Interactions of Cialis with other medications, alcohol, and additional substances
Cialis, the brand-name prescription drug, is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, before taking Cialis, it's essential to be aware of potential interactions and precautions to ensure safe and effective use.
Firstly, if you have a liver or kidney problem, a bleeding problem, such as hemophilia, a condition that affects the shape of your penis, like Peyronie's disease, a blood cancer, such as multiple myeloma or leukemia, or certain blood cell problems, such as sickle cell anemia, it's crucial to inform your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or decide against prescribing Cialis due to the increased risk of side effects.
Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have been specifically reported to interact with Cialis. In some cases, cannabis products may raise the level of Cialis in the body, increasing the risk of side effects. On the other hand, in other cases, they may decrease the level of Cialis, making it less effective than usual.
Antibiotics can also interact with Cialis. Some antibiotics, especially those that inhibit the enzyme CYP3A4 (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), can increase tadalafil levels by reducing its breakdown in the liver. This may increase the risk of side effects such as low blood pressure, fainting, visual changes, and prolonged erections. Antibiotics like amoxicillin are not known to interact significantly with tadalafil.
Combining Cialis with certain antiseizure drugs can make Cialis less effective than usual. Moreover, taking multiple PDE5 inhibitors simultaneously (such as Cialis with Viagra, vardenafil, or avanafil) is generally not recommended due to increased risk of additive side effects, especially hypotension (low blood pressure) and prolonged erections.
Consuming grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking Cialis could raise the level of Cialis in your body. A higher level of the drug could increase your risk of side effects.
Doctors are not likely to prescribe Cialis with nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, and isosorbide dinitrate, due to the risk of lowering blood pressure and causing dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or stroke.
Taking Cialis with certain herbs, such as St. John's wort, can decrease how well Cialis works. It's also important to limit the amount of alcohol you consume while taking Cialis, as both alcohol and Cialis can lower blood pressure.
Before you start treatment with Cialis, it's essential to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications, to help prevent possible interactions.
Cialis is not approved for use in females. It's not known if the drug is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
In summary, it's crucial to discuss your health history with your doctor before taking Cialis, as certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice when combining Cialis with these or any other medications.
- If you have male health conditions such as blood cancer, blood cell problems, certain shape problems of the penis, or liver and kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Cialis due to the increased risk of side effects.
- Cannabis and cannabis products, like CBD, can interact with Cialis, either raising or lowering the level of Cialis in your body, potentially increasing side effects or making it less effective.
- Some antibiotics can interact with Cialis, particularly those that inhibit CYP3A4, as they may increase tadalafil levels, leading to potential side effects like low blood pressure and visual changes.
- Consuming grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking Cialis could raise the level of Cialis in your body, increasing your risk of side effects.
- Combining Cialis with certain antiseizure drugs can make Cialis less effective, and taking multiple PDE5 inhibitors simultaneously could increase the risk of additive side effects. Doctors typically do not prescribe Cialis with nitrates, as it may lower blood pressure and cause serious health issues.
