Don’t Let Grapefruit Juice Squeeze the Juice Out of You
Viagra. Cialis. Levitra. These brand names for prescription oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors have become increasingly popular with men who suffer from impotence or erectile dysfunction, a condition marked by the ability to achieve and/or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. These drugs help the penile muscles to relax, thus allowing it to engorge and stay firm for a longer period of time. So with sexual stimulation, impotent patients can achieve erections. However, these so-called wonder drugs are not without side effects. Among the most commonly reported side effects are headache, muscle pains, vision disturbances, change in heartbeat (fast or slow), indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and flushing of the skin especially on the face and upper body.
While most patients are aware that taking nitrate-based drugs or alpha-blockers in combination with PDE5 inhibitors can be fatal, what most are unaware of is that these drugs also interact with certain foods. These drug interactions can be detrimental to the effects of the drug and can possibly cause serious damage to the patient....