Can I Mix Cialis and Alcohol? Interactions and Responsible Use

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What you will learn

• Cialis is a drug prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, the inability to get or maintain an erection.
• Cialis works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol, as both substances lower blood pressure.
• Combining Cialis with alcohol can cause serious side effects, including orthostatic hypotension, a medical condition that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure.
• In addition to side effects, alcohol can cause erectile dysfunction and counteract the effectiveness of Cialis.

Erectile dysfunction, a condition that causes difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, is a common sexual health problem. Medications, such as Cialis (tadalafil), can be used to treat it, but these drugs have possible interactions and risks to be aware of – including alcohol.

Learn more about Cialis and alcohol, possible alcohol interactions with erectile dysfunction medications, and guidelines for responsible use.

What Is Cialis?

Cialis is the brand name for tadalafil, a medication that’s prescribed for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Erectile dysfunction can occur if there’s not enough blood flow to the penis, which medical conditions, medications, or other issues can cause.

Cialis is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that blocks the enzyme PDE5, which breaks down cGMP, a chemical needed to get and maintain an erection.[1] More of the chemical stays in your body for a longer period, relaxing the muscles in the penis and widening the blood vessels to improve blood flow and maintain an erection.

Side Effects of Cialis

The most common side effects with Cialis include:[2]

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Back pain
• Muscle pain
• Flushing
• Stuffy nose

If you take Cialis daily, these side effects may occur:[3]

• Sore throat
• Upper respiratory infections
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Urinary tract infections
• Abdominal pain
• Acid reflux

There are some serious side effects for Cialis, such as dangerously low blood pressure (this is worsened by alcohol). Another well-known side effect is an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, called priapism.[4] This is a medical emergency that can cause permanent damage to your penis.

There isn’t a specified maximum duration for safely taking Cialis, but a healthcare provider should monitor its long-term use. However, it’s more likely that you may need medications that interact with Cialis, such as blood pressure medications, and you may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol as you age.

Alcohol Interactions with Cialis

Cialis and alcohol may have interactions. While one drink or a glass of wine may not affect Cialis or cause health problems, drinking a lot of alcohol while on Cialis can cause serious health effects. Both Cialis and alcohol act as vasodilators, lowering your blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the blood vessels.

The primary concern with alcohol and Cialis is orthostatic hypotension, a medical condition that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure when someone stands up or sits down.[5] Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, fainting, and, in some cases, chest pain. In some cases, low blood pressure can cause the heartbeat to increase, leading to serious heart problems like heart attacks. Because Cialis stays in the system longer than other erectile dysfunction medications, the risks of orthostatic hypotension may be higher.

Alcohol Effects on Erectile Dysfunction

It’s common for some people to have a few drinks before social events to relax or even before sex to get more comfortable. A drink or two can help, but drinking in excess can cause erection problems. If you drink in excess often, these problems can become more frequent.[7]

If you already have erectile dysfunction, drinking alcohol won’t make it easier to achieve or keep an erection – in fact, it may make the condition worse. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which slows down brain activity. Because the central nervous system plays a significant role in getting an erection, slowing it down can cause erection issues.[8]

Alcohol can have other health effects that may contribute to erectile dysfunction, including lowering testosterone levels in the body and adversely affecting your nerves, heart, and blood vessels.

So, in addition to the risks of health effects from mixing alcohol and Cialis, drinking alcohol in itself is counterproductive if you’re taking Cialis to achieve and maintain an erection.

Can I Have One or Two Drinks While on Cialis?

Having one or two drinks with Cialis may not cause problems for some people. However, several factors can make you more sensitive to Cialis, alcohol, or both, including age, other medical conditions, other medications you’re taking, and more. It’s important to talk to your doctor before you consider drinking while taking Cialis.

How Soon Can I Drink After Taking Cialis?

It’s important to wait until all of the medication leaves your system before you start drinking alcohol again, especially with Cialis. It varies by several factors, but Cialis can last up to 5 days, which is much longer than comparable drugs like Viagra.[9]

Different factors affect how long drugs stay in your body, so it’s best to speak to your doctor about when you can safely drink alcohol again.

Can I Take Cialis After Drinking?

Cialis is a drug that’s used as needed. It’s not taken regularly, just when you want to have sex, and you may not know in advance that you’re going to take it. However, if you have been drinking, it’s best not to take Cialis until the effects of alcohol have worn off to avoid any serious side effects.

Responsible Use of Cialis

You can get the best results from Cialis if you take it safely and effectively. Here are some guidelines for responsible use:

• Cialis is often prescribed as needed. Take the lowest recommended dose that provides results.
• Give yourself time for Cialis to work, which can take up to two hours. Don’t take more of the drug to get faster results.
• Some people take Cialis to counteract the effects of alcohol or other drugs. Avoid taking Cialis recreationally (to get an erection) if you don’t have erectile dysfunction, especially Cialis that hasn’t been prescribed to you.
• Watch for drug interactions with other prescription medications, including alcohol, high blood pressure medications like nitroglycerin or nitrate medications, alpha-blockers, certain antibiotics, and other PDE5 inhibitors.

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

If you struggle with erectile dysfunction and are prescribed Cialis, it’s best to stop drinking when you plan to take it or for several days after taking it. For healthy alcohol use, this isn’t a problem. But if you struggle with problem drinking or alcohol addiction, you have to be careful about quitting alcohol “cold turkey” to avoid Cialis-alcohol interactions.

Alcohol use is normalized, but it’s a drug like any other. Plenty of people drink alcohol without developing a problem, but for others, alcohol can be addictive. People build tolerance quickly, which is when the body needs more of a drug to get the same effects. As you drink more, your body becomes dependent on alcohol, and withdrawal occurs if you stop suddenly.

Most alcohol withdrawal syndromes are uncomfortable, but some can be life-threatening. Mild symptoms may include shaky hands, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sweating, but more serious symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens, which can lead to death.[10]

Treating Alcohol Addiction

If you want to take Cialis and struggle with alcohol abuse or addiction, it’s crucial to seek help and avoid possible interactions. For alcohol withdrawal, the first step is usually medical detox, a supervised environment with a medical team to monitor your health, administer medications, and prevent dangerous complications.

Alcohol addiction can be difficult to overcome – and may contribute to erectile dysfunction on its own. Though detox can help, it’s not enough on its own. When withdrawal is finished, it’s important to start an addiction treatment program that addresses the social, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction to help you break the cycle of alcohol abuse and get on a healthier path. While the treatment plans vary, alcohol addiction treatment often includes a combination of counseling, therapies, and other modalities for whole-person healing.

Take Precautions with Cialis and Alcohol

Cialis is a generally safe medication for erectile dysfunction, but it can have dangerous interactions with alcohol. If you are prescribed Cialis but struggle to control your alcohol use or believe you have an alcohol addiction, it’s important to get help to avoid serious complications.