How Alcohol and ED Medications Interact
Published: 2020-09-21
Updated: 2025-02-04
4 mins
Generally, it's not recommended to drink alcohol while taking medications. Alcohol and erectile dysfunction (ED) medications can make suide effects worse and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. If you're thinking about going out and drinking, reconsider whether you should still take your medication.
ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra®) or tadalafil (Cialis®) may negatively interact with alcohol short-term and cause health complications in the long-term.
What is the Risk of Drinking Alcohol with ED Medications?
Men taking erectile dysfunction medications should avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol at the same time. When you drink alcohol, it lowers your blood pressure. The sudden drop in blood pressure leads to dizziness, headaches, increased heart rate, and even fainting. These symptoms are commonly associated with feeling intoxicated.
Changes in blood pressure may influence the increase of blood flow to the penis that comes from ED medications. While drinking alcohol excessively is not recommended while taking any ED medications, some medications are more sensitive to alcohol than others.
How many drinks are safe to consume with Cialis®?
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) suggests not drinking more than five alcoholic units while taking tadalafil (Cialis®). Drinking more than five alcoholic units may increase your risk of experiencing symptoms. One unit of alcohol is intended to be roughly equivalent to one drink.
How many drinks are safe to consume with Viagra®?
Unlike tadalafil, the prescribing label on sildenafil (Viagra®) includes no specific drink limitations. Most healthcare providers do not recommend having more than one or two drinks when using Viagra®.
How many drinks are safe to consume with Levitra®?
Vardenafil (Levitra®) has no clear limitation on alcohol consumption in the prescribing label. However, it's recommended to not consume alcohol excessively while taking this medication.
Does Alcohol Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Alcoholism is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men. One study found that the risk of ED was significantly higher in men consuming more than three glasses of alcohol daily. The risk of health complications is even higher for men over 50.
Alcohol abuse can impair testosterone production and cause the testicles to shrink. Drinking alcohol excessively may temporarily affect the nervous system. This can affect the signals sent between the brain and sex organs when you experience sexual arousal.
Prolonged alcohol abuse can cause irreparable damage to the nervous system. In addition to changing your nervous system, alcoholism can lead to other sexual health complications like low libido and premature ejaculation.
How Rex MD Can Help
It's important to practice healthy habits while treating erectile dysfunction. There is no one cause of erectile dysfunction, but there are steps you can take to prevent it from occuring as you get older. This may include following a well-balanced diet, getting adequate physical activity, and limiting your alcohol intake.
If you're dealing with erectile dysfunction, Rex MD can help you begin treatment. Rex MD offers access to ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®).
Get started today with finding the best medication to tackle any issues you have with erectile function.
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