Health Centre /
Written by
The Manual Team
Medically approved by
Dr Earim Chaudry
Last updated
29th April 2021
In 30 seconds…
Tadalafil and Cialis have plenty in common. Both are medications that help combat erectile dysfunction (ED). Both belong to a class of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by helping your blood vessels dilate. And they both temporarily increase blood flow within the penis.
But they also have a few marked differences. Cialis is a brand name, widely marketed and manufactured with a specific appearance. Tadalafil, on the other hand, may come in unbranded packaging, and can be a small, plain pill, or vary slightly in appearance.
What many people don’t realise is that Tadalafil is the unbranded, generic version of Cialis — and also the active ingredient in Cialis. The bulking agents and chemical stabilisers that Cialis contains aren’t always found in generic Tadalafil, but these are largely medically irrelevant and won’t impact the effectiveness of the tablets.
In short, Tadalafil and Cialis work for the same amount of time and boast the same effects.
Tadalafil or Cialis: Are They Basically The Same?
Essentially, yes. Once you dig into the Cialis vs Tadalafil debate, you’ll discover that they have a great deal in common — and that their key differences are largely cosmetic and commercial in nature.
For starters, Tadalafil and Cialis have the same active ingredient: Tadalafil.
Their chemical content is completely identical. In a lab test, you’d expect them to react the same way and produce indistinguishable results.
And when you take either Cialis or Tadalafil, your body will be reacting to the same chemicals. They’ll produce the same physical responses by the same mechanism to help you gain an erection and maintain it for a longer period of time.
What Are the Differences Between Tadalafil and Cialis?
Put simply, the biggest distinction between Cialis and Tadalafil is the box it comes in and how much you pay for it. Cialis is a brand name product whereas Tadalafil is generic – although it has the same active content and effects.
These superficial differences may have you wondering: “Is Tadalafil as good as Cialis?”
So, to answer that, let’s examine these differences in a little more detail:
1. They Look Different
Cialis tablets are typically yellow, oval-shaped, and film-coated. They come in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg doses.
Tadalafil, meanwhile, might look similar — but it’s also available in different shapes and colours.
What won’t change, no matter how it looks, is how it works. Branded or generic, any difference in appearance is simply cosmetic and has no medical benefit.
2. They Have Different Price Points
Cialis is only produced by one manufacturer, Eli Lilly. This means they have complete control over the price, without any competition for the brand. Because Cialis is a well-known name in the world of ED (and in popular culture), Eli Lilly is able to charge a premium price.
Tadalafil, on the other hand, is made by several different manufacturers and can be sold by any licensed pharmaceutical provider, meaning the market is incredibly competitive. This has helped drive the price down significantly.
Cialis can cost anywhere from two to three times more than the generic version of Tadalafil. However, as Tadalafil becomes more popular, the demand for Cialis may decrease, forcing a drop in price to remain competitive.
Cialis (Tadalafil)
The weekend pill
Known as the “weekend pill” because it is effective for up to 36 hours, Tadalafil is the generic, unbranded version of Cialis. Clinically proven to help you get an erection when you need it.
Start from £15
Best for
Weekend use
Effective in
Effective in8 out of 10 men
Dosage
2.5mg, 10mg, 20mg
Cialis vs. Tadalafil: Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take For Results?
Tadalafil and Cialis have identical results in clinical trials for their effectiveness. So when you use it yourself, you can expect them to have the same effects.
They will work for roughly 36 hours, allowing you to perform at your peak several times over a couple of days. Over 80% of men find them effective as treatments for their ED, and there is no observed difference between the two pills in trials. Cialis might have been the first-ever “weekend pill” but it is no longer the only option in town for the same results.
Tadalafil also keeps pace with Cialis when it comes to how long you need to wait for it to kick in. Both start from about half an hour after you take them, which means no long delays before you get down to business.
The bioequivalence between Tadalafil and Cialis also means that you should expect them to work best in the same circumstances. You can achieve the best results if you are able to relax and get into the mood. The medicine only builds on your own natural sexual arousal; it’s not a magic pill — so the more aroused you are through sexual stimulation, the better the medication will work.
Are they approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)?
This type of medication has been through extensive trials and has been available on prescription for decades. Whether you go for branded Cialis or unbranded Tadalafil, they are safe and suitable for use, and they are both licensed for erectile dysfunction treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Cialis and Tadalafil?
The most common side effects of Tadalafil are mild, including symptoms like a headache, stuffy nose (nasal congestion), low blood pressure, indigestion, dizziness, or slight facial flushing. But even these mild side effects are rare.
In even rarer cases, there have been more serious side effects reported, including back pain, chest pain and priapism. Note: If you experience sudden vision loss or symptoms akin to a heart attack, contact your doctor immediately and refrain from further sexual activity.
There are possible drug interactions with other prescription drugs for antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, high blood pressure, and some other drugs for medical conditions. If you’re in doubt about whether you should take Cialis or Tadalafil, contact a medical professional at Manual.
