Those who struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) have to juggle a lot of factors to maintain a healthy and active sex life.  That’s why drug interactions are important to discuss with your doctor. Some drugs can cause serious or even life-threatening side effects when taken together. But you still want to have the sex life that you deserve. So what do you do?

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You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t mix Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). But why not? Both drugs are used to treat ED, but they work in different ways. Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, while Cialis is a PDE5A inhibitor. But these differences don’t matter much when it comes to drug interactions.

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Both Viagra and Cialis can interact with other drugs. And both can cause serious side effects when taken with certain medications. So it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before you take them, especially if

• You have heart disease
• You take nitrates for chest pain
• You take alpha blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems

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If you take Viagra and Cialis together, you may be more likely to experience side effects such as:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Flushing
• Nausea
• Dyspepsia (upset stomach)

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You may also be more likely to experience priapism, a painful erection that lasts for more than four hours. If this happens, you should seek medical help immediately.

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So is it safe to take both? The short answer is no. If you take Viagra and Cialis together, you may be more likely to experience side effects. Still, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks. If you and your doctor decide that it is safe to take them together, be sure to monitor your symptoms and call your doctor if you experience any problems. 

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Read on if you want more information about the potential risks and side effects of taking Viagra and Cialis together.

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What Is Viagra?

Viagra is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is a PDE5 inhibitor that works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Viagra was approved by the FDA in 1998 and is available by prescription in the United States and Canada, as well as over-the-counter in some other countries.

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Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis and relaxing the muscles in the penis. This allows for increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in an erection. Viagra does not cause an erection on its own, but it increases the body's natural response to sexual stimulation. Viagra is taken as needed, typically 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. The effects of Viagra typically last for 4 hours, though they may last longer if you have a high fat meal before taking the drug.

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Viagra is not for everyone. Tell your doctor about your medical history, including any allergies, heart disease, kidney disease, or history of stroke or blood clots. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Viagra may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

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What Is Cialis?

Cialis is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors).

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PDE5 inhibitors work by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called cGMP, which is responsible for relaxing the muscles in the penis. This allows blood to flow into the penis, resulting in an erection. It also helps to prevent the premature breakdown of cGMP, which can lead to sexual dysfunction.

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Cialis is available as a tablet, to be taken orally. It is typically taken as needed, about 30 minutes before sexual activity. It can also be taken on a daily basis, starting at a low dose and increasing as needed.

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Common side effects of Cialis include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and muscle aches. Cialis can also cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting.

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What Is The Difference Between Viagra and Cialis?

Viagra works after taking the drug one time, 30 to 60 minutes before sex. It lasts for about four hours. You take Viagra only when you need it, which means you have to plan ahead. If you plan to have sex, take the pill an hour before sexual activity.

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On the other hand, Cialis works for up to 24 hours after you take it. This means you can take it in the morning and be ready for sex later that day. Cialis also doesn’t require planning ahead like Viagra does. But it doesn't give you an erection all day. Instead, you need to be aroused for it to work. This means that if you take Cialis and aren’t sexually aroused, you won’t get an erection. 

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The difference lies in how long they stay in your system. Viagra is taken about 30 to 60 minutes before sex, and it lasts for about four hours. Cialis is taken 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before sex and it can stay in your system for up to 36 hours.

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Is It Safe To Take Viagra and Cialis Together?

Viagra and Cialis are two of the most common drugs that are often prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction in men. But taking them together (or within 36 hours of each other) can cause serious side effects, like low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting. Many men don't know that, so they end up taking both drugs and putting themselves at risk. Serious side effects are not rare if you take Viagra and Cialis together, especially if you take them without a doctor's supervision.

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Your doctor can help you decide if it's safe to take Viagra and Cialis together. But this is a very rare case when two drugs are absolutely essential. In most cases, it's better to take one drug or the other, but never both, as they can cause dangerous side effects.

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What To Do if Viagra and Cialis Don't Work For You

If you have tried Viagra and Cialis, and they have not worked for you, do not give up hope. Many men who do not respond to these medications find that other options are available.

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One option is to try a different type of medication. There are many different types of erectile dysfunction medications, and each one works in a different way. If one type of medication does not work for you, another may.

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Another option is to try a different dose. Sometimes, a higher or lower dose of medication is needed to be effective.

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You can also try using a penis pump. A penis pump is a device that is placed over the penis and used to draw blood into the penis. This can help to create an erection.

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If you are still having difficulties achieving an erection, you may want to talk to your doctor about alternative solutions. Sometimes, medication you are taking can interfere with erectile dysfunction medications. Your doctor can help you determine if this is the case and offer other options.

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