Cialis Daily vs Cialis: What's the difference?

If you have side effects with the 10-mg dose, your doctor may reduce your dose to 5 mg. If the 10-mg dose doesn’t work for you, they may increase your dose to the maximum recommended dosage of 20 mg per day. When taken for occasional use to treat ED, the effects of Cialis have been reported to last up to 36 hours. Regardless of the prescribed dose, you should not take more than one Cialis tablet per day. For treating BPH, the recommended Cialis dosage is 5 mg taken once per day.

Key Takeaway 2

2008. A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg in Japanese patients with severe erectile dysfunction. The journal of sexual medicine, 4(3), pp.745–752. This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer on Sep 03, 2025. Next review due on Sep 03, 2028.

Who should not use tadalafil?

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. We couldn't find what you're looking for. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something. All of our reviews are collected from real patients after their treatment has been delivered. For use as a single medication to treat both ED and BPH, the recommended Cialis dosage is 5 mg taken once per day.

You don’t have to take Cialis at any specific time before sexual activity when it’s prescribed in this way. Doctors recommend using Cialis as a long-term treatment, even if you take it only on occasion to treat ED. If you and your doctor determine that Cialis is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term. The following are some answers to frequently asked questions about Cialis dosages.

Brand names

If this isn’t the case, again, let your clinician know. Getting the best results when you take Cialis is the end goal. Always follow the instructions in the leaflet or on the pack and any specific guidance given to you by your doctor. If you’re taking Cialis as needed, remember to give it enough time to work. Results aren’t instant, so aim for no less than 30 minutes before sex — longer if possible.

How to avoid Cialis side effects

Avoiding mixing Cialis with nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate or GTN spray. These cause a drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous and never take double doses or split doses. 2004.The efficacy and safety of tadalafil: an update. Tadalafil administered once daily for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A dose finding study. The Journal of Urology, 180(4), 1228-1234 Coward, Robert M., Carson, Culley C. The maximum recommended dosage of Cialis is 20 mg once per day. Taking a higher dose of Cialis than recommended could increase your risk for side effects. These can include serious side effects such as drops in blood pressure or priapism (a painful erection that won’t go away). It’s important not to take more Cialis than the dose your doctor recommends. You should take Cialis exactly as it’s prescribed for you. If you have other questions about Cialis doses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Cialis dosages for someone who is age 70 years (and older adults in general) are the same as those for other adults. For recommended doses, see the “Cialis dosage” section. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Cialis. Because of this, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose than usual when you start taking Cialis. Then, if needed, they can adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. If you have additional questions about the use of Cialis in older adults, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. It’s important that you do not use more Cialis than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose. Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Cialis.

• A treatment option for men with both ED and BPH (common combo).
• Potential for improved quality of life and self-esteem.
• Open communication with your partner about treatment is beneficial.
• Does not cause infertility; may actually aid in conception efforts.
• Sperm parameters are not negatively affected by tadalafil.
• There is no evidence it causes permanent retinal damage.
• Most side effects are mild to moderate and diminish over time.
• Back pain is thought to be due to PDE11 inhibition in muscle.
• Staying well-hydrated may help mitigate muscle-related side effects.
• Driving and operating machinery are usually safe while taking it.

Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool.

If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room. The Cialis dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors.

Proper Use

You do not have to take Cialis at any specific time before sexual activity when it’s prescribed in this way. You can take your dose at any time of day. But you should try to take it at the same time every day. This helps ensure there’s enough medication in your body for Cialis to be effective. The typical dosage of Cialis for occasional use in treating ED is 10 mg taken before sexual activity. the type and severity of the condition you’re using Cialis to treat side effects that you may have from taking Cialis how well the medication is working for you, if used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Cialis dosage. If you have kidney or liver problems, your doctor may adjust your Cialis dosage. If the kidney or liver problems are mild or moderate, you’ll likely need a lower dose of the drug than usual. Keep in mind that if you have severe liver problems, you should not use Cialis.

Key Takeaway 5

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for Cialis. Be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here. Cialis comes as an oral tablet in four strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The drug is also not recommended for daily use if you have severe kidney problems. Your doctor can determine the severity of your kidney or liver problems and whether Cialis is a safe medication for you to take. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about Cialis dosage adjustments. You can take them with or without food.

