The Independent Pharmacy

Is It Safe To Mix Cialis And Alcohol

Andy Boysan
Andy Boysan
BPharm GPhC 2047716
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

It’s important to be cautious when considering mixing Tadalafil (Cialis) and alcohol. Taking the erectile dysfunction medication Tadalafil while heavily drinking alcohol is not recommended by the NHS.

Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg)
Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg)
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Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol while you have Cialis in your system can lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure, dizziness, headaches and other heart problems. The effects of too much alcohol can make the potential side effects of Cialis worse. For example, both Cialis and alcohol can cause low blood pressure on their own. But taking them together dramatically increases your risk of experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Tadalafil 2.5mg & 5mg Once Daily Tablets
Tadalafil 2.5mg & 5mg Once Daily Tablets
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However, some research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may not interact negatively with Cialis for some people. Still, it’s important to understand how substances like alcohol impact medications and your body when taken in larger amounts. Talk to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to consume even moderate amounts of alcohol while taking prescriptions like Cialis. They may have alternatives that are safer for you.

Let’s explore the link between Tadalafil and alcohol in more depth.

Key Findings:

  • Do not mix the erectile dysfunction medication Cialis (Tadalafil) with heavy or excessive alcohol drinking, warns healthcare professionals. Consuming too much alcohol can worsen side effects and health risks.
  • Moderate alcohol consumption may be safe with Cialis for some people, but effects vary across patients. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol use and pre-existing conditions.
  • Allow at least 1-2 days after taking Cialis for it to fully exit your body before drinking more than 1-2 alcoholic drinks. Pay attention to any worrisome reactions.
  • Seek immediate medical care if you experience symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or trouble breathing after mixing alcohol and Cialis. These could indicate dangerous blood pressure drops or heart strain.

Is It Safe To Mix Tadalafil And Alcohol

Research studies show that it’s not safe to mix Tadalafil (the medical name for the drug Cialis) with large amounts of alcohol. Consuming too much alcohol can increase the risk of side effects from taking Cialis.

Doctors advise avoiding drinking more than 1-2 alcoholic drinks (like beers or glasses of wine) while using Tadalafil. Drinking heavily could cause your blood pressure and heart rate to drop to dangerous levels when combined with this medication.

This drastic drop in blood pressure from mixing Tadalafil and excessive alcohol can leave you feeling dizzy and lightheaded. You may even faint if your blood pressure gets too low. It can also put a strain on your heart. If you’re dealing with heart disease or high blood pressure, we gently remind you to be particularly mindful of alcohol intake while using medications like Cialis.

How Does Tadalafil Interact with Alcohol?

Tadalafil and alcohol both affect the blood vessels in your body. Cialis works by relaxing blood vessels so more blood can flow to certain areas and cause an erection. Alcohol also relaxes blood vessels at first and increases blood flow.

But as alcohol builds up in your blood over hours of drinking, it starts narrowing your blood vessels again. It also makes your heart work harder to pump blood through these constricted veins and arteries.

If you mix Cialis and heavy alcohol consumption, these effects are increased. The alcohol boosts blood flow even more initially. But several drinks later, this can quickly turn into strained blood vessels, low blood pressure, dizziness and heart strain if combined with Tadalafil.

Risks and Safety Concerns of Combining Tadalafil with Alcohol

There are many potential side effects from mixing the erectile dysfunction drug Tadalafil (Cialis) with too much alcohol. Common mild side effects can last up to 24 hours and include:

  • Headaches - Using Cialis and alcohol both open blood vessels around your skull. This can cause painful pressure.
  • Dizziness - Blood pressure changes from Cialis and alcohol affects balance and coordination.
  • Vision changes - Blurred vision or light sensitivity from fluid shifts in your eyes.
  • Flushing in the face or neck - Vessels dilate close to the skin from blood flow changes.
  • Stomach pain - Nerves in the digestive system are irritated.

These side effects are usually not dangerous. However, some effects of combining Cialis with heavy alcohol drinking can be severe and require medical care. These include:

  • Chest pain - Not enough oxygen-rich blood is reaching the heart.
  • Shortness of breath - Fluid in the lungs makes breathing difficult.
  • Irregular heartbeat - Sporadic electrical signals disrupt heart rhythm.
  • Fainting - Blood pressure drops severely from vessels opening wide.

