Tadalafil and Gaviscon: Can You Take Them Together?

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online

What is tadalafil and how does it work?

Tadalafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men [4]. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in when you are sexually aroused. This helps you get and keep an erection suitable for sexual activity [1].

Tadalafil is available as the branded medicine Cialis, or as generic tadalafil. It can be taken on-demand (10 mg or 20 mg at least 30 minutes before sex, with effects lasting up to 36 hours) or as a daily low dose (2.5 mg or 5 mg) [4]. Unlike some other ED treatments, tadalafil's long duration of action means you don't need to time it as precisely before sex.

It's important to remember that tadalafil only works when you are sexually stimulated – it will not cause an erection on its own [1]. Tadalafil is only supplied after an online consultation reviewed by a UK prescriber, who will check that it is safe and suitable for you.

What is Gaviscon and what is it used for?

Gaviscon is a widely used over-the-counter medicine for heartburn and indigestion. It contains alginates (usually sodium alginate) and antacids such as sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, or potassium bicarbonate. When you take Gaviscon, it forms a protective raft or barrier on top of the stomach contents, which helps prevent stomach acid from rising into the oesophagus (food pipe) and causing discomfort.

Gaviscon is available in liquid and tablet forms and is used to relieve symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. It is particularly helpful after meals or at bedtime. Because it works locally in the stomach rather than being absorbed significantly into the bloodstream, Gaviscon generally has fewer interactions with other medicines compared to some other treatments.

Many people take Gaviscon regularly or as needed for digestive symptoms. If you are considering taking tadalafil and also use Gaviscon, it's natural to wonder whether the two can be taken together safely.

When to get urgent help

• Erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism) – call 999 or go to A&E immediately
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes – seek urgent medical help
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing or dizziness – seek urgent help
• Chest pain during or after sex – stop activity and seek medical advice; do not take nitrates
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or signs of allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing) – call 999

Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.

Do tadalafil and Gaviscon interact with each other?

No major interaction is commonly reported between tadalafil and Gaviscon. Gaviscon works locally in the stomach and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream, so it is unlikely to affect how tadalafil is absorbed or how it works in your body. This means that taking Gaviscon for heartburn or indigestion should not interfere with the effectiveness of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction.

However, antacids (including those in Gaviscon) can sometimes slightly alter the absorption of other medicines if taken at exactly the same time. To be cautious, you may wish to separate the doses by an hour or two – for example, take your tadalafil first and then take Gaviscon later if you experience indigestion. This is not usually necessary, but it can provide extra reassurance.

During your online consultation, the prescriber will review all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter products like Gaviscon. This ensures that your treatment plan is safe and tailored to your individual needs. Always tell your prescriber or pharmacist about any medicines, supplements, or herbal products you use.

Why might you need both medicines?

Some men find that tadalafil or other ED medicines occasionally cause mild indigestion or heartburn as a side effect [4]. If this happens, taking an antacid like Gaviscon can help relieve the discomfort. Other men may already use Gaviscon regularly for unrelated digestive issues and simply want to know whether it is safe to continue when starting tadalafil. In both cases, the combination is generally well tolerated.

What does your prescriber check before prescribing tadalafil?

Before prescribing tadalafil, your prescriber will carry out a thorough assessment to make sure the medicine is safe for you [2]. They will ask about your medical history, including any heart conditions, blood pressure problems, liver or kidney disease, and any history of stroke or eye problems. They will also review all your current medicines, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter treatments like Gaviscon, and any supplements or herbal products.

Certain medicines must never be taken with tadalafil because they can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. These include nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, and recreational drugs known as 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites) [4]. If you take any of these, do not take tadalafil. Your prescriber will also check for other medicines that can interact, such as alpha-blockers (e.g. tamsulosin, doxazosin) or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, ketoconazole), which may require dose adjustments [4].

The prescriber will also consider whether sexual activity is safe for you. Tadalafil is not suitable if you have had a recent heart attack or stroke, have unstable angina, severe heart failure, or very low blood pressure [4]. This careful assessment ensures that tadalafil is prescribed safely and appropriately.

At a glance

Practical advice for taking tadalafil and Gaviscon together

If you have been prescribed tadalafil and you also use Gaviscon, you can generally take both medicines without concern. There is no need to stop using Gaviscon, and you do not need to avoid tadalafil because of it. If you prefer to be cautious, you can take tadalafil first and then take Gaviscon an hour or two later if you experience indigestion – though this is not usually necessary.

Remember that tadalafil should be taken as directed by your prescriber. For on-demand use, take 10 mg or 20 mg at least 30 minutes before sexual activity; the effect can last up to 36 hours [4]. For daily use, take 2.5 mg or 5 mg at the same time each day. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Gaviscon can be taken as needed for heartburn, usually after meals and at bedtime, or as directed on the packet.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking tadalafil, as alcohol can make erectile dysfunction worse and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or low blood pressure [1]. Grapefruit juice can raise tadalafil levels in your blood, so it is best to avoid it. If you develop any new symptoms or have concerns about your medicines, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for advice.

What if indigestion is a side effect of tadalafil?

Indigestion is a recognised side effect of tadalafil, though it does not affect everyone [4]. If you notice heartburn or indigestion after taking tadalafil, Gaviscon or another antacid can help relieve the symptoms. If indigestion is persistent or troublesome, speak to your prescriber – they may suggest adjusting the dose or trying a different ED medicine. Never stop or change your prescribed treatment without professional advice.

When to seek medical help and warning signs to watch for

While tadalafil is generally well tolerated, you should be aware of certain warning signs that require urgent medical attention. If you experience an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), call 999 or go to A&E immediately – this is a medical emergency that needs prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage [4]. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing (sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness), also requires urgent help [4].

If you develop chest pain during or after sexual activity, stop and seek medical advice straight away. Do not take nitrate medicines (such as GTN spray) for chest pain if you have taken tadalafil, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [4]. If you experience severe dizziness, fainting, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing), call 999.

For less urgent concerns – such as persistent indigestion, headaches, or other side effects that worry you – contact your prescriber or pharmacist for advice. They can help you manage side effects and ensure your treatment remains safe and effective. Remember, erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of heart disease or diabetes, so it is always worth seeing your GP for a full health check if you have new or worsening ED [1].

Can I take other indigestion remedies with tadalafil?

Other antacids and indigestion remedies (such as Rennie, Milk of Magnesia, or ranitidine alternatives like famotidine) are not known to have major interactions with tadalafil. However, always tell your prescriber or pharmacist about any over-the-counter medicines you use. Some medicines for indigestion, such as proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole, lansoprazole) or H2 antagonists (e.g. famotidine), are generally safe with tadalafil, but your prescriber will confirm this during your consultation. Never assume a combination is safe without checking.

In summary

• No major interaction is commonly reported between tadalafil and Gaviscon
• Gaviscon works locally in the stomach and is unlikely to affect tadalafil
• Always tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products
• Indigestion can be a side effect of tadalafil; Gaviscon may help relieve it
• Never take tadalafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers

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.

Frequently Asked Questions