Tadalafil is a popular erectile dysfunction medication (ED), best known by its brand name Cialis, or ‘the weekend pill’. If you’re considering a treatment for ED, or have already started one, you may be curious to learn more about whether or not it’s safe to use with alcohol.

Let’s take a look at the influence of alcohol and explore whether there are any potential health risks of mixing it with tadalafil.

First of all, what’s tadalafil and how does it work?

Tadalafil belongs to a class of medications known as PDE5 inhibitors. These drugs improve sexual performance by relaxing the blood vessels and improving blood flow in the body. By increasing blood flow to the penis, they make it easier for you to achieve and maintain an erection when you’re aroused. [1]

It’s sometimes also prescribed for other medical conditions, including high blood pressure in the lungs and prostate issues, and medical conditions such as an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or pulmonary arterial hypertension. 

What are the potential risks of mixing tadalafil and alcohol?

To begin with, alcohol can negatively impact your sexual performance, so using it without tadalafil may increase your risk of erectile dysfunction [2]. Heavy alcohol consumption is always advised against, as lots of alcohol can harm your health. 

According to official medical advice, one alcoholic beverage is unlikely to impact the results of an erectile dysfunction treatment [3], but the consumption of alcohol with tadalafil can also lead to adverse effects, such as  a drop in blood pressure. That’s because tadalafil and alcohol both lower blood pressure, so when taken together can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure. [4] This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

If you have underlying heart disease, combining tadalafil with alcohol could also increase your risk of serious issues like a heart attack.

Another rare risk of tadalafil is prolonged erection (priapism), which could become more likely when drinking alcohol. [5] If you experience a painful or prolonged erection (more than 4 hours) when taking tadalafil with or without alcohol, it’s essential to seek prompt medical attention. 

To reduce these risks, stick to alcohol in moderation or avoid drinking altogether when using tadalafil.

Lifestyle tips for safe use

For the best results while using tadalafil, remember the following tips:

• Watch your alcohol intake: Limit excessive alcohol consumption to prevent complications, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure or other adverse effects.
• Avoid consuming grapefruit products: Grapefruit juice can alter how tadalafil is absorbed, changing its effectiveness.
• Stick to a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and reduced stress could support your sexual performance.
• Be aware of drug interactions: Tadalafil can interact with other medications, which could lead to adverse effects. Speak with your healthcare provider to discuss these risks, especially if you’re taking blood pressure medication.
• Always speak to a trusted healthcare provider about any medical conditions, medications, or supplements you’re taking.

With guidance from a healthcare professional, you can safely enjoy the benefits of tadalafil. 

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References

1. Dhaliwal A, Gupta M. PDE5 Inhibitor [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549843/
2. Li S, Song JM, Zhang K, Zhang CL. A Meta-Analysis of Erectile Dysfunction and Alcohol Consumption. Urologia Internationalis. 2021;105(11-12):969–85. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34521090/
3. Common questions about tadalafil [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tadalafil/common-questions-about-tadalafil/
4. Source: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12501.pdf
5. Source: https://www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/tadalafil.html#priapism