Viagra and Alcohol: Is it Safe to Mix Them?

What does Viagra do to the body?

Viagra was one of the first medications prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition affecting many men worldwide.

Viagra, the brand name for the generic drug sildenafil citrate, works to treat ED by relaxing the muscles in the penis. This allows blood to enter the penis upon sexual stimulation, allowing for a satisfactory erection within a timeframe of 30 minutes to 4 hours after taking a tablet.

To find out more, visit our blog post: How Does Viagra Work?

What does alcohol do to the body

Alcohol has a depressive effect on the body, which can impact your sex life. Research shows that drinking in moderation doesn’t contribute to erectile dysfunction. However, drinking too much can make it difficult to get an erection. This is because alcohol can inhibit certain pathways that are necessary for having a fulfilling sexual experience, including arousal, blood circulation, and nerve sensitivity.

Many men will enjoy a drink on the days they plan to take Viagra. Alcohol can help you to relax, and having a drink is usually seen as a social activity. One to two units of alcohol is unlikely to have an impact on your ability to get or keep an erection. Small amounts of alcohol can also be taken safely with Viagra.

Alcohol and ED

Chronic alcohol consumption can be a cause of erectile dysfunction. Binge drinking can have the same effect. Let’s take a look at how alcohol abuse can affect your erections.  

Reduction in testosterone and increase in oestrogen

Testosterone is a male sex hormone, and there is a strong correlation between high testosterone levels, and sex drive.

Oestrogen is primarily a female hormone, link to the development of female characteristics.

Regular alcohol consumption can reduce testosterone levels and increase oestrogen levels.

Shrinking of the testicles

Drinking is also known to shrink the testicles and reduce the volume and quality of sperm. Whilst these factors won’t affect the way your body responds to Viagra, it can be a contributing factor to why you need it in the first place.

Studies show that around 60-70% of heavy drinkers experience ED. This is a result of alcohol causing toxins to build up in your system, which can have a negative effect on the functioning of your body.

Dehydration

Alcohol also causes dehydration, which can cause poor circulation. Erections rely on a healthy supply of blood, so a reduction in blood and oxygen to the penis can have a negative impact on erections. Dehydration also reduces the level of testosterone, which is also linked to ED.  

Inflammation of the prostate

Excess alcohol consumption can cause inflammation of the prostate. Symptoms include a change in urine habits, pain, and swelling. Inflammation of the prostate has also been linked to ED.

Heart disease

Alcohol abuse can damage the heart. This can impact how blood is delivered to other parts of the body, including the penis. In fact, heart disease is a major contributing factor to ED.

To summarise, alcohol abuse is heavily linked to ED.

Does Viagra work with alcohol?

According to research, Viagra still works with alcohol when consumed in moderation. A 2004 study looking at the effects of taking sildenafil with alcohol, found no clinically significant interaction, and blood flow to the body’s organs, including the penis, was not impacted.

The key word here, is ‘moderation’. Whilst there is no direct interaction between alcohol and Viagra, excess drinking can reduce the functioning of the nerve pathways that are required for arousal, blood supply and nerve sensitivity. The more drunk you are, the less likely you are to get an erection.

So, excess drinking and taking Viagra is counterproductive.

How long after taking Viagra can you drink alcohol?

There is no ideal time to drink alcohol after taking Viagra. The most important factor when it comes to mixing Viagra with alcohol, is the amount you drink. One or two drinks is not likely to have an impact on your ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Being overly drunk, is.

How many beers can you have with Viagra?

This will depend on your tolerance and how long after drinking alcohol, you plan on using Viagra. However, 2-4 units is considered to be a moderate amount.

A couple of beers or glasses of wine is unlikely to cause any issues if you plan on using Viagra later on that night.

Viagra side effects with alcohol

A moderate amount of alcohol is not likely to contribute to any side effects. However, drinking a large amount of alcohol and then taking Viagra can increase the chances of experiencing side effects.

Research conducted in 2019 looked at the side effects of Viagra with alcohol. As alcohol consumption increased, so did the side effects. These included:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Chest discomfort

Whilst these are common side effects of Viagra, reported side effects were lower in the group of patients who did not consume alcohol. More severe side effects of mixing alcohol and Viagra include sudden hearing loss, intraocular pressure (pressure on the fluid inside the eye), changes in heart rhythm, and priapism, which is a painful, long-term erection.

You should also avoid drinks mixed with grapefruit juice. One study found that grapefruit juice increased the levels of Viagra in the blood. This can increase the chances of side effects.
 

So, can you take Viagra and alcohol?

Yes, you can use Viagra if you plan on having a few alcoholic drinks. However, be responsible. To summarise:

• There is no direct interaction. You can take Viagra with alcohol, and have fulfilling sexual encounters.
• You should approach this responsibly, limiting your alcohol intake to 1-2 units, or 1-2 drinks.
• Side effects of Viagra are more pronounced with alcohol, and excessive drinking puts you at risk of experiencing side effects such as dizziness, facial flushing, headache, and visual disturbances.
• Whilst alcohol may not affect sildenafil directly, or the way it works, alcohol slows down how the body functions, including the ability to get and maintain an erection. Viagra is unlikely to work when you are drunk. 

Talk to your doctor about taking sildenafil with alcohol and make sure this combination is right for you. For most men, one or two drinks beforehand is unlikely to cause any side effects, or affect the way that Viagra works.

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.