Viagra and Grapefruit Incompatibility: an In-Depth Look into Their Interaction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that men often do not want to discuss with others, because such discussion would be unpleasant for them. They often begin self-treatment without medical advice. However, without doing this, they put themselves at risk, as Viagra and other drugs for the treatment of ED have a number of side effects and can interact with other drugs and … grapefruit.
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Grapefruit and Medicines
Healthy composition of grapefruit juice has been known for quite some time. This fruit contains a huge amount of vitamin C, organic acids, and many other vitamins and minerals important for the human body. This fruit is often recommended during the treatment of hypertension and has a beneficial effect on the body of patients with hepatitis C.
Howbeit, grapefruit juice is a real disaster for pharmaceutical companies. The reason is that it is badly combined with many popular medications, including Viagra. Therefore, scientists are testing many new drugs specifically for compatibility with it. It is important to know that grapefruit juice can be extremely dangerous in combination with certain chemicals / pharmaceuticals.
Explanation of Unwanted Grapefruit Effect
Quite a long time ago information appeared that grapefruit juice has some effect on drugs’ action. A plethora of studies were carried out, which confirmed the likelihood of negative consequences for human health with the concomitant use of many medicines and grapefruit juice. The Canadian Medical Association Journal, which is popular with the global and Canadian scientific society, has published a list of drugs that are not recommended for combination with grapefruit juice. A harm to health may be caused in case of grapefruit’s combination with drugs intended for the treatment of hypertension, immunosuppressants, antibiotics and, most interestingly, drugs for better potency.
The effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of certain medicines, in particular, Viagra, has been proven, since it affects the absorption of foreign substances by the body. Enzyme blocking causes a large amount of the drug to enter the organism, hence its concentration in the biological fluids increases significantly. For this reason, side effects are more likely to occur.
Viagra vs Grapefruit
Viagra and its generics, which contain an active substance called sildenafil, can adversely affect the body if taken together with grapefruit juice. In such cases, it is strictly forbidden to consume the fruit (even small pieces). Grapefruit juice significantly increases the concentration of the active substance of the medications, as a result, quite serious consequences are possible.
The combination may lead to headache, an increase in blood pressure, and tachycardia. Those who suffer from heart failure may face even lethal consequence.
Other meds from PDE5i family like Levitra and Cialis may also negatively interact with grapefruit juice. For this reason, if a date is coming, or you brew an unforgettable romantic evening together with your girlfriend or wife, you still have to choose between Citrus paradisi and Viagra. You need to decide what is more important for you: stunning sex or the fruit (its juice). If you have eaten the fruit, then it is better not to take risks and not to use the ED medication. It is better to be careful following this simple rule than to get to the hospital.
What is the Best Way to Take Viagra?
If you want to get the desired effect as fast as possible and without any interactions, take it on an empty stomach, 30-60 min before intercourse. This should work greatly.
Read our article to know more: How to Make Viagra Work Faster? 5 Useful Tips
