Comparing Cialis to Other ED Medications Like Viagra

This could increase the risks of serious adverse reactions or side effects. Make an appointment to speak with a doctor about possible causes and alternative treatment options, including other PDE5 inhibitors, medications, and lifestyle changes that might help. It’s important to discuss your sexual history, medications you’re taking, and your overall health and concerns about ED with a doctor. All content on this page has been medically reviewed by: Hassan Thwaini, Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) on 30 March, 2026. Tadalafil is a clinically-proven erectile dysfunction treatment that gives you the freedom to enjoy sex when you want it. It lasts for 36 hours - so there’s less need for planning before sex. Find the clinically proven ED treatment that suits you best.

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Cialis, a brand-name version of tadalafil, is available by prescription in tablet form in four strengths: The dose of Cialis for ED depends on your age and if you’re taking it once daily (lower dose) or as needed (higher dose). According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dosing guidelines for ED symptoms, the recommended dose for Cialis once daily is 2.5 mg to start and may be increased to 5 mg if needed. The recommended dose for as-needed Cialis is 10 mg and may be adjusted up or down to a maximum of 20 mg. It’s part of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and is prescribed for the following conditions: Tadalafil treats ED by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. Tadalafil is unique compared with other PDE5 inhibitors because it can be taken either once daily at a lower dose or as needed at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.

It increases your chances of side effects

This lets you choose which dosing suits your lifestyle needs best. On average, Cialis starts to work in about 30 minutes and can take up to 2 hours to take effect. How well a medication works depends on the individual and can vary from person to person. Don’t be discouraged if Cialis doesn’t work right away. If you’re nervous or anxious, this affects your arousal and ability to get or keep an erection. No names, no logos, no delivery fee. 4.6* from over 33,000 people like you.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Cialis Original	20mg	64 + 4 Pills	274.18€ 261.12€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	120 + 8 Pills	240.18€ 228.74€	Buy
Cialis Generic	5mg	90 + 6 Pills	115.91€ 110.39€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	30 + 2 Pills	85.33€ 81.27€	Buy
Cialis Generic	2.5mg	270 + 10 Pills	199.64€ 190.13€	Buy
Cialis Generic	2.5mg	30 + 4 Pills	51.95€ 49.48€	Buy
Cialis Soft Tabs	20mg	60 + 4 Pills	159.37€ 151.78€	Buy
Cialis Soft Tabs	20mg	90 + 6 Pills	216.71€ 206.39€	Buy
Cialis Super Active	20mg	120 + 16 Pills	382.15€ 363.95€	Buy
Cialis Original	20mg	34 + 2 Pills	183.99€ 175.23€	Buy
Cialis Generic	10mg	270 + 10 Pills	308.71€ 294.01€	Buy
Cialis Professional	20mg	180 + 4 Pills	423.11€ 402.96€	Buy
Cialis Generic	5mg	30 + 4 Pills	53.56€ 51.01€	Buy
Cialis Generic	2.5mg	120 + 6 Pills	128.93€ 122.79€	Buy
Cialis Generic	20mg	20 Pills	54.72€ 52.11€	Buy
Cialis Soft Tabs	20mg	20 + 2 Pills	66.98€ 63.79€	Buy

BSc (Hons) MBBS MRCGP AFHEA MA (Hons) AFMCP Answer a few simple questions to get the treatment you need. Tadalafil (Cialis) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence; inability to get or keep an erection), and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; an enlarged prostate) which include difficulty urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying), painful urination, and urinary frequency and urgency in adult men. Tadalafil (Adcirca) is used to improve the ability to exercise in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood to the lungs, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and tiredness). Tadalafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection.

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Speak with a doctor about your experience with Cialis to see whether a dose increase or switching to a different ED medication would work better. Try different timing if you take it as needed: You may need to take Cialis a few times for you to figure out the best timing for as-needed dosing. Don’t take more than one dose in a day. Be consistent for daily use: Some people prefer the daily dose because it allows small amounts of Cialis to always be in your bloodstream, so you can have flexibility with sexual activity. For the daily dose, try to take it at the same time every day.

Dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Cialis can last up to 36 hours in the body, but may last up to 72 hours in some cases. Your age, genetics, and whether you have heart, liver, or kidney disease all affect how the drug works and how long Cialis stays in your body. You may need dose adjustments to avoid side effects. The dosage of Cialis and how it’s prescribed for you depend on: other conditions you may have, such as diabetes or high blood pressure If you have heart, kidney, or liver disease, it’s important to discuss your ED treatment options with a doctor. You may need a lower dose of Cialis to avoid side effects. Tadalafil treats PAH by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow more easily. If you are taking tadalafil to treat erectile dysfunction, you should know that it does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire.

• Cialis 20 mg helps achieve and maintain an erection.
• A 30-pill pack provides convenience and discreetness.
• Consult your doctor about possible drug interactions.
• Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Cialis.
• Cialis 20 mg can improve confidence in intimacy.
• The medication should be stored out of children’s reach.

Tadalafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It may be taken with or without food. If you are taking tadalafil to treat erectile dysfunction, follow your doctor's directions and the guidelines in this paragraph.

