Can You Take Priligy and Sildenafil Together Safely?

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online

Taking Priligy and Sildenafil Together: What You Need to Know

Published: 16 October 2026

Many men wonder whether they can take priligy and sildenafil together to address both premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The good news is that these two medicines work in different ways and can often be prescribed together safely when appropriate. Priligy (dapoxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used specifically for premature ejaculation, while sildenafil (Viagra) is a PDE5 inhibitor that treats erectile dysfunction. However, this combination must always be assessed and prescribed by a qualified UK healthcare professional, as individual health factors and other medicines you take will determine whether it is suitable for you.

How Priligy and Sildenafil Together Work in the Body

Sildenafil and Priligy target completely different aspects of sexual function. Sildenafil belongs to a class of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis when you are sexually aroused, helping you achieve and maintain an erection [3]. It does not cause an automatic erection – sexual stimulation is still needed. Sildenafil is typically taken about one hour before sexual activity, with effects lasting around four to six hours.

Priligy contains dapoxetine, an SSRI that works on serotonin pathways in the brain to help delay ejaculation. Unlike other SSRIs used for depression (which are taken daily), Priligy is designed to be taken one to three hours before anticipated sexual activity. Because these medicines act through entirely different mechanisms – one on blood vessels in the penis, the other on brain chemistry – they do not directly interfere with each other's primary actions.

When prescribed together, the combination aims to help men who experience both erectile difficulties and premature ejaculation. This dual approach can be particularly helpful when both conditions are present, as treating only one may not fully restore sexual confidence and satisfaction. Your prescriber will consider your full medical history, current medicines, and individual circumstances before recommending this combination.

Is It Safe to Use Priligy and Sildenafil Together?

For many men, taking priligy and sildenafil together is considered safe when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. No major direct drug interaction between dapoxetine and sildenafil is commonly reported in clinical practice. However, safety depends on your individual health profile, other medicines you take, and any underlying conditions you may have.

Both medicines can cause a small drop in blood pressure, so when used together there is a theoretical risk of additive blood-pressure-lowering effects. This is usually well tolerated, but it means you should be cautious if you already take blood pressure medicines, alpha-blockers (such as tamsulosin or doxazosin), or have a history of fainting or dizziness. Your prescriber will assess these factors during your consultation.

Importantly, sildenafil must never be taken with nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs known as 'poppers', as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [3]. Priligy should not be used with certain other antidepressants (especially MAOIs or other SSRIs) or some other medicines that affect serotonin. A UK prescriber will review all your current medicines – including over-the-counter products and supplements – to ensure the combination is appropriate for you. Never start, stop, or change any prescribed medicine without professional advice.

Who Should Not Take This Combination

This combination is not suitable for everyone. You should not take sildenafil if you use nitrates for angina, have severe heart or liver problems, have recently had a stroke or heart attack, have very low blood pressure, or have a history of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (sudden vision loss) [3]. Priligy is not suitable if you have significant heart disease, moderate to severe liver impairment, a history of mania or severe depression, or if you take certain other medicines that affect serotonin or are metabolised by the same liver enzymes. Both medicines require careful assessment, and the combination requires even closer scrutiny. Always disclose your full medical history and all medicines you take during your consultation.

Taking Priligy and Sildenafil Together: Practical Guidance

If your prescriber recommends using priligy and sildenafil together, timing is important. Sildenafil is usually taken about one hour before sexual activity, while Priligy is taken one to three hours beforehand. Your prescriber will give you specific instructions based on the doses prescribed and your individual response. Both medicines should be swallowed whole with water, and you should avoid heavy or high-fat meals before taking sildenafil, as this can delay its effect.

You should not take sildenafil more than once in 24 hours, and Priligy should not be taken more than once in 24 hours either. Alcohol can worsen erectile dysfunction, increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or fainting, and reduce the effectiveness of both medicines, so it is best to limit or avoid alcohol when using this combination. Grapefruit juice can raise sildenafil levels in the blood and should also be avoided [3].

Common side effects of sildenafil include headache, flushing, indigestion, and nasal congestion [3]. Priligy can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, and diarrhoea. When taken together, you may experience side effects from either or both medicines. If you feel dizzy or faint, sit or lie down until you feel better, and avoid driving or operating machinery. If side effects are troublesome or persistent, contact your prescriber – they may adjust your doses or suggest alternative approaches. Seek urgent medical help if you experience an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), sudden loss of vision or hearing, or chest pain during sex.

Alternatives to Combining Priligy and Sildenafil Together

If the combination of Priligy and sildenafil is not suitable or not effective for you, several alternatives may be considered. For erectile dysfunction alone, other PDE5 inhibitors are available, including tadalafil (Cialis), which can last up to 36 hours and is also available as a low-dose daily tablet [4]; vardenafil (Levitra) [5]; and avanafil (Spedra), which can work in as little as 15–30 minutes [6]. Each has slightly different characteristics, and your prescriber can help you find the best option.

