Viagra is a well-known erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment containing the active ingredient Sildenafil.
It works by improving blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.
Many people enjoy a drink before sex to relax. However, alcohol can impact your ability to achieve and maintain and erection, as well as reduce the effectiveness of Viagra.
Understanding the relationship between Sildenafil and alcohol can help you use the medication safely and get the best results.
There is no direct interaction between alcohol and Sildenafil, meaning the two don’t chemically interfere with each other. However, alcohol can impact how well Viagra works.
Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the nervous system, reducing blood flow. This makes it harder to get an erection.
In other words, drinking too much can counteract the effects of Viagra, even though the medication itself is still working as intended.
If you plan to drink, limit yourself to one or two drinks to avoid reducing the effectiveness of Viagra.
Yes, you can take Viagra with alcohol as long as you drink in moderation. There’s no harmful chemical interaction between the two, so it’s generally safe.
However, excessive drinking can increase the risk of side effects, such as:
These effects happen because both alcohol and Viagra relax blood vessels, which can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. This is more noticeable if you’ve had more than a few drinks.
To stay safe and get the most benefit from Viagra, avoid heavy drinking before or after taking it.
You can typically have up to 1–2 units of alcohol (for example, a small glass of wine or a single pint of beer).
Excess amounts of alcohol can:
For best results, try to avoid drinking heavily on the same day you take Viagra.
If you find that Viagra is not working as well when you drink, try using it on a day when you haven’t had alcohol to see if there’s a difference.
There is no direct interaction between alcohol and Sildenafil, but moderation is key.
Drinking too much can reduce blood flow, counteracting Viagra’s benefits and heightening unwanted side effects.
To get the best results and avoid dizziness or low blood pressure, enjoy alcohol in moderation, giving Viagra the best chance to work.
Kim, J. N., Oh, J. J., Park, D. S. et al., ‘Influence of Alcohol on Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors Use in Middle- to Old-Aged Men: A Comparative Study of Adverse Events’, Sexual Medicine, 7 (2019), 425-432, [accessed 29 October 2025]. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6963111/
Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.