The science behind mixing Cialis with alcohol, risks, safety tips, and comparison with other ED meds.
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If you're using Cialis, you've likely asked yourself a very common question: Can you drink with Cialis?
Here’s the good news: for most men, a glass of wine or a beer with Cialis is usually safe.
In fact, a study shows that nearly 78% of U.S. men mix alcohol with prescription medications at some point, and ED meds like Cialis (tadalafil) are no exception.
While moderate amounts of Cialis and alcohol can often coexist without issue, but going overboard can amplify risks.
It can amplify side effects like dizziness, headaches, or even fainting. So while a toast is fine, a bender is not.
The goal of this guide is to explain exactly what science says about alcohol and Cialis, and give you a clear, fact-based path to making safe choices.
You’ll also see how Cialis (tadalafil) compares with Viagra when alcohol is in the mix, plus practical safety tips for your next night out.
Mixing Cialis and alcohol isn’t a flat yes/no answer; it depends on how much you drink and how Cialis works in your body.
Both tadalafil (Cialis) and alcohol act as vasodilators, meaning they relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
That’s helpful for erections but risky in excess. To answer whether alcohol affects Cialis, we have to start with the science.
Cialis (generic name tadalafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor, which means it blocks the enzyme that restricts blood flow to the penis.
Relaxed blood vessels allow more blood to enter the erectile tissue, making it easier to get and keep an erection.
Cialis is a vasodilator, which is why doctors sometimes prescribe it for pulmonary hypertension, too.
But when you add alcohol, another vasodilator, the effect doubles up, which can lead to drops in blood pressure.
Moderate drinking (1 to 2 drinks) usually doesn’t affect Cialis performance.
One study noted that combining Cialis with excessive alcohol (5+ units) may raise your risk of orthostatic symptoms like increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, dizziness, and headache.
That means if you binge, you’re more likely to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint.
And because alcohol itself dulls arousal and can cause temporary ED, it may feel like Cialis “isn’t working” when in reality, it’s the alcohol getting in the way.
Excessive alcohol with Cialis consumption can act as a central nervous system depressant, making it harder to get an erection regardless of the medication.
Over the long term, chronic heavy drinking can worsen ED by negatively affecting hormone levels, including a drop in testosterone.
Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, doesn't have a blanket ban on alcohol, unlike some meds that scream "no mixing."
The key is moderation: The CDC defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
One glass of wine or a beer alongside Cialis is unlikely to cause trouble.
Binge drinking, though? That's a different story.
It can amp up the risk of orthostatic hypotension, and if you're prone to low BP or on blood pressure meds, even moderate use might need a doctor's nod.
Heavy drinkers on PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis saw reduced effectiveness, tied back to alcohol's dehydrating punch.
Timing can make all the difference.
Cialis (Tadalafil) is famous for its 17.5-hour half-life, which is why it’s nicknamed “the weekend pill.”
Alcohol, meanwhile, metabolizes in about 1 hour per drink.
Cialis peaks around two hours after you take it and sticks around for up to 36 hours.
So, if you dose in the morning, an evening drink or two should be fine once the initial effects settle.
It is also suggested to wait at least two to four hours post-pill to minimize any overlap in blood pressure dips.
If you've been drinking first, hold off on the Cialis until you're clear-headed; alcohol can linger in your system for an hour per drink.
Always remember that Cialis stays active for up to a day and a half, so “spacing it out” doesn’t mean you’re in the clear if you plan to binge later.
Not sure what “one drink” really means? Don't guess, here get specific.
A standard drink is 12 ounces of 5% beer, 5 ounces of 12% wine, or 1.5 ounces of 40% spirits. For Cialis users, anything beyond that adds up fast.
Keeping track matters. If you’re sipping oversized pours or strong cocktails, that “one drink” may actually count as two.
Mixing Cialis with alcohol isn’t automatically dangerous, but it does raise the stakes.
Cialis and Alcohol can lead to some unpleasant side effects that are often amplified by alcohol.
When you take Cialis, your body is already adjusting to increased blood flow. Add alcohol, and you might notice:
Headaches
Flushing or redness in the face
Nausea or upset stomach
Lightheadedness or “wobbly” feeling
Dehydration from the alcohol, combined with the vasodilation from the Cialis, can ruin the mood if you’re planning an intimate night.
The single biggest risk of mixing Cilais and alcohol is a severe drop in blood pressure. This can cause:
Dizziness or fainting
Blurred vision
Falls or accidents
The effect is particularly pronounced with tadalafil, as its long duration means the risk is present for much longer than with other ED medications.
The FDA has specifically warned about this interaction, especially if you drink heavily. If you already take blood pressure medication, the combo of Cialis and alcohol can be extra risky.
The fear that you can become dependent on it is a myth. There are no true withdrawal effects from Cialis. What you might feel is:
Lingering dizziness from alcohol
Anxiety about performance
Fatigue or a hangover
The biggest risk is psychological dependence, where you feel you need the medication to perform.
But you won’t go through chemical withdrawal.
The bigger concern is relying on Cialis + alcohol as a crutch over time; alcohol itself can worsen ED by lowering testosterone and damaging blood vessels.
This is a key question that often comes up in online forums.
