Consuming Viagra in conjunction with prescribed nitrates is a deadly combination. Scientific evidence has shown that certain foods are capable of activating nitric oxide within the body, an action similar to the effects of prescribed nitrates used to treat patients with extremely high blood pressure and chest pains. It is important understand the mechanism of action behind these food and drug components to ensure your health and safety.
Viagra
Viagra, also known by its generic name, sildenafil, is designed to treat erectile dysfunction in men. This drug was created only to treat, not cure, this condition. Viagra works by causing the release of nitric oxide into the corpus cavernosum, the sponge-like regions of erectile tissue in the penis, upon sexual stimulation. This forces the smooth muscles to relax and allows for the influx of blood.
Sodium Nitrates in Food
Sodium nitrates are commonly used as a preservative in processing and curing meats, suchas deli lunch meats, beefy jerky and hot dogs. Nitrates are also found in fresh vegetables, but without the sodium. Other foods, like dark chocolate, though not known for its nitrate content, activate nitric oxide within the body, creating a mild hypotensive effect.
Organic Nitrate Medications
Organic nitrates are prescribed by doctors to treat high blood pressure and chest pains. Essentially, this drug is designed to cause relaxation of the smooth muscle of the vascular system, an effect that dramatically decreases blood pressure.
Contraindications
Nitrates in food are not reported to have the same dramatic effects on vasodilation of the blood vessels as prescribed organic nitrates, according to the Food and Drug Administration’s online resource, Drugs.com. Some may experience a subtle drop in blood pressure from certain foods that activate bioactive nitric oxide in the body, but not to the extent that nitrate drugs do. Drugs like Nitrostat cause an almost immediate reaction, forcing relaxation of the vascular muscles and dropping blood pressure within five minutes. Viagra exacerbates this effect and could cause dangerously low blood pressure when consumed together. MedlinePlus only reports one dietary contraindication for Viagra -- grapefruit and grapefruit juice. It is always best to consult your doctor with questions regarding new medications and the potential associated risks.
References
- Drugs.com: Viagra
- MedlinePlus: Sildenafil
- Journal of the American Medical Association; Effects of Low Habitual Cocoa Intake on Blood Pressure and Bioactive Nitric Oxide; D. Taubert, et al.
- Mayo Clinic: Does Sodium Nitrate in Processed Meat Increase My Risk of Heart Disease?; Martha Grogan, M.D.
- University of Minnesota: Nitrite in Meat; R. J. Epley, et al.
- Drugs.com: Nitrostat
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