For premature ejaculation, alternatives to Priligy include topical anaesthetic sprays or creams (such as lidocaine-prilocaine), which reduce sensitivity, or daily SSRI antidepressants (such as sertraline or paroxetine) used off-label. Behavioural techniques, pelvic floor exercises, and psychological or couples therapy can also be very effective, either alone or alongside medication [2].

If both ED and PE are present, your prescriber may suggest treating one condition first to see if the other improves. For example, anxiety about premature ejaculation can sometimes contribute to erectile difficulties, so successfully managing PE may reduce ED symptoms. Conversely, confidence gained from treating ED may help with ejaculatory control. A holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes – such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, and managing stress – can benefit both conditions [1][2].

When to See Your GP

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation for the first time, it is important to see your GP. ED can be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances [1][2]. Your GP can arrange tests, review your medicines, and refer you to a specialist if needed. They can also discuss psychological factors, relationship issues, and lifestyle changes that may help. Online consultations with UK prescribers (such as those offered by Cured Pharmacy) are a convenient option for ongoing treatment once a diagnosis has been made, but a face-to-face assessment is valuable when symptoms are new or changing.

How to Get Priligy and Sildenafil Together in the UK

Both Priligy (dapoxetine) and sildenafil are prescription-only medicines in the UK. This means you need a consultation with a qualified prescriber – either your GP or through a registered online pharmacy – before these medicines can be supplied. At Cured Pharmacy (GPhC 9012511), you can complete a confidential online consultation that is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. If the combination of priligy and sildenafil together is deemed safe and appropriate for you, your prescription will be issued and your medicines dispensed by our qualified pharmacy team.

The online consultation will ask detailed questions about your medical history, current medicines (including over-the-counter products and supplements), lifestyle, and the symptoms you are experiencing. It is essential to answer these questions fully and honestly, as this information is used to ensure your safety. The prescriber may contact you for further information or suggest an alternative treatment if the combination is not suitable.

Cured Pharmacy offers a range of ED treatments, including generic and branded options. Sildenafil (generic Viagra) is available from £0.45 per tablet (first order with code Ednew: £0.36), and other options include Tadalafil from £7.95 (first order with code Ednew: £6.36), Vardenafil from £16.95 (first order with code Ednew: £13.56), and Spedra (avanafil) from £20.95 (first order with code Ednew: £16.76). All prices include the online consultation and delivery. Your medicines are sent in discreet, unbranded packaging to protect your privacy.

Understanding the Evidence for Priligy and Sildenafil Together

Clinical research has explored the use of dapoxetine and PDE5 inhibitors in combination for men with both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. While the combination is not universally studied in large-scale trials, available evidence suggests that treating both conditions simultaneously can improve overall sexual satisfaction and quality of life when compared to treating either condition alone. Sildenafil has been extensively studied since the 1990s and is proven to be effective for erectile dysfunction in a wide range of men [9]. Priligy (dapoxetine) is the only SSRI licensed specifically for on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation in the UK and Europe.

Because the two medicines act through different mechanisms, they do not interfere with each other's therapeutic effects. However, the decision to use them together must be individualised. Factors such as the severity of each condition, your overall health, other medicines you take, and your personal preferences all play a role. Some men may benefit more from addressing one condition first, while others may find that simultaneous treatment is the best approach.

It is also important to recognise that medication is only one part of managing sexual health. Psychological factors, relationship dynamics, stress, and lifestyle all contribute to sexual function [2]. Combining medical treatment with open communication with your partner, stress management, and healthy lifestyle choices often leads to the best outcomes. If you have concerns about using priligy and sildenafil together, discuss them openly with your prescriber – they can tailor a treatment plan that suits your individual needs and circumstances.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Once you start treatment with priligy and sildenafil together, your prescriber may recommend follow-up to assess how well the combination is working and whether you are experiencing any side effects. This might involve repeat online consultations or, if needed, a review with your GP. If the combination is not effective, your prescriber can adjust doses, try alternative medicines, or refer you for specialist assessment. Regular monitoring ensures that your treatment remains safe and effective over time, and gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns or changes in your health.

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 16 October 2026]
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 16 October 2026]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 16 October 2026]
4. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 16 October 2026]
5. Goldstein, I., Lue, T. F., Padma-Nathan, H., Rosen, R. C., Steers, W. D., & Wicker, P. A. (1998). Oral sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine, 338(20), 1397–1404. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9580646/ [accessed 16 October 2026]

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.

Choose your treatment

Select from our recommended UK-licensed medications.

Answer quick questions

Select safe UK treatments. Quick answers.

Get it delivered fast

We will deliver direct to you as quickly as tomorrow.