How long should I wait to use Viagra after using poppers?

Dear Reader, 

When you’re trying to get a stiffy, you probably don’t want to end up a stiff. Using Viagra, the brand name for the drug sildenafil, can help you get an erection. However, when paired with poppers it can also have some dangerous side effects. Both sildenafil and poppers lower your blood pressure, so taking them together can be fatal. While the physiological effects of poppers wear off a few minutes after inhalation, it’s still recommended that poppers and sildenafil aren’t used within 24 hours of each other. Read on to find out more about each drug and the dangers of taking them together.  

Sildenafil is a medication often prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. This medication expands blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis, encouraging an erection. It’s also often used recreationally by people who may not have trouble getting erections but who are interested in a little extra boost with sexual longevity. Whatever the reason for your sildenafil use, there are some side effects (besides the boner!) to be aware of. Some common side effects include headaches, flushing, bloody noses, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue.  

It’s recommended that you only take one dose of sildenafil per day; taking more may result in experiencing other unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects like an allergic reaction, heart attack symptoms, difficulty breathing, or vision changes. If you do experience any of these more concerning symptoms, it’s recommended that you seek emergency care immediately. 

Poppers are a recreational drug, existing as a combination of a few different chemical compounds, including amyl nitrate (a chemical often used in fuel), and amyl nitrite (a prescription heart medication), among others. They’re consumed by inhaling or “huffing” the fumes of these combined chemicals. Poppers are known for relaxing muscles, including those of the anal and vaginal variety. Because of this, poppers are often used before sex to enhance sensation and decrease inhibitions. Just as with any drug, you might encounter side effects—in this case, headaches, nausea, and a fast pulse.  

You mention that taking poppers and Viagra in combination is dangerous and you're correct—mixing sildenafil and poppers is extremely hazardous for two reasons. First, it’s dangerous because each drug causes blood pressure to drop. When taken together, the combination can result in dangerously low blood pressure and lead to fainting, stroke, heart attack, or death. The second reason is that there's an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), while using both sildenafil and poppers. This is because poppers decrease pain sensation and sildenafil sustains erections, so there’s the potential to both have more sexual partners and more sexual encounters for longer. Additionally, sustained anal sex, in particular, may result in bleeding, which can lead to a higher risk of contracting STIs. Finally, poppers decrease inhibitions, which can increase the likelihood of riskier sexual behaviors.  

To reduce your chances of adverse side effects or winding up in unsafe situations, you might consider some ways to inhale poppers safely. including: 

• Sealing your lips. Avoid drinking the liquid or letting it touch your skin. If you do ingest it, contact poison control immediately.  
• Protecting your nose. Avoid “forced” huffing if your nose is stuffed. This can cause ear and sinus problems. You might try alternating nostrils with each sniff. 
• Staying away from flames. Keep poppers away from cigarettes, candles, lighters, etc.—they’re highly flammable. 
• Planning ahead. Poppers may impair judgment so having safer sex precautions (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in place or handy before taking poppers can be helpful. 

It’s great that you know about the 24-hour waiting period between taking sildenafil and poppers. This is an important guideline to follow because sildenafil remains in your system for 24 hours. While the physiological effects of poppers last for only a few minutes, they may remain in the body for longer. While it’s not clear the exact timeframe in which it’s safe to take sildenafil after doing poppers (and vice-versa), it’s recommended that poppers and sildenafil aren’t used within 24 hours of each other.  

If you’re interested in enhancing your sex life, you might find it helpful to know there are alternative ways of doing so, in lieu of poppers. You might try incorporating aromatherapy, new methods of foreplay, or other techniques to relax your muscles alongside sildenafil. 

Wishing you the best,