A couple of bottles of beer or a couple of glasses of wine are unlikely to cause problems if you take Cialis (tadalafil), but the more you drink, the more harmful interactions it might cause. This is why we suggest that you just lay off the drink altogether while taking ED drugs like tadalafil.
Not only does alcohol cause the dreaded “whiskey dick” – or alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction – but Cialis and alcohol also work as vasodilators that could open up blood vessels and lower your blood pressure significantly. which could be dangerous to some individuals. Worse, alcohol consumption can worsen erectile dysfunction symptoms and make it harder for you to get stiff when called upon. There is a reason why they call alcohol-induced ED “whiskey dick,” and it can interfere with the effects of a PDE5 inhibitor like Cialis.
And just like Cialis and other prescription ED drugs of its ilk such as Viagra (sildenafil). Stendra (avanafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), alcohol’s vasodilating effects can lead to a precipitous drop in blood pressure, causing light-headedness or dizzy spells.
How much Cialis and alcohol can I take before I experience harmful side effects?
According to manufacturer Eli Lilly and Co, taking a few alcoholic drinks with Cialis (generic name tadalafil) is unlikely to cause or increase the likelihood of encountering bothersome side effects. But, as we mentioned earlier, mixing Cialis with alcohol does have its own set of risks, especially if you overindulge in the latter part of the equation.
That said, while you might not need to go full-on teetotaler – and if you must have to have a drink while on an ED drug – moderating alcohol consumption is of paramount importance when taking PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis (tadalafil). Moderate alcohol consumption is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a maximum of two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. This works out to a 12-ounce glass of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor if you’re keeping score.
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What will happen if I take alcohol and tadalafil simultaneously?
Let’s examine how the body reacts when you overindulge on alcohol while you’re taking the ED drug.
To reiterate, concurrent alcohol and Cialis use may lower blood pressure, so taking them at the same time can amplify that effect. In some cases, it could lead to a steep decline in blood pressure. Low blood pressure causes heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), light-headedness, dizziness, and headaches. On the extreme end of the spectrum, extremely low blood pressure can cause you to faint.
And then you have “whiskey dick” – or in medical terms, alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction, which you might have already experienced at one unfortunate point in life when too many drinks are hanging off your dick. Whiskey dick leaves you unable to get or maintain an erection. If your ED is interfering with your sex life, refraining from alcoholic beverages might do your erection a world of good. And if you must drink some “liquid confidence” while on Cialis, test the waters first by taking just one drink and see if it affects your ED.
While moderate drinking is unlikely to cause side effects, it’s wise to talk to your doctor about potential drug interactions with your ED drug and alcohol before trying anything.
What other substances or drugs might interact with Cialis?
Besides alcohol, the following medications might interact with Cialis, so consult your doctor if you’re taking any of them:
- Alpha-blockers
- Nitrates
- Antihypertensive medications (for high blood pressure)
- Protease inhibitors for HIV
- Erythromycin
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Other PDE5 inhibitors for ED such as sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra)
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Moreover, individuals who are experiencing or have had cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, stroke, heart attacks, bleeding problems, or stomach ulcers may be advised to refrain from taking Cialis (tadalafil).
Besides underlying health conditions and medicines, individuals may experience side effects of Cialis even when avoiding alcohol or taking it simultaneously with another drug. Tadalafil (Cialis) use may cause headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, nasal congestion, blurred vision, rashes, muscle pains, and dizziness.
Another rare but serious side effect of taking Cialis may cause priapism, a painful erection that lasts for four hours or more, which needs immediate medical attention. Untreated priapism may cause permanent, irreversible damage to the penis. Another side effect of Cialis that requires immediate medical assistance is the loss of hearing or vision.
Combining alcohol and Cialis: the final word
It’s perfectly understandable to want to knock back a couple of cold beverages or a couple of shots with your pals and not have to obsess about how enjoying an occasional indulgence may interfere with your chosen ED treatment.
Remember, while you may get away with consuming a drink or two while on a PDE5 inhibitor ED drug like Cialis (tadalafil), it’s best to just lay off the drink entirely since alcohol is a known and proven erection-killer. Apart from that uncomfortable fact, concurrent Cialis and alcohol use can lead to serious complications such as extremely low blood pressure.
Consult your doctor if you have any more concerns about taking alcohol and Cialis simultaneously.