


Cialis is a prescription medicine used mainly to treat ED (erectile dysfunction) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Its generic name is tadalafil, and it belongs to a group of drugs called Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Cialis can be taken either as needed before sexual activity or daily in a low dose, and its effects can last up to 36 hours.
Here is a quick summary of key Cialis information:
| Brand Name | Cialis |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Tadalafil |
| Drug Class | Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor |
| FDA Approval Status | FDA-approved for ED (erectile dysfunction), symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), and the combination of ED and BPH |
| Available Form | Oral tablets |
| Strengths | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg |
| Routes of Administration | Oral (by mouth) |
| Dosing Frequency | As needed (once daily max) or once daily (low dose) |
| Cialis Contraindications | Use with nitrates, severe heart disease, recent heart attack or stroke, severe liver impairment, hypersensitivity to tadalafil |
| Elimination Half-Life | 17.5 hours |
| Cialis Storage | Store at room temperature (20°C-25°C) |
| Legal Status | Prescription-only medication |
| Manufacturer (U.S.) | Eli Lilly and Company |
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Cialis is FDA-approved to treat 3 primary conditions in men:
Cialis (tadalafil) works by helping increase blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. Normally, the body releases a chemical called nitric oxide when a man is sexually stimulated, which triggers a process that relaxes blood vessels and allows more blood to enter the penis. Cialis enhances this natural process by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5, which would otherwise limit blood flow. The result is improved ability to get and maintain an erection, but only when sexual stimulation is present.
The Cialis dosing schedule is outlined in the table below for easy reference.
| Condition / Use | Cialis Dose | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cialis for Erectile Dysfunction (as needed) | 10 mg before sexual activity | At least 30 minutes prior | May be adjusted to 5 mg (lower) or 20 mg (higher) based on response and tolerance. Do not exceed once daily. The effect may last up to 36 hours. |
| Cialis for Erectile Dysfunction (daily use) | 2.5 mg once daily | Same time each day | May increase to 5 mg daily if needed. Allows for more spontaneous sexual activity. |
| Cialis for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) | 5 mg once daily | Same time each day | Taken consistently, it improves urinary symptoms. |
| Cialis for ED and BPH (combined treatment) | 5 mg once daily | Same time each day | Approved for men with both conditions. |
| Cialis for Kidney impairment (moderate) | ≤5 mg every 24-48 hours | Adjusted by the doctor | Severe impairment or dialysis- avoid daily use, limit to ≤5 mg every 72 hours. |
| Cialis for Liver impairment (mild/moderate) | ≤10 mg once daily | As prescribed | Not recommended in severe liver impairment. |
| Cialis maximum dose | 20 mg | Once per day | Never exceed this limit. |
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Consider the following Cialis administration guidelines for effective use:
Cialis side effects may include:
| Common Side Effects of Cialis Tablets | Priapism | Rare or Serious Side Effects of Cialis Tablets |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | Diarrhea | Sudden vision loss |
| Upset stomach | Abdominal pain | Sudden hearing loss |
| Back pain | Dizziness | Chest pain |
| Muscle pain | Indigestion | Irregular heartbeat and changes in blood pressure |
| Stuffy nose | Heartburn | Priapism |
| Skin flushing | Upper respiratory infection | Severe allergic reaction |
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If you miss a day of Cialis, the effect depends on how you take it. For the daily low‑dose regimen, skipping one pill of Cialis usually isn’t harmful. However, it can lower the steady level of tadalafil in your body and reduce its effectiveness until you resume. Do not double the next Cialis dose. Simply continue with your regular Cialis dosing schedule. If missed doses happen often, it’s best to discuss with your doctor.
An overdose of Cialis means taking more than the recommended dose, which is usually 20 mg once a day. Going beyond this amount does not improve results and can cause problems like headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, chest pain, or a prolonged erection that needs medical care. If you suspect a Cialis overdose, contact the poison control center or your healthcare provider immediately.
No, Cialis (tadalafil) does not require refrigeration. Follow these Cialis storage guidelines:
Cialis (tadalafil) can interact with several medications. Here are the top 10 tadalafil (Cialis) interactions you should know about:
When considering Cialis alternatives, here are some options:
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The information provided about Cialis (tadalafil) is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Cialis is a prescription medication that must be taken only under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider. Cialis dosage, safety considerations, and potential side effects may vary based on the health status and other medications. Never start, stop, or adjust Cialis without consulting your doctor. If you experience sudden hearing or vision loss, or an erection lasting more than four hours, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Dr. Jackson Miller is a board-certified medicine physician & hospitalist. He is a healthcare professional with a strong background in patient care. With years of experience and a patient-first approach, he believes the foundation of good health is a patient who feels informed and empowered. He contributes to medical content review, drawing on his background in clinical practice and patient education. He focuses on presenting health information in a clear, accurate, and accessible way to help readers make informed decisions. His work emphasizes clarity, evidence-based guidance, and understandable explanations of medical topics.
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