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Can You Take Viagra and Cialis Together? How to Use

Written by: Jack Health Team
Reviewed by: Sarah Bento-De Sousa PharmD. RPh

Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil) are both prescription medicines. They use different active ingredients so there is a possibility to combine them to double up the effects.

In this article, we will clarify if that works and if it is safe.

How Cialis and Viagra Work

Erectile dysfunction is accompanied by decreased production of cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) which improves penile blood flow by helping the muscles in the penis relax. 

  • PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5), degrades cGMP in the penis, making an erection difficult to achieve.
  • PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra and Cialis, increase cGMP by inhibiting its breakdown which helps sustain an erection.
Taking Viagra and Cialis Together

A low dose of Cialis can be prescribed daily to be topped up with Viagra to improve treatment outcomes. However, taking Cialis and Viagra together should be medically supervised. 

Doubling up on medications increases the risk of severe side effects from exceeding the recommended dosage.

For those exploring natural alternatives to prescription medications, it’s worth looking into how supplements compare. Discover the differences between Horny Goat Weed and Viagra to see if a natural option might be suitable for you.

How to Take Viagra and Cialis Together

If recommended by a healthcare provider the safest way to take Cialis and Viagra together: 

  1. Requires special care regarding interactions with other medications (nitrates, alpha-blockers, Avanafil, nitroglycerin, grapefruit juice, Erythromycin, Riociguat, libido supplements, Poppers (contain nitrites) and medications for pulmonary hypertension, heart disease or benign prostatic hyperplasia).
  2. Can include personalized, compounded medication.

 

When considering combining  medications, some patients explore alternative options like JaXX for enhanced effects. Learn more about how JaXX could fit into your treatment plan.

How to Get the Maximum Effect from Cialis or Viagra

Lifestyle and dietary choices that can enhance the effectiveness of Cialis and Viagra are: 

  • Limiting alcohol intake and stopping smoking 
  • Well-balanced diet and exercise Improving sleep because short sleep duration
What are the Main Differences Between Cialis and Viagra?
  • The main difference between Viagra and Cialis is their duration. Viagra is effective for 4h and remains present in the body for an additional 20h, while Cialis’s effect lasts up to 36h and it can stay in the body for up to 72h.
  • The side effects of Viagra and Cialis can range from mild (headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, stuffy/runny nose, dizziness, and rash) to serious (sudden vision loss in one/both eyes and sudden partial/ total loss of hearing). Priapism, a painful erection that lasts over 4h, requires medical intervention.

 

The healthcare provider decides to prescribe Viagra or Cialis based on medical history, current medications, and personal preference. It is not advisable to buy Cialis or Viagra without a prescription as it may exacerbate health issues. 

The choice of medication and the right dosage requires a pre-treatment evaluation by a healthcare provider.

In addition to comparing Cialis and Viagra, some patients consider alternatives like Kamagra Jelly. To understand how it compares, explore our guide on Kamagra Jelly vs Viagra for a detailed comparison.

Which is Better for You: Viagra or Cialis?

Viagra and Cialis differ in convenience, duration, affordability, and tolerability. 

Both Viagra and Cialis can be taken when needed, while Cialis can also be taken daily at a low dose as some sort of maintenance therapy. 

Cialis can be taken without regard to food, whereas Viagra is less effective if taken after the meal. 

Viagra has a big advantage – it starts working sooner than Cialis. Viagra costs more than Cialis, even its generic versions.

Most users generally prefer Cialis because it is generally well tolerated, lasts longer, can be taken with or shortly after a meal, and is more affordable. 

If you’re undecided between these medications, comparing them with others like Levitra can provide additional clarity. Check out our detailed comparison of Viagra vs Cialis vs Levitra to determine which might be the best choice for you.

Key Takeaways

 

  • Cialis and Viagra are PDE5 inhibitors Viagra stays effective for 4h, while Cialis works for 36h. 
  • Taking Viagra and Cialis together would have similar effects to taking a double dose of either medication, which could be dangerous and ineffective. 
  • Combining these medications without medical supervision can result in dangerously low blood pressure and other complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe to Take Cialis and Viagra Together?

The combination of Viagra and Cialis increases the likelihood of priapism and affects heart health, such as the impact on blood pressure. It’s best to avoid taking one medication until the other is safely out of the system.

How Long Does It Take for Viagra to Work?

The majority of men taking Viagra achieve results in 30-45 min. Factors like diet, overall health, underlying conditions, and other medications can prolong the onset to a couple of hours.

Sources:

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