Many people want flexible ways to use Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medicines, and a common question they ask is, can you take Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night?
Both Cialis and Viagra are popular medications used to treat ED. Still, they work differently and have different effects on the body.
This article will answer that and explain how each medication works. It will compare benefits and risks. You will learn when mixing may seem helpful and when it could pose risks.
How are Viagra and Cialis similar?
Both medicines belong to the Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They help widen blood vessels in the penis to boost blood flow and support an erection.
They work by blocking the PDE5 enzyme that limits Nitric Oxide’s effect. Both require sexual stimulation to work, meaning they do not cause an automatic erection.
They are effective treatments for Erectile Dysfunction and have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both medications are taken orally and are clinically proven to improve sexual performance and satisfaction for many individuals.
Common PDE5 side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and nasal congestion. Overall, both offer proven, FDA‑approved relief for ED when used alone.
In terms of similarity, both Viagra and Cialis help address the same problem by improving blood flow. Still, they do so with different timing and duration of action.
How are Cialis and Viagra different?
The main difference in Cialis and Viagra lies in how long they last and how quickly they start to work. Viagra is a good choice for people who want to plan sexual activity within a short window of time.
Cialis (Tadalafil) usually starts working in about 16 minutes and can last up to 36 hours. Its long duration makes it a good choice when you want more spontaneity over one to two days.
This longer duration has earned Cialis the nickname ‘the weekend pill.’ Because of this, Cialis offers more flexibility and spontaneity compared to Viagra.
Another difference is how often you can take each medication. You can typically take Viagra as needed before sexual activity. In contrast, you can take Cialis daily at a lower dose or when required. This means some people prefer Cialis for regular use, while others use Viagra only occasionally.
Viagra (Sildenafil) acts faster for some people, often within 30 to 60 minutes, but its effect lasts only about 4 hours. The side effect profiles also differ slightly. Back pain and muscle aches occur more often with Cialis than with Viagra. Visual changes are more common with Viagra than with Cialis.
These differences help determine which medication might be better for a person’s lifestyle and health conditions. Cialis may be better for longer coverage. Viagra may be better for quick but shorter action.
When to take Viagra vs Cialis: Morning, night, or both?
Viagra and Cialis work differently, so the best time to take them depends on your needs. Viagra is usually taken 30 minutes to an hour before planned sexual activity, and its effects last about 4 to 6 hours. This makes it a good choice if you want to plan for intimacy in the evening or at night.
Cialis, on the other hand, can last up to 36 hours and can be taken either as a daily low dose or as needed, about 30 minutes before sex. Its longer duration gives you more flexibility, so you can take it in the morning or at night, depending on when you expect to be sexually active.
Can you mix Viagra and Cialis together?
Many people wonder if they can take Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night to get the benefits of both pills. Some clinicians consider combining a long‑acting PDE5 inhibitor with a short‑acting one for select cases. A JAMA Network Open review, published in 2021, found that dual therapy may benefit advanced ED and be a first‑line option in some cases.
So, can you take Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night?
Given Tadalafil’s half‑life of about 17.5 hours, taking Cialis in the morning can give you a long window of action. Sildenafil’s half‑life is 4 hours, so it leaves your system faster.
In theory, you could take Cialis in the morning and, after 12 to 16 hours, use Viagra at night when Cialis levels are lower. If you choose this route, you must leave enough time between doses so the medications do not overlap at high levels. This may reduce the risk of doubling side effects. But never take both on the same day without talking with your doctor.
A study published in Andrologia (and supported by subsequent research) showed that daily low‑dose Tadalafil plus Sildenafil on demand was safe and helped sexual function, though it had limits, like a small sample size.
No official guidelines from the FDA or major urology societies endorse routine mixing of PDE5 inhibitors. Most doctors avoid combining pills due to unproven benefits and added risks.
Risks and side effects of taking both Cialis and Viagra
Taking Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night may seem like a way to extend the effectiveness of ED treatment, but it comes with risks. Taking two PDE5 inhibitors means inviting the risk of doubling the side effects.
Both ED medications can cause side effects such as headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, and vision changes. These side effects can become more intense or frequent when taken together or too close in time.
More serious risks include a sudden drop in blood pressure (Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension), which can cause fainting, dizziness, or even heart problems.
People with heart conditions, High Blood Pressure, or those taking nitrate medications should be especially cautious. Doubling the dose of PDE5 inhibitors by mixing Cialis and Viagra can increase these dangers.
Rare cases of prolonged erection (Priapism) have been linked to stacking ED pills.
Studies show that PDE5 inhibitors are mostly safe, but they can pose rare and serious risks like Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) and sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL). These risks become more relevant with combination therapy, such as using both long- and short-acting PDE5 inhibitors, since combined use may increase negative effects.
Make a safe plan
You must talk with your doctor before mixing ED medications. Your doctor will check your heart health and the other medicines you take. They can guide on safe timing and dosage and monitor for any adverse effects. You may need an EKG (a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart, providing information like heart rhythm and rate) or a blood pressure check. Always follow professional advice to stay safe.
Conclusion
Both Cialis and Viagra offer reliable help for ED when used on their own. They have some important similarities and differences.
They share a mechanism and common side effects, but differ in how fast they act and how long they last. Viagra acts faster but lasts shorter, while Cialis lasts much longer and offers more flexibility.
Can you take Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night? Mixing Viagra and Cialis by taking Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of side effects.
Although mixing them has some research support, no official guidelines support routine combination. The main risk is doubling the side effects, such as Low Blood Pressure, headache, and rare serious events like Priapism.
You must consult a doctor before adjusting your dosing plan or adding another PDE5 inhibitor. They will help tailor a safe, effective schedule based on your health needs and lifestyle. Your doctor will think about your health history and current medications to suggest the safest and most effective treatment.
This article is based on available research and clinical guidelines, but individual needs vary. Talk openly with your healthcare provider to find the best solution for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to take Cialis twice a day?
No, it is not okay to take Cialis twice a day. You should take it only once daily, with a maximum dose of Cialis 20 mg. Taking it more than once can cause serious side effects, like very Low Blood Pressure or painful erections. Daily use is usually a low dose, like 2.5 or 5 mg, taken once a day to keep steady levels in your body.
Can you take Cialis one day and Viagra the next?
No, you should not take Cialis one day and Viagra the next without a doctor’s advice. Both medications treat erectile issues but work differently and can cause side effects or interactions if mixed or taken too close together. Always talk to your doctor before changing or combining these medicines to stay safe.
Is there a pill that combines Viagra and Cialis?
No, there is no single pill that combines Viagra and Cialis in one tablet that is available for sale at any pharmacy. Sometimes, a doctor may ask a pharmacist to mix both medicines into one special pill just for you, but this is not common and needs a prescription.
How can I enhance my Cialis effect?
To enhance the Cialis effect, take it at least 30 minutes to 2 hours before sexual activity for best results. Avoid heavy, fatty meals and grapefruit as they can reduce effectiveness or cause side effects. Limit alcohol and manage stress. Exercise and eat healthy. Always follow the doctor’s advice.
Does Cialis work as good as Viagra?
Yes, Cialis works as well as Viagra for most people. Both help you get an erection when you are sexually aroused. Cialis lasts much longer, up to 36 hours, while Viagra works for about 4 to 6 hours. You may choose one based on how long you want the effect to last.
Is 20mg Cialis as strong as 100mg Viagra?
No, 20mg of Cialis is not as strong as 100mg of Viagra. Both help you get an erection, but they work differently in your body. Cialis lasts much longer, up to 36 hours, while Viagra works for about 4 to 6 hours. You may find one that works better for you.
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