About thirty million people suffer from Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in the USA. Sildenafil Citrate the active ingredient of Viagra helps to treat ED. This is the first FDA-approved medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil Citrate belongs to the class of medications called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. It works by widening the blood vessels and improving the blood flow to the genital area. Thereby, causing a hard erection. However, certain foods and medicines may interact with Viagra. In this document, we will talk about Sildenafil Citrate interactions.
Interactions with Food, Alcohol, and Medicines
Sildenafil interactions may negatively affect ED treatment. Therefore, it may lead to side effects or decreased effectiveness of the medicines. Check below for some examples of interaction:
Nitrates
These are medications used to treat heart-related chest pain. Using these medicines together may lead to severe adverse reactions. It also can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and loss of consciousness. In case, you are on treatment with Nitrates, avoid using Sildenafil Citrate or consult a doctor.
Alcohol
Consult with a healthcare professional before using alcohol and Sildenafil Citrate together. This medicine may reduce your blood pressure and combined with alcohol, this effect may increase. Therefore, you may experience extremely low blood pressure. In addition, the effectiveness of PDE-5 inhibitors may also be decreased due to alcohol, which may lead to delayed effects. Some side effects may occur if you are using Sildenafil and alcohol. Examples include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, and others.
Food
Commonly, it is recommended to administer the tablet on an empty stomach. However, if you experience an upset stomach or nausea, you can take the pill with milk or low-fat food. It is not recommended to consume food high in fat because you may notice delayed effects.
Grapefruit
Avoid grapefruit products (such as juice) while intending to use Sildenafil Citrate because it may decrease the effectiveness of the drug or even increase your risk of adverse effects.
Medications
Inform your healthcare professional about all products that you are using before administering Sildenafil Citrate. For example supplements, herbal products, vitamins, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and others. Check below some examples of drug interaction:
- Nelfinavir
- Nitroglycerin
- Molsidomine
- Ceritinib
- Amyl Nitrite
- Amprenavir
- Lopinavir
- Ritonavir
- Rifampin
- Warfarin
- Digoxin
- Erythromycin
- Alprazolam
- Zolpidem
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Lorazepam and others.
If you experience side effects (such as blurred vision, nausea, headaches, chest pain, or others), interrupt the use of medicines and immediately contact a physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medicine has a life-threatening interaction with Sildenafil Citrate?
In case, you are on treatment with Nitrates, do not use PDE-5 inhibitors because a severe interaction may occur. Therefore, you may experience severe adverse reactions.
Can I consume Food with Sildenafil Citrate?
You should avoid fatty and heavy meals while administering the tablet as they decrease Sildenafil’s effectiveness. However, light food can be used alongside this medicine.
Can I use any supplements while using Sildenafil Citrate?
It is advised to consult a doctor before using any supplements because they may increase the risk of side effects.
Are there people who should not use Sildenafil Citrate?
Commonly, patients who suffer from heart, liver, or kidney disease cannot use this medicine because it may harm them. That’s why before using any ED medicine, it is recommended to share your medical history with your healthcare professional.