The short answer is that not all ED meds react with alcohol in the same way.
As phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, both Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are vasodilators, but their differences in duration and potency change how alcohol plays into the mix.
Just like with Cialis, the same principles apply to Viagra.
Both drugs are PDE5 inhibitors, and both can cause a drop in blood pressure. So, can you drink alcohol with Viagra? Yes, but moderation is key.
The main difference is the half-life. Since Viagra (sildenafil) only lasts 4 to 6 hours, the window for interaction is much smaller.
You won't have to worry about mixing Viagra with wine or having a beer Viagra combo for an entire weekend.
The risk of mixing alcohol with Viagra is still there, but it’s a much shorter-lived concern.
The safest answer is that none of them work well with excessive alcohol.
The question isn't about which is "best" but which has the safest profile.
The drinking with cialis The window is longer than with Viagra, but both pose risks with heavy drinking.
Viagra clears quicker, but it's best to stick to a minimal amount of alcohol.
The safest option? Plan your dose around a night you’re not drinking heavily.
Alcohol isn’t the only thing that can interact with Cialis.
Certain medications like nitrates (NitroStat), blood pressure drugs, HIV treatments, antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), antibiotics (erythromycin), alpha-blockers, or other ED meds such as Viagra may cause dangerous interactions.
Health conditions, liver problems, ulcers, or bleeding disorders can also make Cialis unsafe.
Even without alcohol or drug interactions, some people experience side effects like headache, indigestion, back pain, flushing, nasal congestion, or dizziness.
Rare but serious issues, including priapism (an erection lasting more than four hours), sudden vision loss, or hearing changes, require immediate medical attention.
Does alcohol affect Cialis?
Yes, at high doses it can lower blood pressure more and dull effects, but moderate amounts? Minimal impact, per FDA data.
How long after taking tadalafil can I drink alcohol?
Aim for 2 to 4 hours post-dose to let it settle, though the full window lasts longer.
Can alcohol make ED worse even if I’m on Cialis?
Yes, alcohol can dull nerve signals and reduce blood flow, making it harder to get an erection, even with ED medication.
Is Cialis safer with alcohol than Viagra?
Not exactly. Viagra clears faster, but both carry risks when mixed with alcohol.
Can I have one drink with Cialis?
Yes, moderate drinking (1 to 2 drinks) is generally considered safe.
Heavy drinking can lower blood pressure, make it harder to get an erection, and raise your risk of fainting.
Is there any effect of coffee on Cialis?
Generally, there are no known issues with mixing Cialis and coffee.
In fact, some studies suggest caffeine may even help with blood flow.
Caffeine's mild stimulant might even offset any drowsiness from alcohol, but don't overdo it if BP's a concern.
What should you watch for regarding Cialis and an alcohol hangover?
A Cialis and alcohol hangover is not something you want to experience.
Alcohol causes dehydration, which can worsen common side effects like headaches and muscle aches.
That post-booze fog can mimic or worsen Cialis side effects like fatigue. Rehydrate, eat electrolytes, and skip the pill if you're still reeling.
The question of can you drink alcohol with Cialis is a common one, and the answer is reassuring: yes, you can, but only in moderation.
The goal isn’t to abstain completely, but to be smart about your choices.
Cialis is effective and long-lasting, but combining it with more than a couple of drinks can undo its benefits and raise health risks.
The safest bet? Use Cialis on alcohol-free days, or keep drinking minimally.
The most important takeaway is to always prioritize your health and safety.
If you have any questions or concerns about your specific health needs, a healthcare professional is the best resource. They can provide a personalized plan that helps you achieve your goals safely.
Ready to get a personalized ED treatment plan? Take our ED quiz to find the right path for you.
Our team has over a decade of experience in the sexual wellness field and are experts in sexual dysfunctions, like premature ejaculation. We help couples and individuals better understand treatment options available for different types of sexual needs and educate the public on all things related to intimacy. All of our authored content is medically reviewed for accuracy and reliability.
Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can find out more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Arackal BS. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence. Indian J Psychiatry. 2007;49(2):109–112. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2917074/. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about moderate drinking. 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-drinking.htm. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About standard drink sizes. 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/standard-drink-sizes/index.html. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cialis (tadalafil) tablets for oral administration. 2018. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021368s030lbl.pdf. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
Rashid A. The efficacy and safety of PDE5 inhibitors. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2005;6(9):1539–1551. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16156423/. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
Dhaliwal A, Gupta M. PDE5 inhibitors. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549843/. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
Kim JN, Oh JJ, Park SD, et al. Influence of alcohol on phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors use in middle- to old-aged men: a comparative study of adverse events. Sex Med. 2019;7(4):425–432. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6963111/. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
Li S, Song JM, Zhang K, et al. A meta-analysis of erectile dysfunction and alcohol consumption. Urol Int. 2021;105(11-12):969–985. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34521090/. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Vasodilators. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554423/. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Orthostatic hypotension. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448192/. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. NIH study reveals many Americans at risk for alcohol-medication interactions [Press release]. 2014 Nov 20. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-study-reveals-many-americans-risk-alcohol-medication-interactions. Accessed on Sep 16, 2025.
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