Is it safe to take Viagra (sildenafil) with alcohol?
Reviewed by Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro,
Written by Chimene Richa, MD
Reviewed by Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro,
Written by Chimene Richa, MD
last updated: Mar 13, 2024
3 min read
Here's what we'll cover
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.
But that’s not a carte blanche: there are some things you need to know before you consider having a drink if you take Viagra. Here’s what you need to know about how alcohol and Viagra (sildenafil) can interact and what you should consider.
Viagra Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Can you take Viagra with alcohol?
Many people like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage on the days they plan to use Viagra, commonly known as the “little blue pill.” As long as your alcohol use is not excessive (and you’ve 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.
What you should remember is that alcohol and Viagra can have some overlapping side effects, like dizziness and headaches, and mixing the two can make that worse. Another thing to consider is that some people find it more difficult to get an erection when they drink, and if you’re already experiencing difficulty getting an erection, adding alcohol to the mix might not be a good idea.
The effects of alcohol on erectile function 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 encounter.
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.
Side effects of Viagra and alcohol
People who drink alcohol heavily (more than 15 drinks a week) and take Viagra may have a higher risk of side effects.
One study showed that over 45% of men who took Viagra with alcohol had a higher risk of side effects, including facial flushing, headaches, chest pain, changes in vision, and lightheadedness.
Excessive alcohol consumption, unrelated to Viagra, can also cause dangerous health risks. These can include:
Changes in mood and behavior
Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeat
Stroke
Fatty liver
Pancreatitis
Several types of cancer
Weakened immune system
Grapefruit juice, sildenafil, and alcohol
You may be surprised to learn that grapefruit juice can have a significant impact on the effectiveness and safety of Viagra. 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.
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.
Alcohol and erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) tends to affect people in older age groups, especially those aged 70 years and over. However, ED can happen at any age. Lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of developing ED, including obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
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:
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.
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. If you have more questions about mixing sildenafil and alcohol, or are curious about other ED medications like Cialis (tadalafil) or Levitra (vardenafil), contact your healthcare provider.
Cialis Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
DISCLAIMER
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.
American Urology Association (AUA). (2018). Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Retrieved Nov. 24, 2021 from https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunction(ed)
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