Foods to Avoid When Taking Viagra
Sildenafil Citrate, commonly known by the brand name Viagra, is a drug to combat erectile dysfunction in men. Now, according to a study, by 2025, it's projected that 322 million men will have erectile dysfunction. That is a 207% increase. While there are assured treatments for all forms of this sexual problem, some precautions need to be followed. A large group of men uses Viagra to attain a satisfied sexual capacity and improve sexual function. However, without proper consumption, it might go the other way around and cause even more severe health issues.
So, if you take Viagra daily or are about to start consuming it, this is an important fact to note.
What is Viagra and Why is it Used?
Viagra is an FDA-approved drug (since 1998) to treat erectile dysfunction and impotence in men. The actual product is Sildenafil, which is a PDE-5 inhibitor. Smooth erection depends on the release of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) protein. Another protein, PDE-5 or phosphodiesterase-type 5, manipulates the release of cGMP followed by a disturbed erection.
Sildenafil is used to prevent the flow of PDE-5 protein and helps by increasing blood flow in the penis. This relaxes the muscles and blood vessels to improve blood flow to the penis under sexual stimulation and ensure better erectile function. Generally, it starts working within an hour of consumption and lasts up to 4 hours. However, depending on the dosage and other medical conditions, Viagra might take 30 minutes to 4 hours to start showing the action as well.
It is essential to maintain a regular erection for particular physical and mental well-being. The process of erection first starts in your brain with sexual arousal and gradually involves your nervous and circulatory systems. As a result, one's emotional and sexual health becomes spontaneous.
There can be some common side effects of Viagra, including headaches, indigestion, stuffy nose, lightness or dizziness, skin flushing, and redness. While these side effects can be cured with the help of a healthcare provider by regulating the medicine intake, there are some precautions you need to maintain yourself while taking Viagra.
Foods Interact with Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate)
Certain foods can manipulate the effect of Viagra on your body. Sometimes, it can just lower the efficiency of the medicine, and sometimes, it can cause bigger health issues. To avoid all of them, follow through the next sections. Foods to avoid when taking Viagra are:
High-fat Meals
A high-fat meal can occupy and upset the stomach and prevent the absorption of the main ingredient in Viagra, Sildenafil Citrate. It is advised not to have heavy or fatty foods (like breakfast or lunch) early, giving them time to get digested. Then, consume the medicine to maintain its effectiveness. You may take Viagra with or without food but you must keep a healthy diet for your overall health.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption with Viagra is not a good idea. Although there's no direct effect on the medicine, alcohol can still reduce the efficiency of it. Sometimes, people like to have a few drinks before sexual activity to feel relaxed. However, when you're taking Viagra and, on the other hand, consuming alcohol, don't expect the best results. Alcohol is a CNS (Central Nervous System) depressant, and it can slow down brain signals. Limiting consumption and avoiding it just before taking the medicine would be far more helpful. Using Alcohol with ED medications is more likely to develop headaches, flushing, and unwanted symptoms.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juices like grapefruit, pomelo, and pomegranate can eventually reduce the effect of Viagra on the body. Although it generally depends on an individual's metabolic rate, time of consumption, and dosage of the medicine- it's preferable to avoid it while consuming Viagra. For instance, drinking grapefruit juice can block an enzyme known as (CYP3A4) that prevents Viagra from being absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. It avoids the gut and directly mixes into the bloodstream, which boosts the potency of Viagra.
Milk
There is no clinical proof suggesting avoiding milk while consuming Viagra. However, whole milk has a high amount of fat, which can upset the stomach. Also, avoiding milk should be the primary choice for lactose-intolerant persons. So, you can consume Viagra with milk, but that can lead to a delayed effect.
Risk Factors
Consuming Viagra without maintaining the guidelines can lead to severe health damage. Manipulating the dosage, frequency, or food or drug interactions may reduce the effect of the medicine, or there's no potential improvement altogether. Viagra is available in the general dosage of 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg. The medicine should be taken once a day. For some people, the effect might start a little late, but that should not be the reason for unadvised manipulation.
Some of the significant risks include:
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A sudden drop in low blood pressure
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Retinal toxicity, including blurred vision, changes in color vision, and light sensitivity
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Chest pain
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A sudden hearing loss
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Painful erection
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Burning and itching during urination
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Allergic reactions
Other things to Avoid While taking Viagra:
Avoid combined use of Viagra with the following medications:
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Blood pressure medication
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Certain HIV medications
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Organic nitrates
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Similar medications: Vardenafil, Tadalafil and Avanafil
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Other medications: These include antibiotics, antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, enzyme inhibitors, piperazines, purines, and sulfones.
Note: Especially avoid Viagra if you are already taking a high blood pressure medicine, and consult a doctor before you start Viagra. To know more about Viagra and blood pressure check this article.
Conclusion
The takeaway is that the effect of Viagra depends on the dosage, pre-existing medical conditions, and age. However, avoiding some foods during Viagra consumption escalated the potential of the medicine. Erectile dysfunction is now a common problem in men, and it can be treated with such therapy. All it requires is following the general guidelines.
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