According to research, one of the most prevalent sex-related problems worldwide is impotence or erectile dysfunction. Despite this awareness, the social stigma that surrounds erectile dysfunction (ED) prevents men from getting accurate medical information about it. Essential questions like how to treat ED or the effects of mixing Staxyn and alcohol are left unanswered.
Several kinds of medication are now available to treat erectile dysfunction. All are different from one another. One such drug is called Staxyn (vardenafil).
Staxyn is the brand name of an orodispersible vardenafil tablet. It has a distinct characteristic from all other vardenafil drugs in the market. Here are the facts on Staxyn and its interaction with alcohol, contraindications, and safety.
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What Is Staxyn?
Staxyn is an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) used to treat erectile dysfunction among men. It is a sublingual formulation of vardenafil. It disintegrates in the mouth without requiring water or any liquid.
Although both have the generic name of vardenafil, Staxyn’s drug characteristic is highly different from the film-coated vardenafil variant (Levitra). They are not interchangeable.
What Makes It Different?
Due to its orodispersible nature, Staxyn is ideal for geriatric erectile dysfunction patients suffering from dysphagia. Dysphagia is a medical term for difficulty in swallowing (1).
It is also ideal for ED patients with impaired swallowing and pre-existing nausea.
Another advantage is its bioavailability or active effect. Studies have shown that Staxyn has a higher bioavailability than the film-coated vardenafil variant (2). This means that it has a higher systemic exposure; thus, having an immediate effect on the body compared to other erectile dysfunction medications.
Staxyn also avoids the first-pass drug metabolism that happens in the liver. The first-pass metabolism reduces a drug’s concentration, rendering it less effective. This only happens to medications that are taken orally.
Orodispersible tablets are designed to dissolve within a minute of placing it in the mouth, under the tongue. This means that they are rapidly absorbed into the body’s circulation.
Lastly, orodispersible tablets allow high drug stability and accurate dosing.
Is It Safe to Mix Staxyn With Alcohol?
According to research, it is safe for healthy individuals to mix Staxyn with little alcohol (3). Staxyn’s plasma dose and effectivity do not change even after taking it with alcohol.
But, Staxyn medication with excess alcohol consumption can increase your chances of experiencing side effects like headaches, dizziness, and low blood pressure. The risk of mixing Staxyn and alcohol depends on the latter’s amount.
Erectile Dysfunction and Alcohol
Generally, alcohol is classified as a depressant. It slows down brain function and activity.
A study showed that chronic and persistent alcohol use results in erectile dysfunction. It lowers sexual desire and the ability to orgasm. It also increases the likelihood of premature ejaculation (4).
Avoiding alcohol consumption altogether can benefit patients with erectile dysfunction.
Safety and Contraindications of Staxyn
Staxyn was found to be effective and safe to use regardless of age and underlying conditions (5). However, mixing Staxyn with specific drugs may produce serious adverse effects. These drugs include:
- Alpha-blockers – causes hypotension
- Nitrates – myocardial infarction and shock
- Antihypertensives – hypotension
Staxyn rarely produces side effects, but when it does, patients may experience headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, and dyspepsia.
Also, it is essential to note that Staxyn should never be swallowed with water. Doing so will cause it to be less effective.
Medical research proves that there is no risk in mixing Staxyn with alcohol. But, it is always safer to get the opinion of your trusted doctor about the use of Staxyn and alcohol.
