What are the Sildenafil (Viagra) interactions?

When it comes to ED pills, sildenafil (Viagra) can be the first medicine that your doctor recommends. Viagra is a prescription medicine for treating erectile dysfunction in men. Just like other medicines, Viagra can also have some interactions.

You can also find sildenafil (Viagra) under the brand name called Revatio which is effective in treating pulmonary hypertension. It is vital to know that sildenafil interacts with medicines that lower your blood pressure such as nitrates. It also interacts with grapefruit juice and alcohol.

Fainting, dizziness, or headaches can be the sign of sildenafil interaction. In case, you experience any of these signs or have a problem after taking sildenafil then let your doctor know.

By the age of 50, almost 50% of men experience erectile dysfunction and this percentage continues to increase with age. For several men suffering from ED, the first preferred medicine to attain or maintain an erection is sildenafil (Viagra).

On the other hand, when men get older, they often start suffering from various health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and prostate problems. You need to know that medicines prescribed for these conditions often interact with Viagra. 

Apart from these medications, alcohol, and grapefruit juice are also two products that interact with sildenafil pills and cause issues. Remember some Viagra interactions are serious and must be avoided by ED patients strictly. 

What are the common sildenafil (Viagra) interactions?

You must know that sildenafil interacts with a number of medicines and beverages as well. If you are planning to take Sildenafil medicine for treating ED conditions then here is a list of some common sildenafil interactions which you must know.

Taking a nitrate

Doctors will not prescribe you Viagra if you are already taking nitrates. These medicines are prescribed to treat or prevent the condition of angina or chest pain. You must know that nitrates also include a group of illegal medicines known as poppers.

Nitrates might lower your blood pressure. When Viagra and nitrates are taken together, they instantly drop your blood pressure. A sudden drop in your blood pressure can cause you dizziness and fainting. In serious cases, it can also lead to a medical condition of heart attack or stroke. 

In case, you take a nitrate then inform the doctor before starting your treatment with Viagra. To treat your ED condition, the doctor can suggest you some different options. 

Alpha-blockers

Alpha-blockers treat various conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia as well as high blood pressure. Some examples of alpha-blockers include Tamsulosin, Doxazosin, and Alfuzosin. Like nitrates and sildenafil, alpha-blockers work in your body by relaxing blood vessels. 

When alpha-blockers are combined with sildenafil, you can experience low blood pressure. In case, you are already taking an alpha blocker then the doctor can recommend you take a lower sildenafil dosage.

On the other hand, if you are taking sildenafil then the doctor can also suggest you take a lower dosage of alpha-blocker. In case, you experience the symptoms of low blood pressure like lightheadedness and dizziness then inform the doctor.

Alcohol

Although, there is no known interaction between sildenafil and alcohol. But intake of alcohol during Viagra treatment can worsen the side effects of sildenafil. Some examples of side effects include dizziness, flushing, and nausea.

Taking large amounts of alcohol can make you suffer from sexual side effects mainly erectile dysfunction which is treated by Viagra. Consuming large amounts of alcohol can make it difficult for Viagra to treat your ED condition.   

In case, you drink alcohol then discuss it with the doctor once before you start taking sildenafil. The doctor will advise whether you need to limit your alcohol consumption during the ED treatment or not.

Blood pressure medicines

Nitrates and alpha-blockers often have serious interactions with sildenafil (Viagra). But when combined with any blood pressure medicines, it can lead to a drug interaction.

When Amlodipine and sildenafil are taken together, they can cause low blood pressure. Before you decide to take any blood pressure medicines during the ED treatment, inform the doctor.

Thus, these are some major sildenafil (Viagra) interactions that you must consider before starting treatment for your erectile dysfunction condition.