Viagra and Cialis should not be taken together. They work in similar ways as PDE5 inhibitors, and combining them can increase the risk of adverse side effects. This is primarily because using two drugs from the same class may intensify effects like low blood pressure and other serious reactions.
Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are both PDE5 inhibitors that increase blood flow to the penis.
Cialis can last up to 36 hours, while Viagra typically peaks within 30 minutes to two hours.
Combining PDE5 inhibitors increases the risk of hypotension, dizziness, and serious cardiovascular effects.
Comparing Cialis vs. Viagra |
||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Cialis (tadalafil) | Viagra (sildenafil) |
| Drug class | PDE5 inhibitor | PDE5 inhibitor |
| Duration of effect | Up to 36 hours | Several hours |
| Typical dosing | As needed or once daily | As needed only |
| Can be taken together? | No | No |
| Key risk if combined | Increased side effects | Increased side effects |
Both medications lower blood pressure and share similar drug interactions. Using them together may raise the risk of dangerously low blood pressure, fainting, heart attack, or stroke, especially in people with underlying heart conditions.
Want a deeper look? Read our full analysis: Cialis vs. Viagra: Differences, safety, and costs
Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your urologist or healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.
Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D., graduated from the University of Florida. He has worked in both community and hospital settings, providing drug information and medication therapy management services. As a medical writer, he hopes to educate and empower patients to better manage their health and navigate their treatment plans.
...Health education, drug info, wellness & more
SingleCare is a prescription discount service that offers free coupons on thousands of prescription drugs. It can be used whether you have insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or none of the above, but it cannot be combined with insurance.
SingleCare provides transparent drug pricing, so you can compare discounts at pharmacies near you. Browse singlecare.com to find drug discounts, helpful information about your prescription, and resources to help you make informed health decisions.
Prescription savings vary by prescription and by pharmacy, and may reach up to 80% off cash price. This is a medical discount plan. This is NOT insurance. This program offers you the opportunity to locate providers of various types of medical services who will offer their services to you at discounted rates. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and service received. You are fully responsible for paying for all health care services but will be entitled to receive a discount from those health care providers in accordance with the specific pre-negotiated discounted fee schedule. This program does not guarantee the quality of the services or procedures offered by the providers. Except for prescription drugs which you will pay directly to the pharmacy at the time of purchase, all other services received through a program provider will be charged to the credit card on file in your member account. The charge will include an administrative fee for use of the program. Towers Administrators LLC is the licensed discount medical plan organization with its administrative office located at 4510 Cox Road, Suite 111, Glen Allen, VA 23060. SingleCare Services, LLC is the marketer of the discount medical plan organization including its website, singlecare.com, with its corporate office located at 99 High Street, Suite 2800, Boston, MA 02110. For additional information, including an up-to-date list of providers, or assistance with any issue related to program membership, please contact member support any time at www.singlecare.com, or by calling toll-free 844-234-3057, 24 hours, 7 days a week (except major holidays). Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Blog articles are not medical advice. They are intended for general informational purposes and are not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
© 2026 SingleCare Administrators. All rights reserved
© 2026 SingleCare Administrators. All rights reserved