Cialis and Alcohol

The manufacturer of Cialis (tadalafil) recommends that people taking this medication should not consume large amounts of alcohol. Although drinking small amounts of alcohol will not likely lead to any serious problems, mixing large amounts of alcohol with this medication can cause possible drug interactions.

Cialis is a known phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor which can cause vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels). Combining such drugs with alcohol use can have additive hypotensive effects. Clinical studies show that consuming large amount of alcohol while on tadalafil treatment can lead to significant decrease in blood pressure. People reported symptoms of low blood pressure that include dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when in upright position) was also observed. However, both of these substances did not interfere with the pharmacologic effect of each other as well as their metabolism and excretion.

Possible Side Effects

Studies have shown that people who are taking Cialis while drinking large amounts of alcohol can likely experience symptoms that include:

• Dizziness
• Increase in heart rate (tachycardia)
• Low blood pressure, especially in upright position (orthostatic hypotension)
• Headache

These symptoms are due to the increased vasodilation of the blood vessels.

What Is The Safe Amount To Drink? (Moderate Consumption)

People taking Cialis may be able to consume moderate amounts of alcohol without serious side effects and interactions.  It is suggested that men taking Cialis limit their intake to less than five alcoholic beverages per day. Anything more than that can lead to possible problems.

But since different alcohol products contain different strengths and formulations, it is quite difficult to know how much is safe for you. Therefore, it is important for you to know the strengths of the specific alcoholic products you normally drink. For instance, 1 alcoholic beverage is equivalent to 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits. Usually, most men can safely consume lesser amounts of alcohol.

Although it is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Cialis, you should feel free to discuss with your healthcare provider your alcohol consumption. You can your healthcare provider can come up with a shared decision that meets your wants as well as the recommendations of your physician. In some people, alcohol is avoided because of other underlying medical conditions and not just because of this medication.