What should I not eat after taking sildenafil

After taking sildenafil, one should avoid consuming high-fat foods, grapefruit or grapefruit juice, alcohol, and nitrate containing drugs. Sildenafil is mainly used to treat male erectile dysfunction, and its metabolic process is easily influenced by food and medication. Improper combination may reduce the efficacy or increase the risk of adverse reactions.

1. High fat foods

A high-fat diet can slow down the absorption rate of sildenafil, leading to a decrease in the peak blood concentration, which may affect the onset time of the drug. Common high-fat foods include fried foods, fatty meat, cream products, etc. It is recommended to avoid excessive intake of fat two hours before or one hour after taking medication. Fasting or a light diet can help the medication take effect faster.

II. Grapefruit and its products

Furancoumarin in grapefruit can inhibit liver metabolic enzyme activity, leading to the accumulation of sildenafil in the body and increasing the probability of adverse reactions such as headache and facial flushing. Special attention should be paid to processed foods such as fruit juice and jam containing grapefruit ingredients. During the medication period, other citrus fruits can be chosen as substitutes.

III. Alcoholic Beverages

The synergistic effect of alcohol and sildenafil may exacerbate vasodilation, leading to sudden drops in blood pressure, dizziness, and even fainting. Alcoholic drinks such as beer and Baijiu need to be restricted. If alcohol consumption is necessary, it is recommended to drink at least four hours apart and limit the intake to one glass of low alcohol.

4. Nitrate drugs

The combination of nitrate drugs such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide mononitrate with sildenafil can cause severe hypotension. If coronary heart disease patients need to take nitrate emergency drugs, they must inform the doctor in advance that they are using sildenafil, and the two should be used at least 24 hours apart.

V. Alpha receptor blockers

for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The combination of alpha receptor blockers such as terazosin and doxazosin with sildenafil may enhance the antihypertensive effect. The dosage of combined medication should be adjusted under the guidance of a doctor, and sudden changes in position should be avoided after medication to prevent orthostatic hypotension.

In addition to paying attention to dietary taboos, regular sleep should be maintained during the use of sildenafil, and vigorous exercise or high temperature environments should be avoided. Middle aged and elderly patients need to monitor changes in blood pressure, and seek medical attention promptly if they experience persistent headaches, abnormal vision, and other conditions. It is recommended to read the drug instructions carefully before taking the medication. Those with a history of cardiovascular disease must be evaluated by a professional physician before deciding whether to use the medication.