Smoking is not listed as an interaction with Viagra, but it works against what Viagra needs to work: healthy blood vessels in the penis. Sildenafil helps blood flow into the penis when you are aroused (healthdirect); smoking for many years damages the blood vessels in the penis and is itself a cause of erectile dysfunction (Department of Health).
Does smoking interact with Viagra?
Not according to its label. Neither the European product information nor the Australian consumer leaflet for Viagra lists smoking among the things that change how it works (Viagra CMI). The interactions that matter are nitrates for angina, which must never be combined with it, and blood pressure medicines, which can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure that is hard to treat (healthdirect).
How does smoking cause erectile dysfunction?
An erection needs blood flow to the penis. Nicotine and other chemicals from cigarettes may reduce that blood flow, and smoking for many years damages the blood vessels in the penis. In addition, smoking contributes to health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which are known to cause ED. (Department of Health)
How much does smoking raise the risk?
By about a third to a half. For every 100 non-smokers over 40 who have impotence, there are about 130 to 150 smokers with it, and as men get older, smokers have more trouble than non-smokers getting firm erections. Erection problems are common in Australia: 1 in 5 men over 40 have some problem with erections, 1 in 10 men over 40 are unable to get one, and it does not just happen to older men (Department of Health).
Does quitting help?
Yes. Quitting lowers your risk of the conditions that can cause impotence, such as heart and blood vessel disease (Department of Health). Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, exercising more, losing weight and eating healthy food can prevent some causes of erectile dysfunction (healthdirect). Quitline is on 13 78 48 (Department of Health).
Is Viagra safe for smokers?
Smoking alone does not rule it out, but the heart and blood vessel disease it causes may. Some impotence medicines can't be safely used by men with heart problems (Department of Health), and ED tablets should be avoided if sexual activity could put you at risk. In Australia they need a prescription, so the doctor who writes it will look at your heart and your other medicines first (healthdirect).
