While it’s not dangerous to take Viagra with food, it works faster if taken on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of liquid. Avoid grapefruit juice when taking Viagra, because it can increase the amount of medication in your bloodstream and lead to side effects.

If you decide to eat immediately before or after taking Viagra, it’s best to avoid foods high in fat. Fatty foods, like red meats and fried foods, can keep your body from absorbing the drug. When that happens, Viagra might not work as quickly. When planning to take Viagra, eat low-fat meals throughout the day.

Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol. Some men experience side effects when mixing Viagra and alcohol, including low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and fainting. Viagra is usually safe to take with low to moderate amounts of alcohol. If you have questions about how Viagra will affect you, consult your doctor.