Tadalafil and Naproxen: Can You Take Them Together?

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Key takeaways

• No major interaction is commonly reported between tadalafil and naproxen
• Always declare all medicines during your consultation for a full safety check
• Never take tadalafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers
• Seek urgent help for chest pain, erection over 4 hours, or sudden vision loss

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 the 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.

Tadalafil is available in two forms: on-demand tablets (10mg or 20mg) taken at least 30 minutes before sex, with effects lasting up to 36 hours, and daily tablets (2.5mg or 5mg) taken once a day at the same time [4]. The medicine only works when you are sexually stimulated—it does not cause an automatic erection. Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis and is available at Cured Pharmacy following an online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber.

What Is Naproxen and What Is It Used For?

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is prescribed for conditions such as arthritis, period pain, muscle strains, headaches, and dental pain. Naproxen works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body (prostaglandins) that cause inflammation and pain.

Naproxen is available on prescription and can also be purchased over the counter at lower doses. Like all NSAIDs, naproxen can have side effects, particularly affecting the stomach (such as indigestion or ulcers) and the cardiovascular system when used long-term or at high doses. It is important to take naproxen exactly as directed and to inform your prescriber if you have any heart, kidney, or stomach problems.

Can You Take Tadalafil and Naproxen Together?

No major interaction is commonly reported between tadalafil and naproxen, and many men take both medicines together without problems. Naproxen does not directly interfere with how tadalafil works, and tadalafil does not significantly affect naproxen's pain-relieving action. However, it is essential to declare all medicines you are taking—including over-the-counter painkillers like naproxen—during your consultation.

Your prescriber will review your full medication list and medical history to check for any individual risk factors. While the combination is generally considered safe, both medicines can have effects on blood pressure and circulation, so your prescriber will ensure the combination is appropriate for your specific health situation. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without professional advice.

What Your Prescriber Checks

During your consultation, the prescriber will ask about your cardiovascular health, any history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney function, and all current medicines. They will check whether you are taking any medicines that definitely cannot be combined with tadalafil—such as nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or other PDE5 inhibitors [4]. They will also assess whether naproxen is being used appropriately and whether any adjustments are needed to either medicine to ensure your safety.

Understanding How Tadalafil and Naproxen Might Affect Each Other

Although no major interaction is commonly reported, it is helpful to understand the potential effects of each medicine. Tadalafil can cause a mild drop in blood pressure, which is usually not a problem for most men but can occasionally cause dizziness or light-headedness [4]. Naproxen, like other NSAIDs, can also affect blood pressure, particularly in people who already have high blood pressure or heart problems, and may slightly reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure medicines.

In practice, the combination of tadalafil and naproxen is unlikely to cause significant problems for most men. However, if you experience unusual dizziness, fainting, or any new symptoms after taking both medicines together, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice. Your prescriber will take your individual health profile into account to minimise any potential risks.

Other Medicines That May Interact With Tadalafil

Some 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 amyl or alkyl nitrites (poppers) [4]. Do not take tadalafil with another PDE5 inhibitor. Alpha-blockers (such as tamsulosin or doxazosin) can also interact, so you must be stable on the alpha-blocker and start tadalafil at the lowest dose. Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, or clarithromycin) can raise tadalafil levels, requiring dose adjustments [4].

Practical Advice for Taking Tadalafil and Naproxen Safely

If you have been prescribed both tadalafil and naproxen, take each medicine exactly as directed. You can usually take them at different times of the day—for example, naproxen with food to protect your stomach, and tadalafil at least 30 minutes before sexual activity (or daily at the same time if using the daily dose). There is no need to separate the doses by a specific time interval, but always follow the instructions on each medicine's label.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol, as this can worsen erectile dysfunction, increase the risk of side effects from both medicines (such as dizziness or stomach irritation), and add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of tadalafil [1][4]. Stay well hydrated, especially if you are taking naproxen regularly. If you develop any new symptoms—such as severe stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, or an erection lasting more than four hours—seek urgent medical help. Always inform any healthcare professional you see (including your dentist or a hospital doctor) that you are taking both medicines.

When to Seek Medical Advice About Tadalafil and Naproxen

Contact your GP or pharmacist if you experience persistent side effects from either medicine, such as ongoing indigestion, headaches, dizziness, or visual disturbances. If you develop signs of a stomach ulcer (such as severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, or passing black, tarry stools), seek urgent medical attention. Similarly, if you experience chest pain during sex, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), call 999 or go to A&E immediately [1][4].

If you are starting a new medicine or your health changes (for example, a new diagnosis of heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney problems), contact your prescriber to review whether tadalafil and naproxen remain suitable. Never stop a prescribed medicine without professional advice. Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, so if you have new or worsening ED, see your GP for a full health check [2].

Getting Tadalafil at Cured Pharmacy

Cured Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (GPhC 9012511) offering tadalafil and other ED treatments following a confidential online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. All prescription medicines are dispensed by qualified pharmacists and delivered discreetly to your door. You can choose from generic tadalafil or branded Cialis, with options for on-demand or daily dosing to suit your lifestyle.

When to get urgent help

• Erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism) – call 999 or go to A&E
• Sudden loss of vision or hearing – seek immediate medical attention
• Chest pain during or after sex – call 999 immediately
• Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, or black stools – go to A&E
• Severe dizziness or fainting after taking both medicines – contact 111 or your GP urgently

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