Can You Take Erectile Dysfunction Medication With Alcohol?

In this article, we'll address whether you can take erectile dysfunction (ED) medication with alcohol. We'll explain how alcohol can affect the body, particularly in relation to ED medications, and whether mixing the two could lead to complications. We will also explain the potential risks, any conditions that could arise from combining alcohol with ED medication, and how alcohol itself may impact sexual health. 

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about ED medications and alcohol:

• Drinking alcohol in moderation is generally safe when taking erectile dysfunction (ED) medications.

• Combining alcohol with ED medications can lead to low blood pressure, as both can dilate blood vessels.

• Drinking alcohol can intensify side effects of ED medications, such as flushing, headaches and nausea.

• Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect hormone levels in men, including lowering testosterone and increasing oestrogen. These changes can contribute to erectile dysfunction and reduced libido.

• Long-term heavy drinking can damage the testicles, lower testosterone levels, harm fertility, and worsen symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Can alcohol impact how effective erectile dysfunction medications are?

Yes, alcohol can impact how effective erectile dysfunction medications are. While it is generally safe to drink alcohol in moderation when taking medications like sildenafil, the NHS states that drinking large amounts of alcohol can make it harder to achieve an erection. This is because alcohol can interfere with blood flow and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. If you’re taking sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake to get the most benefit from the treatment.

Can drinking alcohol when taking ED medications lead to low blood pressure?

Yes, drinking alcohol while taking certain ED medications can lead to low blood pressure. This is because both alcohol and ED drugs can cause blood vessels to dilate, which may lower blood pressure. When combined, the effects can be more prominent, potentially leading to symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. To reduce this risk, it’s advisable to limit alcohol consumption and avoid excess drinking when taking erectile dysfunction medications (Anderson, 2024).

Can drinking alcohol when taking ED medications lead to flushing?

Yes, drinking alcohol when taking erectile dysfunction medications can lead to flushing. While there is no direct interaction between alcohol and ED drugs like Viagra, alcohol can intensify some of the medication’s side effects. Flushing, along with symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, may become more noticeable if you drink alcohol while using these medications (Scheffel & Watson, 2023).

Can drinking alcohol when taking ED medications lead to headaches?

Yes, drinking alcohol when taking erectile dysfunction medications can lead to headaches. Research has shown that combining alcohol with ED drugs can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects such as headaches. The combination may also heighten the risk of other complications, like facial flushing. To reduce the chances of headaches and other side effects, it's recommended to limit alcohol consumption while using ED medications (Kim et al, 2019).

Is drinking alcohol in moderation when taking ED medications safe?

Yes, drinking alcohol in moderation when taking erectile dysfunction medications is generally considered safe. Studies have shown no significant reactions between moderate alcohol consumption, like a glass of red wine, and ED medications. However, research on this subject is limited, so it's important to drink responsibly and be mindful of your body’s response (Hodgson & York Morris, 2023).

Can alcohol affect testosterone in men?

Yes, alcohol can affect testosterone levels in men. Excessive or chronic alcohol consumption can reduce testosterone production by causing inflammation and promoting oxidative stress in the body. These mechanisms can disrupt normal hormone balance, leading to lower testosterone levels, which may affect sexual function, muscle mass and mood (Smith, Lopresti & John Fairchild, 2023).

Can alcohol affect oestrogen in men?

Yes, alcohol can affect oestrogen levels in men, according to Drinkaware. Persistent heavy drinking can damage the liver, which plays a key role in regulating hormones. When the liver is damaged it can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels and an increase in oestrogen levels. Elevated oestrogen in men can cause issues such as erectile dysfunction and reduced sex drive.

Can alcohol affect your testicles?

Yes, alcohol can affect your testicles according to Drinkaware. Excessive drinking can slow or prevent the release of sex hormones, impacting blood flow to the penis, which can lead to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection. Over time, alcohol can also cause damage to the testicles, which may result in lower testosterone levels and negatively affect fertility (Dosumu, Osinubi & Duru, 2013).

Can alcohol affect your prostate?

Yes, alcohol can affect your prostate. Alcohol can interfere with the muscles in the bladder, making it harder for them to relax. This can worsen symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as frequent urination. If you have an enlarged prostate or prostate-related issues, drinking alcohol may worsen these symptoms and make it more difficult to manage urinary function effectively (Tan, 2019).

Sources

Do Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Drugs Interact with Alcohol?

Viagra, ED, and Alcoholic Drinks - Healthline

Common questions about sildenafil - NHS