Article by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Cialis is used to treat erectile dysfunction, which is difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection. However, combining Cialis with alcohol can lead to harmful interactions that significantly affect a patient's health.
1. Cialis and the effects of alcohol
Drinking just one glass of wine or other beverage is unlikely to interact with Cialis or cause any health risks. However, using Cialis and alcohol in large amounts can cause some serious health problems for the patient such as:
- Drinking too much alcohol while taking Cialis can lead to orthostatic hypotension.
- Some cases may cause headaches, dizziness, and fainting, risk of fractures or other injuries.
- Hypotension can also cause the heart to beat faster. In some cases, this can lead to serious heart problems.
If you drink too much alcohol while taking Cialis, stopping drinking can cause your hypertensive crisis to rise suddenly.
2. How to drink alcohol while taking Cialis to limit side effects?
The amount of alcohol varies depending on the type of alcohol. For example, one alcoholic drink can be:
- 350ml of beer
- 150ml of wine
Consuming 5 or more drinks at once while taking Cialis has been associated with a hypertensive crisis. That is slightly more than what is considered “moderate” drinking.
If you notice symptoms such as dizziness or headache, stop drinking and tell your doctor.
If you regularly drink 3 or more drinks a day or feel the need to drink 1 drink a day, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. Long-term excessive alcohol use is not only dangerous when you take Cialis, but also increases your risk of many health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and early dementia.
3. Notes when using Cialis
Cialis is a prescription drug, so before you start taking it, tell your doctor about your medical history and current health conditions; a list of all the medications you take; and how much alcohol you consume each day.
In general, moderate alcohol use while using Cialis is likely safe. If you want to avoid possible side effects, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol and using stimulants while taking Cialis.
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References:Cialis- tadalafil tablets, film coated. (2009, July) dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ebddb745-81f9-4b25-8739-b2886032ed26 Eli Lilly and Company. (2008, January 1). Notable prescribing information: Cialis oral tablet (tadalafil). Indianapolis, IN accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/021368s011lbl.pdf Mayo Clinic. (2014, May 13). Diseases and conditions: Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension) mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orthostatic-hypotension/basics/definition/con-20031255
