January 2004


Q. Can L-arginine and Viagra be taken together?

A. Though the sexual benefits of using Viagra and L-arginine are similar, their mechanisms of action differ. Both Viagra and L-arginine carry contraindications (cautions/warnings) for use. Improperly formulated L-arginine formulas can cause mild to severe medical problems. Viagra users are cautioned not to use nitrates and nitrites in conjunction with Viagra. Nitrates are indiscriminate on venous pooling and arterial compliance, but arginine is utilized where its mechanism of action is required. Therefore, it is not likely that arginine would cause hypotension when taken with Viagra, but not totally impossible, particularly when other medications (such as nitroglycerin) are used which disrupt homeostatic blood pressure mechanisms and when there is pre-existing severe coronary and/or cardiovascular disease.

The current published DRUG INTERACTIONS state "At this time, there are no well-known drug interactions with arginine."

Bottom Line
Until further data is available, it is best to avoid taking Viagra at the same time as L-arginine. Caution would dictate taking L-arginine at least 2 hours apart from ingesting Viagra. Consult with your physician for further instruction.