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Highlights
- A flushed face is a common side effect of Viagra, experienced by more than 1 out of every 100 users.
- In most situations, it’s nothing to worry about; it will fade as the Viagra wears off.
- There are a range of approaches you can try to reduce or limit a reddening face while you wait for your body to acclimate to Viagra.
- A treatment plan for ED may also help with facial redness and flushing from other causes, like rosacea.
- Taking Viagra according to the prescription and your doctor’s directions are the best way to limit side effects.
Michael DiLeo, MD, has over 30 years of experience in clinical and academic medicine. Through medical school, residency, and private practice, he has functioned as both a specialist and a primary care practitioner. He has twice served as chief of staff of a large regional hospital. He is a published author on women's health for McGraw-Hill. Learn More
One of the most popular ED drugs, Viagra has a range of well-known common side effects, such as headaches, upset stomach, and facial flushing. A red face stands out, however, as many Viagra users are already struggling with their self-image as they deal with ED. Read about how Viagra causes facial flushing, how you can limit this side effect in the short and long term, and when to seek help.
Understanding Viagra and Its Uses
Viagra is a PDE5 inhibitor that opens up your blood vessels by stopping an enzyme, phosphodiesterase-5, or PDE5, from doing its job of constricting blood flow. This allows more blood to flow into the penis, making it easier to get an erection, to become completely erect, and to last longer.
Unfortunately, this effect isn’t limited to just the penis, which is why Viagra has some side effects.
Viagra Facial Flushing: A Common Side Effect
Facial flushing is one of the most common Viagra side effects; in clinical trials, 10% to 19% of men experienced flushing, depending on the strength of their dose.
It happens because Viagra inhibits PDE5 throughout the body, opening up the blood vessels all over. That makes it easier for blood to flow into the face, as well.
This side effect isn’t exclusive to Viagra. All prescription ED drugs are PDE5 inhibitors, so a flushed face is a potential side effect for all of them.
How to Reduce Facial Flushing from Viagra
If you’re finding facial flushing to be uncomfortable, here are a few tips and tricks to try:
- Lower your dosage. Many side effects of Viagra are dependent on how much you take. If you’re consistently experiencing facial flushing, ask your doctor for a lower dose and see if that solves the problem.
- Limit alcohol. A reddening face can also be a side effect of even a small amount of alcohol. Try skipping your usual drink and see if that helps. As alcohol and Viagra don’t mix well, anyway, this is probably something you’ve already been advised to do.
- Apply a cool compress to your face. Cold can narrow the blood vessels, reducing the overall flushing. Cooling down your environment may also help.
Preventing Facial Flushing with Viagra
Viagra’s side effects tend to fade over time with regular use, so a little time may reduce or eliminate your redness. If you’d like to speed it up, take the following steps for both Viagra and to reduce other facial flushing causes.
Ensure Viagra is the Primary Cause
Facial flushing is fairly common, and it can be a side effect of a wide range of medications, from antidepressants to diabetes treatment. Viagra could make many side effects more likely, so check with your doctor for possible interactions between Viagra and your medications.
Rule Out Rosacea
A fairly common inflammatory skin condition, rosacea is a possible cause of redness in the face. Rosacea is rarely serious on its own, and it becomes more common as we age. Currently, there’s no indication that Viagra triggers or aggravates rosacea.
Practice Breathing and Mindfulness Exercises
Sometimes we get facial flushing for emotional reasons. With ED medications, it’s understandable that in the excitement of the moment, you might feel flush. Breathing exercises and mindfulness exercises can help you be calm in the moment and to be less embarrassed about your flushing, which may have side benefits in the bedroom as well.
Try a Different ED Medication
The percentage of men experiencing facial flushing with various ED medications. Source: FDA Prescribing Information
While all PDE5 inhibitors can potentially cause a flushed face, Viagra and Levitra are the two with the highest risk of this side effect. Cialis, either the on-demand or daily-use version, or Stendra, might be a better choice for you.
What’s more, all side effects can vary greatly from person to person. Changing to a different medication might reduce or eliminate your facial flushing, but be aware that it may also raise the chance of other adverse reactions. You may need to experiment until you find the best medication for you.
Develop a Long-Term ED Treatment Plan
Prevention is always the best cure — and that holds true for Viagra’s side effects. Having a long-term ED treatment plan, developed with the help of your doctor, can help reduce your need for ED medication.
Lifestyle changes should be your first self-treatment option. For example, if you smoke, quit. Smoking narrows your blood vessels, raising your chances of ED. Quitting smoking, along with limiting alcohol and being physically active, are part of most ED treatment plans.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Facial Flushing
In most cases, facial flushing won’t require any medical attention. But keep an eye out for the following:
- Flushing that gets worse.
- Flushing paired with other symptoms on a consistent basis.
- Flushing that continues even when you stop taking Viagra or take other steps to limit the effects.
- Frequent flushing that doesn’t have an obvious explanation.
These are possible signs your flushing is unrelated to your Viagra usage and you should check with a doctor.
Conclusion
All medications, no matter how safe, have side effects. Before you take Viagra, you should fully understand both the risks and the rewards. If you’re considering Viagra, sit down with a medical professional and discuss your current lifestyle and your overall health.
ED has multiple causes, which can interact with each other. Your doctor will help you create a plan to treat your ED in the short term, with medication, and in the long term, with lifestyle changes and other approaches.
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James West is a seasoned health and wellness writer with a focus on topics related to physiology, sleep, and men’s health. He has contributed articles on a range of subjects, from erectile dysfunction treatments and sleep aids to hair loss, providing well-researched insights to help readers make informed health decisions.