Cialis and alcohol both expand blood vessels. In large amounts together, these effects compound and impact heart function, blood pressure, and breathing.

How Long Should You Wait Before Drinking Alcohol After Taking Tadalafil?

The NHS says that drinking one beer or having a single glass of wine probably will not stop Tadalafil from working properly or cause major delays in its effectiveness. However, heavily drinking lots of alcohol can make it harder to get an erection, even when taking Cialis.

To get the most benefits from Tadalafil and effectively treat erectile dysfunction symptoms, do not drink very large amounts of alcohol leading up to or closely after using this medication. Limit consumption to light or moderate intake according to healthcare guidelines when taking Cialis.

Guidelines for Concurrent Use of Tadalafil and Alcohol

If you plan to drink a small amount of alcohol in moderation while taking Cialis (Tadalafil), strictly follow these guidelines:

  • Limit alcohol to 1 standard-size drink max per day
  • Sip drinks very slowly so the effects don’t “sneak up”
  • Stay hydrated with water between each drink
  • Avoid any other blood pressure medications
  • Carefully pay attention to any reactions

Use extra caution combining Cialis and alcohol if:

  • You have heart disease, liver problems, or chronic high blood pressure
  • You use higher Tadalafil (Cialis) doses like 10-20 mg tablets

Immediately stop drinking alcohol if you experience any concerning symptoms like:

  • Dizziness - Losing balance or feeling woozy
  • Headaches - Throbbing pain or pressure
  • Vision changes - Blurry eyesight or seeing halos
  • Flushing skin - Reddening of face, neck or chest
  • Chest pain - Discomfort, tightness or stabbing sensations
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Seek emergency medical care right away if you develop severe reactions after mixing alcohol and Cialis, such as:

  • Trouble breathing - Shortness of breath
  • Persistent chest pressure or pain - Tight squeezing
  • Passing out - Fainting or loss of consciousness

Take the Next Step With The Independent Pharmacy

If you’re facing challenges with erectile dysfunction, please know that The Independent Pharmacy is here to support you, with experts ready to provide help and guidance. Our online pharmacy has resources, assessments, treatment options, and discretion:

  • Assessments - Answer questions online to get treatment recommendations from professionals.
  • Guidance - Pharmacists can help you understand treatment plans.
  • Convenience - Medications are delivered right to your door.
  • Support - Experts discreetly assist with sensitive conditions.

If you have questions about Cialis and alcohol or want to improve sexual health, visit The Independent Pharmacy online. Or give us a call if you have more questions. Our expert team can help find treatments that are tailored and safe for your situation.

FAQs

Can I drink a small amount of alcohol safely while taking Cialis?

You should avoid heavy or excessive drinking while taking the erectile dysfunction medication Cialis (medical name Tadalafil). However, some studies suggest having only 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks does not negatively interact with Tadalafil in individuals without other health conditions. However, alcohol tolerance varies across patients, so talk to your licensed healthcare provider.

What foods or medications should I avoid when using Cialis?

Do not take Cialis if you use nitrate medicines for heart conditions or take amounts of grapefruit juice, as dangerous interactions can occur. Inform your doctor of all prescription medications, supplements, and pre-existing medical conditions like high blood pressure or liver disease before using Tadalafil to prevent unsafe combinations and minimise adverse side effects.

How can I make Cialis more effective?

Take Cialis exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes - do not increase your dosage without their approval. Additionally, research shows lifestyle changes like losing excess weight through diet and exercise, quitting smoking tobacco products, and reducing alcohol consumption can dramatically improve erectile function as part of your ED treatment plan.

Does Cialis keep you erect after coming?

No, Cialis will not cause an erection without sexual desire or physical stimulation. The effects that allow easier and more firm erections to occur during arousal will fade a few hours after taking the medication as it leaves your bloodstream, not lingering in your body indefinitely after you orgasm or ejaculate.

Sources:

Common questions about tadalafil - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Alcohol misuse - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Tadalafil: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com

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Andy Boysan

Authored by

Andy Boysan
Andy Boysan
BPharm
2047716
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

Andy is a co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director at The Independent Pharmacy.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.