Does Cialis(Tadalafil) Lower Blood Pressure?

Does Cialis(Tadalafil) Lower Blood Pressure?
Published : Feb 04, 2024
Last Updated : Nov 26, 2025

Cialis (Tadalafil) is widely used for Erectile Dysfunction and enlarged prostate symptoms, but many men are unaware that it can also affect blood pressure.

Since Cialis works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow, it can naturally lead to a drop in blood pressure in some users.

While this effect is usually mild and harmless for healthy men, it can become dangerous if combined with certain medications or pre-existing conditions.

In this blog, we’ll explain whether Cialis lowers blood pressure, how much it can drop, who is at risk, and when you should avoid using Cialis for safety.

Effect of Cialis(Tadalafil) on Blood Pressure

Cialis or Generic Tadalafil tablets are PDE5 inhibitor drugs that cause blood vessel dilation to help with male impotence or ED, but they may also temporarily drop blood pressure.

These vasodilatory effects are usually mild and well-tolerated in healthy men.

In a clinical study, men taking 20 mg of Tadalafil showed a small average drop in blood pressure, about 1.6 mm Hg systolic and 0.8 mm Hg diastolic when lying down.

Changes in blood pressure while standing were even smaller.

Most people won’t experience significant symptoms from these minor bodily shifts.

Tadalafil also lowers pulmonary blood pressure and is used to treat pulmonary hypertension under the brand name Adcirca.

However, pulmonary blood pressure differs from general (systemic) blood pressure.

In healthy users, Cialis use rarely causes dangerous blood pressure drops.

Still, those with heart conditions or on medications like nitrates or alpha-blockers may face increased risk of Tadalafil Side effects, and one must consult a doctor before use.

What Do Clinical Studies Say About Cialis(Tadalafil) and Blood Pressure?

Clinical studies, including randomised trials, generally show that 20 mg of Tadalafil can cause mild reductions in blood pressure due to its vasodilating effects.

These changes are usually well tolerated in healthy individuals.

Meta-analyses and systematic reviews support its safety profile, especially in men with erectile dysfunction.

However, they highlight caution in patients taking nitrates or those with unstable cardiovascular conditions.

A study found that tadalafil caused only modest additional reductions in blood pressure in men taking antihypertensive medications, with minimal clinical impact.

Overall, the evidence suggests tadalafil has a manageable effect on blood pressure when used as prescribed.

Cialis and Blood Pressure: Medical Conditions That Make Tadalafil Unsafe

Tadalafil is not recommended if you have these medical conditions-

  • Angina
  • Recently had a heart attack, heart failure, or a stroke
  • Severe, uncontrolled irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Low blood pressure problem(Hypotension)
  • Uncontrolled hypertension(High blood pressure)
  • Severe cardiovascular disease

Patients with the following medical conditions should be cautious while taking Tadalafil.

Also, one must discuss with a doctor and let them be informed if they suffer from any of them before taking Tadalafil tablets.

A doctor may also restrict you from using Tadalafil under the following medical conditions.

  • Bleeding disorders
  • Severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure
  • Blockage or obstacles in outflowing blood from the left ventricle (such as aortic stenosis and idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis)
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease, or patients who need dialysis
  • Active stomach ulcer
  • Retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disorder
  • Deformity of the penis or Peyronie's disease
  • Suggested avoiding sexual activities due to health concerns
  • Severe vision loss or having non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
  • Have blood cell problems like multiple myeloma, sickle cell anaemia, or leukaemia
  • Priapism (erections lasting more than 4 hours that can be painful sometimes)

Cialis and Blood Pressure: Medications That Make Tadalafil Unsafe

Certain medications can increase the hypotensive effects of a PDE5 inhibitor like Tadalafil.

As a result, sudden and serious drops in blood pressure can be fatal. Medications that may increase this risk with Tadalafil are-

  • Nitrates, including amyl nitrates
  • Alpha-blockers
  • Guanylate cyclase stimulators
  • Antihypertensive medications
  • Other medications of the same class- PDE5 inhibitors 

Also, note that combining Cialis(Tadalafil) with alcohol can increase the risk of a drop in blood pressure. 

Nitrates and Cialis (Tadalafil) require special caution

Patients taking Nitrates for chest pain or angina should not take Tadalafil.

Combined use of these drugs is highly contraindicated.

Taking Cialis and Tadalafil together may cause a sudden and serious drop in blood pressure that can be fatal.

Please inform your doctor if you are already taking Nitrates or any other medicines before you start taking an ED drug. 

Signs of a Serious Drop in Low Blood Pressure During Cialis

When your blood pressure falls below 90/60 mmHg, it is generally defined as low blood pressure.

And if your blood pressure is too low, you are more likely to face serious health risks.

There can be chances of heart attacks, strokes, or shock due to insufficient blood flow to your body's organs and tissues. 

If you have taken Tadalafil and experience chest pain, dizziness, or nausea while having sex, you should immediately seek medical help. 

Some other indications of a Serious drop in your blood pressure are-

  • Poor concentration
  • Unusual thirst and dehydration
  • Fainting
  • Depression
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Blurred vision
  • Cold, clammy, or pale skin

If you face any of these symptoms, it can be a sign of too low blood pressure.

You should immediately talk to your healthcare provider if these symptoms appear.

Final lines

Tadalafil is less likely to lower blood pressure, especially in a healthy person, and no concern is typically needed.

However, certain medical conditions and drugs can increase the hypotensive effects of Tadalafil.

As a result, a sudden and serious drop in blood pressure can be fatal. 

So, it becomes essential to be cautious if you already have any medical problems or take medicines that are unsafe with Tadalafil.

Discussing with a healthcare provider can help you find the best ED solution for you and have a safe and effective treatment.

Please be sure to stick to your specific Cialis(Tadalafil) dosage to avoid any unwanted effects due to its incorrect use.

Faq

Cialis(Tadalafil) may offer cardiovascular benefits by improving blood flow and reducing heart workload. Some studies link Cialis to lower risks of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in men with ED.
 

Cialis can be safe for many but may pose risks for people with heart or blood pressure issues. It’s essential to discuss this with a doctor before using it to avoid serious complications.
 

Cialis may cause dizziness or fainting due to its blood pressure-lowering effects. This risk increases if combined with alcohol or other blood pressure medications. Always take it as directed by your doctor.
 

Cialis may not be safe immediately after a stroke or heart attack. Consult your doctor, as use depends on your heart health, medications, and time since the event.
 

While on Cialis, use a home blood pressure monitor daily, especially during the first week. Track readings consistently and report significant drops in blood pressure or symptoms like dizziness to your doctor immediately.