• Cialis is a popular medication for erectile dysfunction.
• 5 mg is the lowest prescribed dosage of Cialis.
• Doctors often recommend 5 mg for daily use.
• Cialis works by increasing blood flow to the penis.
• The usual starting dose is 10 mg, but 5 mg is common for daily use.
• Cialis can be taken with or without food.
• It typically takes about 30 minutes to work.
• The effects of a 5 mg dose can last up to 36 hours.
• Cialis is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Patients should avoid grapefruit while taking Cialis.
• Side effects may include headache, flushing, and nasal congestion.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects with Cialis.

If you take Cialis for occasional use to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), you should take your dose before sexual activity. If you take Cialis daily for ED, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or both, you can take your dose at any time of day.

But you should try to take your dose at the same time every day. You should not take more than one dose of Cialis per day. Be sure not to take more of the drug than your doctor prescribes for you.

What special precautions should I follow?

We publish reviews collected through independent platforms including Reviews.io and Trustpilot. Why this page was updated on Sep 19, 2025 Content checked and updated as part of our 3-yearly periodic review, to ensure accuracy and currentness. Cialis (tadalafil) is a brand-name drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The typical dosage of Cialis depends on the condition it’s being used to treat. And for ED, the dosage depends on whether it’s taken daily or as needed.

What are the serious side effects of tadalafil?

The maximum recommended dosage for ED or BPH is 20 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your Cialis dosage based on factors such as other medications you take, whether you experience bothersome side effects, and whether you have kidney or liver problems. Cialis belongs to a drug class called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is available in a generic version. This article describes the dosages of Cialis, as well as its available strengths and how to take it. Doing so may lead to serious side effects from Cialis. If you have questions about how to take Cialis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget to take a once-daily dose of Cialis, try to take it as soon as you remember. But keep in mind that you should not take more than one Cialis dose per day.

• Cost per pill is generally lower for the daily dose versus as-needed.
• Some insurance plans prefer the daily dosing for cost reasons.
• Manufacturer's patent on Cialis expired in the United States in 2018.
• Internet pharmacies claiming "no prescription" are often illegitimate.
• Verify online pharmacy legitimacy through VIPPS or similar programs.
• Counterfeit pills may contain harmful substances like talc or lead.
• They may also contain incorrect amounts of tadalafil or sildenafil.
• Authentic medication will always require a valid prescription.
• Discuss all treatment costs openly with your healthcare provider.
• Financial stress can itself be a contributor to erectile dysfunction.

So if you missed a dose yesterday, skip that dose and take your next scheduled dose of Cialis. It’s important that you do not take more Cialis than your doctor prescribes for you. Doing so may lead to serious side effects.

• The 5 mg tablet is the lowest strength available for daily use.
• Brand-name Cialis 5 mg is manufactured by Eli Lilly.
• Patents have expired, allowing multiple generic manufacturers.
• Generic bioequivalence is rigorously tested by the FDA.
• Pill imprint "C 5" often identifies brand-name Cialis 5 mg.
• Different generics may have different shapes, colors, or imprints.
• Mail-order pharmacies can be a convenient source for refills.
• Traveling with medication: keep in original labeled container.
• Temperature extremes can degrade the medication's potency.
• Dispose of unused medication via drug take-back programs.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date.

How quickly does it work, and how long does it last?

Cialis is approved to treat the following conditions: Note: Some people may be prescribed Cialis to treat both ED and BPH. Whichever condition Cialis is used to treat, the recommended maximum dose per day is 20 mg. This is the highest dosage that a best price for cialis 5 mg doctor may prescribe. If you’re prescribed Cialis for daily use, the typical starting dosage is 2.5 mg taken once per day. If this dosage is not effective for you, your doctor may increase your dosage to 5 mg per day. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

What’s the pack size?

If you aren’t seeing the results you want on Cialis Daily 2.5mg, and don’t experience side effects, your prescriber may recommend upping your dose to Cialis 5mg daily. It should be equally as effective at treating ED as Cialis. There is no Cialis 40mg or Tadalafil 40mg available in the US. A tadalafil dosage of 40mg is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, but this is under careful medical supervision. Doses higher than 20mg have a higher risk of side effects and can dangerously affect blood pressure.

Tadalafil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

One such side effect, priapism, is an erection that lasts more than 4 hours and requires immediate medical attention. At your consultation, make sure you give your doctor your full medical history. This will help them make the best initial decision about your erectile dysfunction treatment. Once you begin treatment, keep an eye out for any side effects and let your prescriber know if they occur. Whilst it’s important you give your prescribed dose a few tries, it should ultimately offer you the results you want.