Food to Avoid While Taking Cialis

Cialis, generic name tadalafil, is a medication prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Because the medication helps to increase blood flow, it also can be effective reducing symptoms associated with pulmonary artery hypertension including reducing dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness. While Cialis offers benefits to those taking it, it is important to be aware of foods that could cause adverse reactions when taking it.

Two grapefruit slices on a table. (Image: -lvinst-/iStock/Getty Images)

Grapefruit

While enjoying a daily glass or half-slice of grapefruit in the morning can be a way to infuse vitamin C into your diet, grapefruit can have harmful effects when you are taking Cialis. This is because grapefruit interferes with an enzyme that is responsible for breaking down your medication. Without the enzyme, Cialis remains in the body longer than intended. This increases the medication's absorption, which can have toxic effects on the body.

Considerations

Because grapefruit juice and Cialis can affect people differently, speak to your physician about the amount of grapefruit juice or grapefruit you typically consume in your daily diet. If your physician advises against drinking grapefruit juice, remember that it takes about 72 hours for grapefruit to leave your system. Taking Cialis before this time has passed after you have consumed grapefruit can cause side effects.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Cialis can lead to adverse side effects. Cialis is a blood vessels dilator as is alcohol. When you take Cialis and drink alcohol, your blood vessels can open enough to significantly decrease your blood pressure. This may depend upon the amount of alcohol you are consuming -- alcohol in a moderate amount of about one drink may not interfere with Cialis. Talk to your physician about taking precautions best for your overall health. If you do drink alcohol and observe signs like faster heart rate, dizziness and headache, discontinue alcohol use and see your physician if your symptoms worsen.

Warning

While alcohol and grapefruit are two examples of food interactions with Cialis, they are not the only substances that can interact negatively with the medication. There are over 200 potential drug interactions with Cialis, meaning it is important to talk with your physician about all vitamins, supplements and herbal medications you may be taking. Examples of medication interactions include taking Cialis with erythromycin, ketoconazole, nitrates, rifampin and doxazosin.