivity of the penis decreases because there is insufficient communication between the brain and the penis.
Alcohol also lowers men’s levels of testosterone. Low testosterone levels will further limit the production of nitric oxide.
Nitric Oxide (NO) relaxes the smooth muscle during an erection, which facilitates blood flow.
Alcohol and Sildenafil interactions?
Alcohol and Viagra interactions are frequent.
The negative effects of Sildenafil (Viagra), including nausea, headaches, chest pain, and nasal congestion, are made worse by alcohol consumption.
Using Viagra or Sildenafil with drinking might have serious adverse effects, such as sudden hearing loss, fluctuating heartbeat, intraocular pressure, and Priapism.
Alcohol is another factor contributing to erectile dysfunction. As a result, using Viagra while drinking may reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
Other foods and beverages that may interact with Sildenafil include those heavy in fat, along with high-fat meals and grapefruit juice.
It’s possible that high-fat meals will prolong the time it takes for Sildenafil to work.
Alcohol and generic Viagra interactions
Both the brand-name and generic versions of this medication contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil.
Both Viagra and generic Sildenafil, including Kamagra, Cenforce, and Fildena, are affect by alcohol in the same way.
Excessive alcohol’s consumption may increase the negative effects of the generic drug.
Moderate alcohol consumption, however, might not have a harmful impact on Sildenafil.
Conclusion
With moderate alcohol consumption, sildenafil is both efficient and safe to take.
The side effects of Sildenafil, including headaches, face flushing, dizziness, and eyesight problems, are made worse by alcohol. Alcohol abuse raises the likelihood of developing these symptoms.
Alcohol’s might not have any discernible effects on Sildenafil or its efficacy. However, it might make it more difficult to achieve and maintain an erection, among other bodily processes.
As a result, it is best to avoid taking alcohol and Sildenafil together.