Do Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Drugs Interact with Alcohol?
Low blood pressure may be a concern if you drink too much alcohol while taking erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs. These agents, in the drug class known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, cause vasodilatation and increase blood flow to the penis to help with an erection. Dilatation of blood vessels decreases blood pressure. Alcohol can also cause vasodilation and lower blood pressure, so mixing the two can have an added effect.
Studies with some PDE5 inhibitors have shown a decrease in blood pressure and symptomatic effects, like feeling dizzy, lightheaded or fainting when combined with alcohol.
Erectile dysfunction drugs include:
Cialis is also used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). It can also be used as a single agent to treat ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED / BPH).
Some PDE5 inhibitor brands (Adcirca, Alyq, Revatio) are also approved to treat high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Do not use these medicines with other PDE5 inhibitors.
Learn more: The Drugs.com Drug Interaction Checker
Patients taking PDE5 inhibitors should avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol, which may cause a sudden decrease in blood pressure when getting up from a standing or reclining position. Studies with some PDE5 inhibitors have shown a decrease in blood pressure and symptomatic effects when combined with alcohol.
Although effects can be variable, symptoms may include a faster or irregular heart beat, dizziness or lightheadedness, flushing, headache and fainting. Injury from a fall, such as a bone fracture or head injury, could occur. Use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
In general, either avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with PDE5 inhibitors.
- The manufacturer of Cialis (tadalafil) recommends no more than five (5) alcoholic drinks (for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey), while the manufacturer of Stendra (avanafil) suggests no more than three (3) drinks.
- Other manufacturers do not make specific patient recommendations, but since this is most likely a class effect, use caution when combining any PDE5 inhibitor with alcohol.
- According to the manufacturer, Viagra (sildenafil) 50 mg and vardenafil 20 mg reportedly did not increase the blood-pressure lowering effect of alcohol in healthy volunteers given certain amounts of alcohol.
- Always check with your pharmacist or doctor for possible interactions between your medicines and alcohol. Tell your healthcare providers about all the other medications you use, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements and herbal products.
Types of Drug Interactions With Alcohol
- ADHD Medications and Alcohol
- Allergies, Cough/Cold Medications and Alcohol
- Antibiotic Medications and Alcohol
- Antidepressants and Alcohol Interactions
- Antipsychotic Medications and Alcohol
- Anxiety Medications and Alcohol
- Bipolar Medications and Alcohol
- Birth Control Pills and Alcohol
- Blood Thinners and Alcohol: A Dangerous Mix?
- Caffeine, Energy Drinks and Alcohol: A Wise Choice?
- Can You Mix Alcohol with Stomach Medicines?
- Can You Mix Weight Loss Drugs and Alcohol?
- Cholesterol Medications and Alcohol: Can You Mix Them?
- Diabetes Medications and Alcohol
- Do blood pressure drugs interact with alcohol?
- Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Medications and Alcohol Interactions
- Herbal Supplements and Alcohol
- Illicit Drugs and Alcohol: Should You Mix Them?
- Is it safe to drink alcohol with acne medicines?
- Motion Sickness Drugs and Alcohol Interactions
- Pain / Fever Drugs and Alcohol Interactions
- Seizure Medications and Alcohol Interactions
- Should you mix muscle relaxants with alcohol?
- What are the dangers of mixing sleeping pills with alcohol?
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Sources
- Product Information. Cialis (tadalafil). 2/2018. FDA. Lilly, Eli and Company, Indianapolis, IN. Accessed June 16, 2024 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021368s030lbl.pdf
- Product Information. 12/2017. Viagra (sildenafil). FDA. Pfizer US Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY. Accessed June 16, 2024 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020895s048lbl.pdf
- Product Information. Stendra (avanafil). 10/2022. FDA. Vivus Inc, Mountain View, CA. Accessed June 16, 2024 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/202276s020lbl.pdf
- Product Information [vardenafil]. Sept. 2023. DailyMed. NLM. Lannett Company, Inc. Accessed June 16, 2023 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2782efed-6198-47b9-81ac-3e255e2ab7f6
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
