If you take sildenafil or tadalafil for erectile dysfunction (ED), you may wonder whether you can still enjoy a drink. Alcohol is not automatically off limits, but drinking too much can increase the risk of side effects and may make it harder to get an erection in the first place.
Understanding how alcohol can affect ED medication can help you use your treatment more safely and effectively.
Can you drink alcohol with sildenafil?
There is no general requirement to avoid alcohol completely when taking sildenafil. However, the NHS advises avoiding excessive alcohol because it can make it more difficult to get an erection.
This is important because sildenafil (the cheap generic version of Viagra) is designed to help with erectile function, but it cannot necessarily overcome the effects of drinking heavily.
Alcohol can affect the central nervous system and reduce sexual arousal. It can also affect blood pressure and circulation. As a result, having several drinks before sex may work against the reason you are taking sildenafil.
For the best chance of getting the desired effect from your treatment, keeping alcohol consumption moderate is sensible.
Can you drink alcohol with tadalafil?
The same basic principle applies to tadalafil. You do not necessarily have to avoid alcohol altogether, but drinking alcohol while taking tadalafil can increase your risk of low blood pressure, which may make you feel dizzy or light-headed.
The NHS also advises avoiding too much alcohol because it can make getting an erection more difficult. This means that a large amount of alcohol is not a good combination with tadalafil, particularly if you are already prone to dizziness or low blood pressure.
Does alcohol stop sildenafil or tadalafil from working?
Not necessarily, but drinking heavily can make it more difficult for ED medication to do its job effectively. Both sildenafil and tadalafil are PDE-5 inhibitors. They help increase blood flow to the penis when you are sexually aroused.
If you have consumed a lot of alcohol, you may find it more difficult to become sexually aroused or maintain an erection, even if you have taken your medication correctly.
This is one reason why reducing alcohol intake can be useful if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction. The NHS identifies drinking too much alcohol as one possible cause of occasional erection problems.
Can alcohol increase the side effects of erectile dysfunction medication?
It can. Tadalafil, for example, can lower blood pressure, and alcohol can increase the risk of experiencing low blood pressure. This may result in dizziness or light-headedness.
Sildenafil can also cause dizziness in some people. Other possible side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, a blocked or stuffy nose and temporary visual changes.
If you feel dizzy or light-headed after taking an ED medicine, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel better.
Is it better to avoid alcohol completely before taking erectile dysfunction medication?
Not necessarily. The key issue is the amount you drink and how your body responds to the combination. If you are planning to take sildenafil or tadalafil, avoiding excessive alcohol is a sensible precaution.
You should also follow the dosage and timing instructions provided with your medicine. If you know that alcohol makes you feel dizzy, lowers your blood pressure or affects your ability to get an erection, limiting or avoiding it before sex may be particularly helpful.
Remember that there is no benefit to taking more ED medication because alcohol has made it harder to get an erection. Never increase your dose beyond the recommended amount in an attempt to compensate.
What if I regularly drink alcohol and have erectile dysfunction?
If you regularly drink heavily and are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it may be worth looking at your alcohol consumption as part of the bigger picture.
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can affect general health as well as sexual function. Reducing your intake may therefore be beneficial for more than just your sex life.
The NHS recommends that adults who drink alcohol should have no more than 14 units per week, spread over three or more days.
Alcohol and erectile dysfunction medication: mix responsibly
You do not necessarily have to give up alcohol completely when taking sildenafil or tadalafil. However, drinking heavily can make erections more difficult and may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure.
If you are using ED medication, moderation is important. Follow the recommended dose, avoid excessive drinking and seek professional advice if you are unsure whether your medication is suitable for you.
If erectile difficulties continue to happen, it is also worth discussing them with a healthcare professional. ED is common and treatable, but recurring problems can sometimes be linked to underlying health conditions that deserve attention.