When it comes to treating a medical condition, disease sickness, etc., in individuals, doctors usually advise their patients what they can eat and drink and what to avoid, at least, during the course of the medication. This is so because most medications may or may not interact well when taken just before or quickly after having food and beverages. Thus, taking certain foods, beverages (alcohol and non-alcohol), and other medicines either prior to and/or after medications can impact one’s body and health.
Similarly, when treating erectile dysfunction in males, which is a rare but perplexing condition, doctors generally suggest to their patients which foods and beverages can be consumed and which to abstain from.
Here, we’re going to take a quick look at whether one should consume alcohol before or after taking Cialis medication drug for treating ED and what are its consequences.
Sexual Dysfunction or Impotence Affecting Men
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that may cause men to become incapable of having sexual intercourse with a partner/spouse due to numerous reasons. One reason is the low testosterone level, a sexual hormone present naturally in the male body, where men cannot produce sexual desire or interest. This can also lead to unsatisfactory copulation, and eventually, hardship in the sexual relationship between the couple.
One of the main problems of erectile dysfunction is the inability or lesser desire to copulate due to the decreased levels of sexual hormone (testosterone) that is responsible for producing erection of the male genital organ prior to intercourse. This can further negatively affect fertility in males as well.
It is important to note that low testosterone levels in a person could also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Therefore, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider in case of experiencing symptoms related to erectile dysfunction. If you are diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, your doctor will decide the best treatment method for you based on your medical condition and needs.
What is Cialis?
Cialis is a branded pharmaceutical drug that is mainly administered to males with erectile dysfunction (ED). Besides treating erectile dysfunction, Cialis is also used for improving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a prostate condition that may cause problems with urination, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Cialis contains the ingredient Tadalafil, a generic drug that is also present in several other branded pharmaceutical drugs as an active component. It is a prescription-only medication drug, therefore, it is not suggested for use as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
Cialis drug is available in the form of oral tablets and with dosage strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg, respectively. Generally, a healthcare professional will recommend the dosage of Cialis drug depending on the person’s medical condition.
Use and Function of Cialis Medication
Cialis medication is recommended mainly in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the drug may also be used for other medical purposes and through consultation by a professional health practitioner.
Doctors administer Cialis drug to patients starting with a lower dosage and can be taken daily or as needed. Cialis tablet is typically prescribed for oral intake at least 17 hours before sexual intercourse. After the oral intake of one Cialis tablet, its effect can last up to 36 hours, or sometimes much longer.
When a person takes Cialis drug for erectile dysfunction, he will have the medicine actively working in his system. Therefore, it will continue to work throughout the day and/or night. It is however not advised to take more than what has been prescribed by the doctor/physician in 24 hours because excessive intake of the medication drug could increase the risk of adverse effects.
Cialis medication drug which is taken orally can help relax muscles of the blood vessels in the body and aid in increasing the blood flow to different parts of the body, and the penis too, so that blood can properly flow into the male genital organ for the person to produce and maintain firm erections and for longer duration.
What Happens If You Consume Alcohol Before or After Taking Cialis Medication for ED?
Cialis is an effective medication drug used for treating men with erectile dysfunction, thus allowing them to have penile erections for sexual activity.
Cialis tablet is typically prescribed for oral intake at least 30 minutes before sexual intercourse. Upon taking the drug, its effectiveness in the person’s body starts to work between 30 minutes and 1 hour. After the oral intake of one Cialis tablet, its effect can last up to 36 hours, or sometimes much longer.
The way Cialis drug works in the body of the person when orally taking the medicine is by interacting with the blood vessels and increasing the flow of blood into the body. The function of the blood vessels in our system is to regulate blood flow into different parts of the body which helps in the proper functioning of the body, the nervous system, and the organs.
Therefore, Cialis aids in regulating the flow of blood from the blood vessels into the person’s body and his genital organs. The proper flow of blood into the penis allows the male to develop a firm erection, sustain for some time and engage in sexual intercourse with partner/spouse.
However, if the person drinks alcohol either before or after taking the ED drug, this could affect the proper functioning of the medication.
Cialis Interaction with Alcohol:
When a person consumes alcohol and shortly afterward takes the Cialis drug, the interaction between the medication drug and alcohol present in the body can have a significant effect on the efficacy of the drug in improving ED in the person.
This depends on whether the person has had alcohol in a small amount or indulged in excessive consumption of liquor. It is also important to understand that excessive consumption of alcohol is one of the factors that cause ED in males, thus making their sex drive more challenging.
Additionally, consuming alcohol in a significant proportion, and then taking the Cialis drug can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
In medical usage, it is understood that both Cialis drug and alcohol interact directly with the blood in the person’s body. While one may do good, the other may disrupt the normal functioning of the flow of blood, thus causing one or more complications to the person’s health.
Complications Arising From Taking Cialis Medication for ED
Cialis drug should be avoided if the person is using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems because the drug can significantly decrease blood pressure. Side effects can occur in a person when given prolonged intake of the drug.
The symptoms that could occur in the person if the Cialis drug is taken for an extended period of time are headache, dizziness, backache, high blood pressure or hypertension, dyspepsia, pain in the limbs, myalgia, cough, nausea, flushing, mild allergic reactions, etc.
Wrapping Up
Taking alcohol and medicines together is generally not advised because of the effects their interaction can have on the person’s body and health.