Tadalafil And Alcohol - Is It Safe To Mix Them?

If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction and wondering if it is safe to take ED pills and Alcohol together, you are not alone. Many people, unaware of the possible Tadalafil and Alcohol side effects, take these compounds together. So, this Alcohol and Tadalafil Interaction blog evaluates all its possible health risks and the best ways to avoid them. 

The Relationship of Tadalafil and Alcohol with Erectile Dysfunction  

Tadalafil, under the brand name Cialis, is prescribed to treat Erectile dysfunction in men and symptoms of prostate gland enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a condition characterized by the inability to sustain and maintain an erection.

Tadalafil belongs to a group of medications called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase) inhibitors and works by temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis.

Alcohol And Erectile Dysfunction

Establishing an erection is a complex process that involves the functioning of the brain, the hormones in the body, the blood vessels, and the nerves in the body. Alcohol consumption can have an adverse effect on all of these areas, resulting in erectile dysfunction.

Tadalafil Interactions With Alcohol

Taking Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) with Alcohol can result in the following mentioned condition. 

Effects on Blood Pressure 

Mixing Tadalafil and Alcohol can decrease blood pressure as both compounds have a vasodilating effect [1]. Vasodilators are compounds or medicines that dilate or open the blood vessels [2]. 

A pharmacology study on the website drugs also suggests reports of orthostatic hypotension, lightheadedness, headache, palpitations, flushing, and dizziness when taking alcohol with Tadalafil [1]. 

Tadalafil has a higher risk of orthostatic hypotension, a condition that occurs when one stands from a lying down position, compared to other ED drugs [3]. This could be due to the fact that Tadalafil remains in the body longer than most ED drugs [4]. However, if you do want to consume alcohol after taking Tadalafil, then you need to wait a couple of hours to avoid the adverse effects [5].

Sudden discontinuation of alcohol after excessive consumption of alcohol with Tadalafil can result in hypertension (increase in blood pressure) [4]. 

Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction

According to a 2018 study, it was found that men with alcohol addiction often suffer from sexual dysfunction [6].

Alcohol-induced erections were further confirmed by another study conducted on men with alcohol dependence. This study indicates that 72% of people suffer from one or more symptoms of sexual disorder. The most prevalent were low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation [7]. 

Alcohol affects Erections by altering the messengers in the brain that signal the penis to fill with blood. 

Effect level of Testosterone-

Alcohol reduces the body's production and secretion of testosterone [8]. Testosterone is a male hormone that is responsible for regulating fertility and producing male sexual characteristics. 

A low level of testosterone can result in-

• Impotence.

• Fewer facial and chest hairs

• smaller testicle size.

• Infertility. 

Thus, men with Erectile Dysfunction should avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol. 

Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction

Alcohol is a depressant that causes depression if taken in large amounts. Depression is one of the key causes of Psychogenic erectile dysfunction (impotence arising from psychological factors). 

How Much Tadalafil and Alcohol Can Be Taken Together? 

Based on the reports by Healthline, the intake of five or more alcoholic drinks with Tadalafil or its brand medications such as Tadapox, Vidalista, Tadarise, and Apcalis SX Oral Jelly may result in orthostatic hypotension. Thus, it is best to avoid consumption of any alcoholic drinks with Tadalafil or its brand medicines. 

Who Are At A Higher Risk Of Experiencing Side Effects From Alcohol And Tadalafil?

Many factors influence how alcohol interacts with your body. The following people are at a higher risk of experiencing side effects. 

• Age- Older people have a slower metabolism and thus have a higher risk of experiencing side effects from such interactions. 

• Health issues- People with kidney and liver disorders may suffer from adverse effects from taking PDE5 inhibitors with alcohol. 

• Supplements and Medication- The intake of certain medications or health supplements may worsen the possibility of interaction. Some medications that may interact with Tadalafil are Alpha blockers, Nitrates, Protease inhibitors, and Antibiotics. 

Why Do People Take PDE-5 Inhibitors With Alcohol?

A clinical study by Jong Nyeong Kim et al. from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) database suggests the common reasons for taking alcohol with PDE5 inhibitors [9].

• Curiosity (35.1%)

• Due to friends (16.9%)

• Enhance sexual desire (27%)

• Erection issues (6.8%)

• Reduce the refractory time (14.2%)

According to the study, about 45% of men mix alcohol with ED pills for recreational purposes. And among these people, 84% are unaware of the potential health risks of taking these compounds together [9]. Therefore, while taking any ED pill, it is best to consult a physician before co-administering it with other compounds. 

Tadalafil Side Effects With Alcohol

A study evaluating the influence of alcohol on Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors reported the following side effects in middle- to old-aged men [9].

The study further suggests that the concomitant use of alcohol with ED pills caused-

• confusion for about 5 minutes.

• dizziness lasting about 30 minutes.

The other reported side effects of Tadalafil's interaction with Alcohol are-

• decrease in hearing.

• Coughing.

• Muscle aches.

• Stomach pain [10]. 

Which ED Drug Works Best With Alcohol?

The intake of ED pills with alcohol is not recommended. All PDE5 inhibitors, including Tadalafil, have a similar interaction profile with alcohol. Thus, such administration should be done only after consulting a physician. 

Can You Drink Alcohol With Tadalafil- The Takeaway

Based on our findings and understanding of Tadalafil and alcohol interactions, we do not recommend combining these compounds. And the reasons why you should avoid administering them together are listed below. 

Key Takeaways From The Article:

• The intake of Tadalafil with alcohol can increase the potency and cause side effects such as headaches and facial flushing. 

• Such interactions result in a severe drop in blood pressure. 

• They can affect the level of Testosterone.