Is it Safe to Take Cialis and Drink Alcohol?

Overview

Cialis is used to treat erectile dysfunction, or difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. Generally, Cialis is a safe drug. However, you need to consider the other substances you take with it and the effects the combination can cause.

For example, alcohol and Cialis may interact. Excessive drinking may lead to some very serious side effects. In moderation, though, drinking alcohol likely won’t cause problems. Here’s what to know to help you stay safe while taking Cialis.

Cialis and alcohol effects

What’s more, if you drink too much alcohol while you’re taking Cialis, stopping your drinking can lead to a sudden increase in your blood pressure level.

Defining moderation

Moderate drinking is fewer than three alcoholic drinks per day. The amount in an alcoholic drink varies according to the type of alcohol. For example, one alcoholic drink could be:

  • 12 ounces of beer
  • 5 ounces of wine
  • 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor, such as gin, vodka, whisky, rum, or tequila

Consuming five or more drinks at a time while taking Cialis has been linked with orthostatic hypotension. That amount is a bit more than what is considered “moderate” drinking.

If you notice symptoms such as dizziness or headaches, stop drinking and tell your doctor.

If you regularly have three or more drinks per day or feel that you need to have a drink every day, talk with your doctor or a mental health counselor. Long- term excessive alcohol use is not only dangerous while you take Cialis, it also increases your risk of many health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and early dementia.

Talk to your doctor

Cialis is a prescription medication, so before you start taking it, make sure your doctor knows your medical history and your current health status. That includes a list of all the medications you take. You should also be honest with your doctor about how much alcohol you drink on a regular basis.

Overall, moderate alcohol consumption while you take Cialis is usually safe. If you want to avoid potentially dangerous side effects, limit yourself to one or two drinks per day.

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