What substances impact Cialis?

Can you take Cialis with alcohol?

We recommend avoiding alcohol whilst taking Cialis.

This is because alcohol is known to make erectile dysfunction symptoms worse, and it can lower your blood pressure, increasing your risk of dizziness when standing

If you plan to drink, you must discuss your alcohol intake with your doctor to ensure it’s safe to take Cialis.

You can find out more about the effects of alcohol and erectile dysfunction in our article, Erectile Dysfunction: What you need to know.

Can you take Cialis and Viagra together?

No. Cialis must not be taken at the same time as any other erectile dysfunction medication.

Taking multiple ED medications provides no additional benefits and may increase the risk of side effects and potentially endanger your health.

Can you take Cialis with food?

Yes. Cialis can be taken with or without food, as your food intake will not interact or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Not all ED medications can be taken with or without food, so it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider.

Can you take Cialis and nitrates?

No. You should not take Cialis with organic nitrate or nitric oxide donors such as amyl nitrite (poppers).

You must inform your pharmacist or GP if you are taking any form of nitrate. Medical conditions, allergies, and other drugs, such as nitrates, may make you unsuitable for Cialis medication.

For a list of the contraindications for Cialis (Tadalafil), you can read our Tadalafil Side Effects - From Common to Rare Guide and the Cialis Patient Information leaflet.

Can you take Cialis and painkillers?

There is no known interaction between Cialis and painkillers bought over the counter such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. 

If you’re unsure, you should speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Can you take Cialis with caffeine?

There is no known interaction between Cialis and caffeine.

If you have any concerns about your caffeine intake, you should discuss it with your GP. Too much caffeine may increase your blood pressure.

Can you take Cialis and antidepressants?

Depression is a significant factor in erectile dysfunction, with UK charity Men’s Health Forum citing that ‘up to 90% of men affected by depression also have full or moderate ED’.

If you’re taking antidepressants such as sertraline, fluoxetine, or citalopram, you might still be eligible for Cialis medication. 

If you think that depression could be the underlying cause of your ED, your GP can discuss the best way to manage this with you.

Can you take Cialis and grapefruit juice?

No. We always recommend that you avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking ED medications such as Cialis because it can interact with the medication and increase the risk of side effects.

What should I do if I experience adverse effects?

The action you choose depends upon the severity of your reaction and the type of side effect you’re experiencing. 

If you have a headache, congestion, back pain or flushing that is mild or manageable, then you could wait to discuss this with a GP. 

If you have severe and unmanageable pain or a rare side effect such as fainting, seizures, penile bleeding, and sudden loss of hearing, then you must seek urgent medical attention.

How to get the maximum effect from Cialis

Taking care of your mental and physical wellbeing can help you treat the underlying cause of your ED and allow you to get the maximum effect from your Cialis medication.

Ways to take care of your mental and physical wellbeing include:

• Engaging in regular exercise

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet

• Quitting smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use

• Lowering your stress levels

Taking care of your mental and physical wellbeing and following the guidelines for taking Cialis should help you get the most out of your medication.

Whilst Cialis is effective for most men who are prescribed it, you should speak to your GP if you’re unable to achieve or maintain an erection with the help of Cialis medication.

How to find more information about Cialis

To learn more about Cialis, browse the available erectile dysfunction resources on our Health Hub and Online Doctor.

You can also speak to a clinician about the available erectile dysfunction support with a free private and confidential consultation.

Advice and information to help erectile dysfunction