• Cialis 20 mg offers a long-lasting effect for intimacy.
• The 30-pill bottle provides a one-month supply.
• Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
• Cialis 20 mg can interact with alcohol.
• Discontinue use if you experience chest pain.
• Cialis 20 mg is not suitable for women.

There are two different ways to take tadalafil, either daily or on an as needed basis. Talk to your doctor about which dosing schedule is right for you. Tadalafil is sometimes taken as needed, usually at least 30 minutes before sexual activity and not more often than once every 24 hours.

Condition	Caution	Alternative Actions
Nitrate medication use	Dangerous interactions, avoid combining	Consult doctor
Severe liver impairment	May require dose adjustment	Medical supervision
Recent stroke or heart attack	Increased risk, should consult healthcare provider	Avoid use until cleared

Your doctor will help you decide the best time for you to take tadalafil before sexual activity. Tadalafil is also sometimes taken once a day every day without regard to timing of sexual activity.

• Cialis 20 mg is effective for many men with ED.
• The pills are typically taken with water.
• Cialis 20 mg can be used as needed or daily.
• It’s important to complete the full course.
• Not recommended for people with heart problems.
• Cialis 20 mg may cause mild dizziness.

You may attempt sexual activity at any time between doses. If you are taking tadalafil on a regular schedule, take it at around the same time every day.

Society and culture

Some common side effects of Cialis include: muscle pain and back pain (higher doses may increase the risk of these effects) If you feel you’re experiencing these symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Cialis, seek immediate medical attention or call 911 or your local emergency medical services: Cialis is one of the most popular ED medications sold worldwide. It’s also very common to find Cialis and other ED medications sold online without a prescription through fake pharmacies and other suspect online portals. Buying prescription medications online through fake sites can jeopardize your health, but may also compromise your data and privacy. Fake products are designed to look exactly like the genuine prescription but may be contaminated, have more or less than the listed strength or dose, be expired, have harmful ingredients, and harm your health. You can’t tell what’s in these products just by looking.

Cialis and foods

The best way to learn more about ED is to make an appointment with a doctor. They can diagnose the cause of your ED and offer a prescription, if needed. Telehealth options (sometimes covered by insurance, including Medicare plans), such as over-the-phone, online services, and telemedicine apps, can connect you with a doctor. Occasional episodes of ED are typical and could be due to causes such as work stress, relationship troubles, or excessive alcohol consumption. But if you are experiencing ED at least 25% of the time, you should speak with a doctor. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take tadalafil less often or may prescribe a lower dose to be taken once a day.

Country	Legal Status	Required Prescription	Availability Online	Regulations Notes
US	Prescription-only drug	Yes	Widely available	Controlled sale, prescription needed
UK	Prescription required	Yes	Available online	Regulation by MHRA
Canada	Prescription-only drug	Yes	Available online	Must be sourced through licensed pharmacy

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

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Do not take Cialis with nitrate class angina medications or alpha blocker medications. They can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure. Avoid excess alcohol because it can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. Avoid grapefruit juice with Cialis, as it interacts with the medication. Take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Provider: Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)

Ask a pharmacist about interactions with other medications. Increase your physical activity and eat a healthy diet. Communicate with your partner about your concerns. Increasing your dose of Cialis increases your chances of serious side effects and damage, including: low blood pressure (a higher dose may increase the risk of dizziness and fainting) priapism (a higher dose may increase this risk due to the longer effect of Cialis) sudden change or loss of vision or hearing Call your doctor if you feel you’re experiencing serious side effects. Get medical help right away if you experience an erection lasting longer than 4 hours. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking tadalafil to treat PAH or BPH, follow your doctor's directions and the guidelines in this paragraph.

The drug Cialis is popular because you can take it every day. But should you?

You should also discuss any minor changes in your erections or libido. Addressing signs of trouble early could help treat ED or may lead to an early diagnosis of a condition like cardiovascular disease or diabetes — two common causes of ED, especially in younger people. While you may experience no side effects or complications from taking 40 mg of Cialis, you do run the risk of problems like a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can, in turn, lead to fainting and a possible injury from a fall. Taking too much Cialis also means any side effects you experience, such as headaches, priapism, and leg or back pain, are more likely to last longer than side effects accompanying a standard dose. Cialis is a prescription medication, and you should take only the prescribed amount.

Sexual Stimulation Triggers Nitric Oxide

The dose may be 10 or 20 mg for occasional use before sexual activity or 2.5 or 5 mg for ongoing daily use. If you find that the prescribed dose isn’t effective or is causing unwanted side effects, speak with your doctor about changing the dose or trying a different type of ED treatment. Like any medication, tadalafil can be cialis without a doctor prescription problematic or even dangerous if you take too much. The medication is designed to significantly impact your circulation, so taking too much may cause severe reactions that negatively affect your sexual health and blood flow throughout the body. If the Cialis dose your doctor prescribed doesn’t seem to be helping, don’t double your dose to 40 mg on your own. You should take tadalafil one time a day. Take all of the tablets for your daily dose at one time each day; do not divide the tablets to take as separate doses.