No adverse hemodynamic interaction between sildenafil and red wine.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to investigate the hemodynamic interaction between sildenafil and red wine. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra), a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, is an effective treatment for male erectile dysfunction that potentiates nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation. Alcohol is a commonly used recreational substance with complex vascular effects, which may, in part, be mediated by nitric oxide. Thus there is potential for an adverse hemodynamic interaction.


METHODS
Eight healthy men received either 100 mg sildenafil, alcohol (750 mL red wine, 13.5% by volume), or the combination, in a 4-way, double placebo-controlled, randomized crossover study. Blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac index were measured every 15 minutes up to 180 minutes.


RESULTS
Results are expressed as mean +/- SEM. Red wine increased cardiac index (by 15% +/- 8%, P = .04) and heart rate (by 27% +/- 5%, P < .0001). Mean arterial pressure initially increased by approximately 5% and then fell by a maximum of approximately 7%. Sildenafil reduced peripheral vascular resistance (by 24% +/- 8%, P = .03) and mean arterial pressure (by 7% +/- 3%, P = .03) with no effect on cardiac index or heart rate.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no clinically important hemodynamic interaction between sildenafil and alcohol (red wine).
Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, United Kingdom. s.j.leslie@ed.ac.uk
Stephen J
SJ
Leslie
Graham
G
Atkins
James J
JJ
Oliver
David J
DJ
Webb
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones; D014920:Wine
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate