Some people might wonder if taking Cialis and Viagra together can help with erectile dysfunction (ED), especially if one medicine isn’t working well on its own. Since both medicines help with blood flow and erections, it might seem like using both at once could make things better. But is that really a good idea? Let’s break it down in a simple way.
Even though both drugs are used for ED and work in a similar way, they are not meant to be taken together. Instead of giving better results, using both can actually cause more problems. That’s why doctors usually say not to mix them unless they are the ones guiding the treatment. Let’s look at why this is important.
The medical answer is unequivocally: NO!
Combining these medications is not recommended and carries significant health risks. They belong to the same drug class (PDE5 inhibitors), and their combined use leads to an amplified risk of severe adverse events without providing additional therapeutic benefit.
Feature | Cialis (Tadalafil) | Viagra (Sildenafil) |
---|---|---|
Active Ingredient | Tadalafil | Sildenafil |
Brand Names | Cialis, Adcirca | Viagra, Revatio |
Pharmacological Class | PDE5 Inhibitor | PDE5 Inhibitor |
Primary Indication (ED) | Yes | Yes |
Other Indications | BPH, PAH | PAH |
Typical ED Dose (as needed) | 10mg–20mg | 50mg–100mg |
Onset of Action (Tmax) | Median 2 hrs (range 0.5–6 hrs) | Median 1 hr (range 0.5–2 hrs) |
Duration of Action | Up to 36 hrs (can remain up to 72 hrs) | Up to 4 hrs (typically gone by 24 hrs) |
Half-life | 17.5 hrs | 4 hrs |
Primary Metabolism | CYP3A4 | CYP3A4 |
Effect of Food on Absorption | Not clinically relevant | May delay onset if taken with food |
Additional PDE Inhibition | PDE11 | PDE1, PDE6 (linked to visual changes) |
Common Side Effects | Headache, flushing, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, nasal congestion, dizziness, blurred vision | Headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, abnormal vision (blue tint), muscle pain, back pain |
What Happens If You Take Cialis and Viagra Together?
Taking Cialis (also called tadalafil) and Viagra (also called sildenafil) at the same time is not a good idea unless a doctor tells you to. Both medicines work by helping a chemical in your body relax the muscles in the penis, so more blood can flow in when you’re sexually aroused. This helps you get and keep an erection.
But taking both doesn’t mean you’ll get twice the results. Instead, it means you’ll have too much of the medicine in your body, which can cause serious side effects. Think of it like taking double the amount of pain medicine, you won’t heal faster, but you might feel sick.
However, medical studies present a more nuanced picture. A study published on PubMed found that combining a daily 5 mg dose of tadalafil with 50 mg sildenafil as needed improved erectile function, especially for patients with severe ED, without increasing adverse events. This suggests that under controlled conditions, such combinations might be safe and effective.
Two Drugs, One Pathway, Different Timelines
While both Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, their properties are vastly different. Understanding these differences is key to understanding the danger of combining them. Tadalafil’s extremely long duration is the primary cause for concern.
Another study from The Journal of Sexual Medicine explored combining 5 mg daily tadalafil with 100 mg on-demand sildenafil in non-responding patients, showing significant improvements in erectile function scores and minor, well-tolerated side effects over 12 weeks. These findings indicate that for certain patients, particularly those refractory to single therapy, combination might offer a promising alternative before more invasive options like penile prostheses.
Both medicines are broken down in your liver by the same enzyme. When you take both, your body has a harder time clearing them out. This means the medicine stays in your system longer, and the effects can overlap. Since Cialis lasts up to 36 hours and Viagra around 4 to 6 hours, you could end up with too much effect at the same time.
This can lead to problems as noted by NCBI like:
A big drop in blood pressure, Headaches or feeling dizzy, Flushed face or changes in vision, Painful, long-lasting erections (called priapism), Passing out of heart issues, especially in people with heart conditions
Doctors and drug companies clearly say not to use these medicines together. It’s not just a safety guess, it’s a real warning based on how the drugs work.
Now, are there special cases where a doctor might say it’s okay to use both? Yes, but only in rare situations. For example, if someone has very serious ED and other treatments haven’t worked, a doctor might try low doses of both. But this is done very carefully, with regular check-ups and close watching.
Before considering any combination or switching doses, it’s important to understand how different ED medications compare for instance, Is 20mg Cialis the same as 100mg Viagra? That question alone shows how different strengths don’t always mean equal effects, and why decisions about ED treatment should always be made with medical guidance.
If you’re thinking of trying both without talking to a doctor, stop and think again. You might face more side effects, longer problems, and maybe even need emergency help. And chances are, you won’t get better results than using just one medicine the right way.
So, what’s the final answer? Mixing Cialis and Viagra isn’t usually safe or helpful. Unless a doctor tells you otherwise, it’s best to stick to one treatment at a time. There are safer ways to improve how ED medicine works, like changing the dose, the timing, or trying other options.
Before changing anything with your ED treatment, talk to your doctor. They can help you find what works best for you, in a way that’s safe and right for your health.
Medical Risks of Mixing Cialis and Viagra
Some people might think that taking both Cialis and Viagra at the same time could give better results. But that’s not really how it works. In fact, mixing these two medications can be risky and cause more problems than it solves.
Let’s talk about why it’s not a safe idea.
Why Is Mixing Them Isn’t Safe?
Both Cialis and Viagra help with erections by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. But they also lower your blood pressure. Taking both together makes your blood pressure drop even more, which can lead to side effects.
Two Drugs, One Pathway, Different Timelines
Very Low Blood Pressure
Viagra can lower blood pressure by 8-10 points, Cialis by ~7 points. Combined, they can dangerously lower pressure, especially with alcohol or other meds.
Dizziness and Fainting
Standing up may cause unsteadiness or fainting due to a sharp drop in blood pressure.
Heart Problems
If you have heart issues, these meds together may overstress your heart, especially during sexual activity.
Priapism (Painful Erection)
An erection lasting more than 4 hours is a medical emergency and can cause permanent damage.
Vision & Hearing Changes
May include seeing blue/green tint or sudden loss of vision/hearing. Immediate help is needed if this occurs.
No Extra Benefit
Taking both drugs doesn’t improve performance, it only increases the risk of side effects.
Serious Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Serious Side Effect | Symptoms |
---|---|
Severe Hypotension (Dangerously Low Blood Pressure) | Profound dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, severe headache, chest pain, blurred vision, nausea, extreme weakness |
Priapism (Prolonged, Painful Erection) | An erection lasting continuously for 4 hours or more |
Sudden Vision Loss | Sudden decrease or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes |
Sudden Hearing Loss | Sudden decrease or total loss of hearing, potentially accompanied by ringing in the ears or dizziness |
Chest Pain / Symptoms of Cardiovascular Event | Sudden chest pains during or after sexual activity; symptoms suggestive of a heart attack or stroke (e.g., shortness of breath, pain radiating to arm or jaw, slurred speech, sudden weakness) |
Severe Allergic Reaction | Hives, widespread skin rash, significant swelling of the face or eyes, severe trouble breathing, unexplained seizures |
How Does Your Body Handle Drugs?
Your liver helps break down both Cialis and Viagra. When you take them together, your body can’t process them fast enough. This means the drugs stay in your body longer and build up, which increases the chances of bad side effects.
Cialis stays in your body for about 36 hours, and sometimes up to 72 hours. Viagra wears off after about 4 to 6 hours. But if you take both, the leftover drugs can still mix and cause problems.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
- Recent heart problems or history of stroke
- Liver or kidney disease
- Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia
- Inherited eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa
- Penile structural issues (e.g., Peyronie’s disease)
Drug Interactions to Avoid
- Nitrate medications used for chest pain
- Alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate treatment
- Certain antibiotics or antifungal medications
- Antiretrovirals used to treat HIV
- Other drugs known to sharply lower blood pressure
Everyday Things That Can Make It Worse
Drinking alcohol: Can make your blood pressure drop even more
Grapefruit juice: Can make the drugs stay in your body longer and make side effects worse
It’s not just about the meds. What you eat, drink, or other pills you take can affect how your body reacts.
What Do Studies Say?
Some research from UW Urology, PubMed has looked at mixing low doses of these drugs for men with very bad ED. In a few cases, it helped. But those people were being closely watched by doctors. This kind of treatment is not meant to be done without medical help.
Mixing Cialis and Viagra might sound like a way to get better results, but it usually just increases your risk of feeling sick or having serious side effects. If your ED treatment isn’t working, it’s better to talk to your doctor. There are other options that might be safer and more effective.
Always check with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication plan. Your health comes first.