Erectile dysfunction

Are sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) safe to use?

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Any erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments that are available at a pharmacy or prescribed by your GP are generally safe for most people. However, like with most medications, there are some risks depending on other health issues you may have.

The ED treatment products available at Well Pharmacy contain the active ingredients tadalafil or sildenafil. It is important that you don’t take ED medications if you:1,2

  • have had an allergic reaction to tadalafil, sildenafil (Viagra), or any other medicines in the past
  • are taking medicines called nitrates for chest pain
  • have a serious heart condition
  • have a serious liver condition
  • have recently had a stroke or a heart attack
  • have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • have ever lost your vision due to reduced blood flow to the eye

As with any medication, there are potential side effects that you may experience when taking ED medications, such as:1,2

  • headaches
  • feeling sick
  • hot flushes, including facial flushing
  • indigestion
  • a colour tinge to your vision or blurred vision
  • stuffy nose
  • dizziness

If you get these side effects, you can keep taking the medicine, but it’s important that you tell a doctor or pharmacist if they bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects when taking ED medications are rare. If you experience any of the below side effects, stop taking the medication immediately and contact your GP.1,2

  • Chest pains - if this happens during or after sex, sit up gently and try to relax. Don’t use nitrates to treat your chest pain.
  • Prolonged and sometimes painful erections - if you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, contact your GP.
  • A sudden decrease or loss of vision.
  • A serious skin reaction - symptoms may include fever (a high temperature), severe peeling and swelling of the skin, blistering of the mouth, genitals, and around the eyes.
  • Seizures.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Can I take erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments such as Viagra every day?

It's safe for most people to take sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) to treat erectile dysfunction every day, as long as you don't exceed the recommended dose of one tablet per day.1,2

No harmful effects have been reported from taking sildenafil for a long period of time.2

Tadalafil (Cialis) is not recommended for continuous use over a long period of time.3 If you have any concerns talk to your GP or local pharmacist.

Can I drink alcohol when taking ED treatments such as Viagra?

For the best results, it is advised that you do not drink heavily before taking ED treatments.1,2 However, having one beer or a glass of wine is unlikely to influence your treatments working.

Do I need to avoid any specific food or drink?

It's important that you do not drink grapefruit juice when taking tadalafil (Cialis) to treat ED or if you're taking sildenafil to treat pulmonary hypertension, as it can interfere with the way that the medication works.1,2

If you're taking sildenafil (Viagra) to treat erectile dysfunction you can eat and drink as normal.

Can I drive after taking Viagra and other ED treatments?

If you experience any dizziness when taking ED treatments, it is important that you do not drive, cycle, or use any heavy machinery or tools until you feel better.1

What is the recommended starting dose for Viagra and Cialis?

If you're taking tadalafil (Cialis), the recommended starting dose is one 10mg tablet prior to sexual activity.3

The starting dose recommended for sildenafil (Viagra) is 50mg.4

If you think you need a stronger dose, talk to your GP or local pharmacist.

References
  1. Tadalafil: a medicine to treat erection problems and symptoms of an enlarged prostate. nhs.uk. Published September 10, 2019. Accessed December 21, 2021.
    https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tadalafil/
  2. Sildenafil (Viagra): medicine for erection problems. nhs.uk. Published August 29, 2018. Accessed December 21, 2021.
    https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra
  3. Tadalafil 10 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). Accessed December 21, 2021.
    https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8636/smpc
  4. Sildenafil 50 mg film-coated tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc). Accessed December 29, 2021.
    https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7141/pil

Published: February 2022
Next review: February 2024
Reviewed by: Gill Stone, MRPharmS

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