While you may choose Cialis for improved erections and combat performance Anxiety with a few drinks, you should know whether Cialis and alcohol are safe together.
When it comes to durability, Cialis is one of the most efficient medications that treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). With 41 million men getting improved erections using Cialis, many are worried about its potential interaction with their lifestyle choices like alcohol.
Cialis and alcohol are generally not recommended together due to possible interactions, side effects, and other concerns. While mild to moderate alcohol is less likely to affect Cialis’s efficacy, how many drinks are justified with Cialis?
Continue reading to find answers on how Cialis and alcohol interact, possible side effects, and how to get rid of side effects. So, let’s learn in detail.
Can I mix Cialis and alcohol?
No, you should not mix Cialis with a large amount of alcohol. Cialis contains Tadalafil, an FDA-approved active ingredient that falls under the PDE5 inhibitors category of medicines.
Generally, PDE5 inhibitors should not be mixed with alcohol due to potential interaction and health concerns. However, many studies claim that mild or moderate alcohol consumption is less likely to affect Cialis.
How does alcohol affect Cialis?
While it’s not hidden that PDE5 inhibitors interact with alcohol, your Cialis dosage and overall health are also likely to be affected. Here’s how excessive alcohol intake affects your Cialis dose and overall health.
Extremely low blood pressure
Cialis works by inhibiting Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) enzyme. By inhibiting PDE5, Tadalafil in Cialis increases smooth muscle relaxation. It allows more blood to flow through the penis and facilitates erection. As a result, you observe a drop in your blood pressure.
The trouble is that alcohol also dilates the blood vessels, causing low blood pressure, though for a short duration. When Cialis and heavy alcohol are mixed, they cause Orthostatic Hypotension, which is a significant and sudden drop in your blood pressure.
It usually happens when you suddenly stand from a sitting or lying position. It can be dangerous and can cause side effects, such as dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, and even blackouts.
Competition to get metabolized
Cialis and alcohol depend on the same group of liver enzymes for their metabolism. Therefore, when mixed, there is a high chance that alcohol and Cialis may compete with each other.
The competition for the same enzymes can result in slower breakdown of one or both substances. Therefore, they can increase the risks of side effects, such as increased heart rate and low blood pressure.
Side effects of Cialis and alcohol
Combining Cialis with alcohol is likely to cause certain side effects in people. Even consuming too much alcohol can also worsen the side effects of Cialis.
Some of the common side effects are as follows:
- Flushing: Vessel dilation and increased blood flow to the region can result in flushing
- Headaches: Both Cialis and alcohol can dilate the blood vessels in the head, causing headaches
- Abdominal pain: Mixing alcohol with Cialis can also irritate the nerves
- Vision changes: The significant fluid change in eyes can lead to vision changes or blurred vision
- Dizziness: Changes in blood pressure often lead to dizziness or affect coordination
Some other side effects that can get severe when Cialis is mixed with alcohol are as follows:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Indigestion
How long after taking Cialis can you drink alcohol?
The answer to this question depends on how long Cialis stays in your system. Cialis lasts 36 hours in your body, more than other PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil and Vardenafil.
Therefore, for up to 36 hours, it is recommended not to drink alcohol, even moderately. This ensures that the medication has been processed by the body, reducing the risks of potential side effects or interactions.
How much alcohol is safe with Cialis?
Generally, it is recommended to either limit or avoid alcohol while taking Cialis. However, if you are a moderate drinker, you should not drink five or more glasses of wine or five or more shots of whiskey.
While Cialis is specifically recommended to improve erections in men, mixing it with heavy or excessive alcohol may further hinder erections.
Other Cialis considerations
In addition to alcohol, Cialis is also likely to interact with your ongoing diseases, medications, and dietary choices. It is always good to inform your doctor about your medical history or the medication and supplements you take.
Furthermore, if you take Nitrates or blood pressure-lowering medications, you must inform your doctor immediately. These medications can interact with Cialis and lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
You should also be cautious while using other ED treatments like Sildenafil or Tadalafil.
How to treat ED due to alcohol?
While Cialis is one of the best pills for ED, consuming excessive alcohol with it can potentially affect erections. However, alcohol may also temporarily cause ED due to its impact on hormones, blood circulation, and the nervous system. If it persists for longer, it can lead to long-term Sexual Dysfunction.
Therefore, if your ED is caused due to alcohol, you can take the following measures to ensure a faster recovery:
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Eat a balanced diet rich in Nitrates, Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Exercise daily
- Manage stress with meditation and yoga
- Get adequate sleep
- Maintain a healthy weight
Although these lifestyle modifications can help you improve your ongoing ED, it is still recommended to consult your doctor and seek medical treatment.
Takeaways
While Cialis is one of the most efficient ED medications, mixing it with alcohol can affect its effectiveness. Cialis and alcohol can interact and lead to extremely low blood pressure. Moreover, Cialis and alcohol depend on the same liver enzymes for metabolism. This may lead them to compete to get metabolized, often resulting in slower breakdown of one or both substances.
The potential interactions between them also cause certain side effects in individuals, such as flushing, headaches, vision changes, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Furthermore, you should wait for at least 36 hours before consuming alcohol after taking Cialis. Cialis stays effective for this long in your body.
Although mild and moderate alcohol is generally safe with Cialis, you should not exceed alcohol consumption. Along with alcohol, Cialis should not be consumed with Nitrates, other PDE5 inhibitors, and blood pressure-lowering medications. Furthermore, you should eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, and reduce stress to treat alcohol-induced Erectile Dysfunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink alcohol while taking Cialis?
No, you should not drink alcohol while taking Cialis. Cialis and alcohol may interact with each other and increase the risks of side effects like low blood pressure, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Furthermore, they are metabolized by the same liver enzymes and may compete, leading to their slower breakdown.
Is Cialis safe with alcohol?
No, Cialis is not safe with alcohol. Alcohol and Cialis may interact with each other and lead to Orthostatic Hypotension. This results in side effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, and extremely low blood pressure. Alcohol can also worsen the side effects of Cialis and may need medical treatment.
Can you drink with ED pills?
No, you should not drink alcohol with ED pills. They work by relaxing smooth muscles and lowering blood pressure. Alcohol also dilates the vessels and causes low blood pressure. Mixing Cialis and alcohol can lead to extremely low blood pressure and side effects like dizziness.
How to cure Erectile Dysfunction due to alcohol?
You can treat Erectile Dysfunction due to alcohol by incorporating a healthy diet rich in Nitrates and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Furthermore, you should exercise daily, reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight, and get enough sleep. Along with these, you should also quit or limit alcohol intake.
How long after Tadalafil can I drink alcohol?
You should take a gap of at least 36 hours before consuming alcohol once you have ingested Tadalafil. Cialis (Tadalafil) stays effective for at least 36 hours in your body and may interact with alcohol. Therefore, you should give Tadalafil enough time to leave your body.
Can I drink a small amount of alcohol safely with Cialis?
Yes, you can safely drink mild to moderate alcohol with Cialis. However, you should not consume more than five glasses of wine, five shots of whiskey, or one beer. Furthermore, it is advised not to drink alcohol with Cialis to reduce the risks of interaction or side effects.
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