Can we take Viagra and Cialis together?

Can we take Viagra and Cialis together?
Dr. V K Gupta Published : Apr 11, 2024 Last Updated : Apr 11, 2024

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual disability in men where they have difficulty in achieving erection. Nowadays, several medications are used to treat it. the most popular medicines used for ED are Viagra and Cialis. Now you might be wondering which one is better.

Or can we take them together? So, the simple answer is no, you cannot take both Viagra and Cialis together. ED medicines are taken only when needed, and one tablet is taken a day. So, taking both drugs together increases the risk of side effects.

If you want a different ED drug, if the first one isn't helping, before taking discuss it with your doctor. Read on this blog to know what happens if you take Viagra and Cialis together.

What is Viagra and Cialis?

Viagra and Cialis are medications used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. They belong to the class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. The medicines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Hence, they are the safe and reliable ED treatments.

How do Viagra and Cialis work?

Viagra and Cialis both are PDE5 inhibitors. The medicine works by relaxing the blood vessels. Hence, the relaxed blood vessels allow more blood to flow into the penis. As a result, an erection is achieved that is sufficient for sexual pleasure.

Can Viagra and Cialis be taken together?

No, Cialis and Viagra cannot be taken together. It is recommended to take only one ED pill a day before sexual activity. So, it directly means that you are supposed to take any one of them either Viagra or Cialis.

The effects of Cialis last for around 36 hours in the body. As a result, no one is advised to take Viagra before 36 hours. If you don't observe results from either one of them, you can take another one but after proper duration.

Why Viagra and Cialis should not be taken together?

Below mentioned are some of the reasons why Viagra and Cialis should not be taken together.

Same working mechanism

Both Viagra and Cialis work the same and follow the same mechanism. It increases the PDE5 inhibitors dose if you take both of them together. The increased PDE5 dose can be harmful to a person. Everybody's body is not comfortable with the increased dose.

Need sexual arousal

No erectile dysfunction drugs work on their own. You need to have proper sexual arousal even after taking Viagra or Cialis to achieve erection. Hence, until and unless you don't have sexual arousal, no medicine seems working.

Long-lasting effects of Cialis

The effect of Cialis pills lasts for around 36 hours while the effect of Viagra may last for just 4 to 5 hours. So, if someone takes Viagra after taking Cialis, they might not observe any effects of Viagra as Cialis effects are already there in your body.

Can we take Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night?

Taking Viagra and Cialis together feels like having a double dose of ED medicines. The doubled ED pills are not safe for health. If you think you can take Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night or vice versa, you are wrong.

The effects of Cialis may last in your body for about 36 hours. It means the effect lasts in your body for too long even the next day sometimes. If you want to take Viagra after Cialis, take it but after 36 hours.

And if you want to take Cialis after Viagra, wait for at least 24 hours. It is best to take your healthcare provider's help in such circumstances.

Side effects of Viagra and Cialis together

If you take Viagra and Cialis together, you may observe certain worsening side effects. The side effects of the medicine are quite serious and need proper medical attention right there. The most commonly reported side effects are:

  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Upset stomach
  • Runny nose
  • Indigestion
  • Flushing
  • Rashes
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Muscle pain
  • Chest pain
  • Low blood pressure
  • Priapism.

Other than the listed above effects, you may find any other side effects. Immediately visit a doctor and discuss the problem.

Medicines that should not be taken with Viagra and Cialis

Before taking any of the ED drugs, you are asked to inform your medication to your doctor. Also, let them know if you consume alcohol. There are some medications as well that interact with both Viagra and Cialis. You must avoid taking those medicines with ED drugs.

  • If you are taking any ED drug, avoid choosing any other PDE inhibitors with it.
  • Blood pressure medications may interact with ED drugs such as Viagra and Cialis and hence should be avoided.
  • Medicine containing nitrates should not be taken with Viagra or Cialis under any condition.
  • All types of antibiotics and antifungals may interact with Viagra and Cialis.

The combination of these drugs can cause worsening effects on your health. It can decrease blood pressure levels resulting in fainting. Also, don't add grapefruit products to your diet when are using any kind of ED drugs.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink alcohol if I am taking Cialis or Viagra?

Ans- Taking one or two drinks of alcohol might be safe and not have a harmful impact. However excessive alcohol can lower blood pressure levels and worsen side effects such as dizziness and more.

How long do ED medications such as Viagra or Cialis take to work?

Ans- Hardly any ED pills take 30 to 60 to start showing their effects in a body. Taking one pill of either Viagra or Cialis is enough before 30 minutes of sexual activity.

Final words

As we all know, Viagra and Cialis are the most popular treatments for erectile dysfunction. But you are not advised to take both of them together. What happens after taking both together, and the side effects and other details are mentioned above.

If you mistakenly intake Viagra and Cialis together, immediately visit your healthcare provider and discuss it.