Erectile Dysfunction Medications and Alcohol Interactions
Low blood pressure may be a concern when alcohol (also called ethanol) is mixed with 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.
Erectile dysfunction drugs include:
Cialis is also used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hypertrophy). Some PDE5 inhibitor brands (Adcirca, Alyq, Revatio) are also approved to treat high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
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.
- In general, either avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with PDE5 inhibitors.
- Use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
- The manufacturer of Cialis recommends no more than five (5) alcoholic drinks (for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey), while the manufacturer of Stendra suggests no more than three (3) drinks.
- Other manufacturers do not make specific patient recommendations; however, since this is most likely a class effect, use caution when combining any PDE5 inhibitor with alcohol.
- In studies, sildenafil (Viagra) 50 mg and vardenafil (Staxyn) 20 mg reportedly did not increase the hypotensive effect of alcohol in healthy volunteers given certain amounts of alcohol, according to the manufacturer.
- Always check with your pharmacist or doctor for possible drug-alcohol interactions or other interactions. 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
- Antidepressant Medications 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
- Can You Mix Weight Loss Drugs and Alcohol?
- Cholesterol Medications and Alcohol
- Diabetes Medications and Alcohol
- Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Medications and Alcohol Interactions
- Heart Medications and Alcohol
- Herbal Supplements and Alcohol
- Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Interactions
- 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?
- Stomach / Heartburn Medications and Alcohol
- What are the dangers of mixing sleeping pills with alcohol?
Learn more
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Sources
- Product Information. Cialis (tadalafil). Lilly, Eli and Company, Indianapolis, IN. Accessed March 23, 2022 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021368s030lbl.pdf
- Product Information. Viagra (sildenafil). Pfizer US Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY. Accessed March 23, 2022 at accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/1998/viagralabel2.pdf
- Product Information. Stendra (avanafil)." Vivus Inc, Mountain View, CA. Accessed March 23, 2022 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/202276s018lbl.pdf
- Product Information. Staxyn (vardenafil). Bayer Healthcare, Whippany, NJ. Accessed March 23, 2022 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/200179s005lbl.pdf
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