As a responsible patient, it’s crucial that if you’ve been warned against taking Cialis, you should also avoid Tadalafil. Any side effects you had with Cialis would be repeated with the Tadalafil, because they’re not just the same class of drugs – they have an identical active ingredient.
Why Should I Pay More For the Same Results?
Well, Cialis comes in a more attractive package; it has motivational slogans printed on the pill sleeve; the pill has been manufactured so that it’s shaped in a special way.
And if the overall appearance of a product matters to you, or you tend to feel a strong emotional attachment to a brand, then that might be a good enough reason to consider Cialis over Tadalafil.
Otherwise, you’ll find far greater value opting for the generic version.
What About Other ED Medications?
Outside of Cialis and Tadalafil, you’ll find other PDE5 inhibitors such as Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), Vardenafil (Levitra), and Avanafil (Spedra). They are all approved for treatment of erectile dysfunction.
All of these Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors work in a similar way: the relaxation of the penile blood vessels to support expansion, which gives a stronger erection during arousal.
What varies between them is the dosage, bioavailability, the length of time their effect takes to kick in, the amount of time they last for, and the side effect profiles.
The main benefit of Tadalafil is how long it can last — up to 36 hours, as opposed to the roughly 4-6 hours for Sildenafil or Viagra. It also has the most variable possible dosage, making it quite a versatile treatment. A lower dose could be taken every day, for example.
Avanafil and Spedra kick in a little quicker, making them suitable for “on-demand” use shortly prior to anticipated sexual intercourse. But they also don’t last as long as Tadalafil — which is a major drawback for some men.
Vardenafil (Levitra) and Sildenafil both have the downside of being effective for less time than Tadalafil. That said, they work well and if you’re looking for something for less than 36 hours, they’re good options for most men.
Tadalafil also takes the same amount of time to take effect as some shorter-acting options, but it provides support for much longer. Over a weekend away, that would mean potentially as little as 30 minutes of waiting time for a stronger erection. As opposed to at least twice that on daily medicine.
Among the non-pharmaceutical measures are a lot of good common sense ideas that are great to combine with some medical support. As we’ve outlined in other articles, taking care of yourself with a balanced diet and getting enough rest and exercise can only help you in the battle against ED. They will also give medicines like Tadalafil a strong base to build upon.
Key Takeaways: Cialis vs Tadalafil
You may have heard of the Cialis brand first, but that doesn’t mean it should necessarily be your first port of call. For those of you who are looking for a medication you can simply take and forget about for the weekend, Tadalafil offers this benefit for the most competitive price.
Order from a reputable and accredited supplier, and follow the advice in the medication leaflet. Each individual is different, but now you can be sure that Tadalafil and Cialis are medical equivalents.
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While we've ensured that everything you read on the Health Centre is medically reviewed and approved, information presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.
Further reading
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FAQs
Does generic tadalafil work as well as Cialis? ›
Generic versions of tadalafil that are FDA-approved are just as effective as Cialis. The FDA provides a rigorous inspection process to make sure companies selling these generic drugs undergo good manufacturing processes and that their drugs provide the same clinical benefits.
Which brand is best for tadalafil? ›- Amore 36 - Chemo Biological [Tadalafil] Strength. ...
- Erectalis - Cipla [Tadalafil] Strength. ...
- Forzest - Ranbaxy [Tadalafil] Strength. ...
- Golmal - Jpee Drugs [Tadalafil] Strength. ...
- Manforce More - Mankind [Tadalafil] Strength. ...
- Megalis - Macleods [Tadalafil] Strength. ...
- Oneaid - BMW [Tadalafil] Strength. ...
- Popup - AHPL [Tadalafil] Strength.
A 10 mg tablet is usually recommended for as-needed use, though some men might find that a lower (5 mg) or higher (20 mg) dose works better. According to studies, there is no difference in safety or efficacy between these two options.
Is 5mg of tadalafil enough? ›The dose is the amount of the active drug ingredient 'tadalafil' inside each tablet. 5mg is the standard dose for Cialis Daily, and 10mg is the standard dose for on demand Cialis.
How long does 20mg of tadalafil last? ›Unlike Viagra, for instance, which can work for a few hours after the medication is taken, Tadalafil can be effective for up to 36 hours from just a single dose, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Is there anything better than tadalafil? ›Vardenafil (Levitra) is more selective than sildenafil and tadalafil (Cialis) to PDE5, which again means a lower dose is needed with potentially less side effects.
What is stronger Cialis or tadalafil? ›Generic Cialis, or Tadalafil, is the same as Cialis in terms of its active ingredient (tadalafil), its effectiveness and side effects. The difference you may see is in the cost, with generic medicines tending to be less expensive.
How can I enhance my Cialis effect? ›- Take as directed. For as-needed dosing, take Cialis at least 30 minutes or more before sexual activity. ...
- Take as part of a lifestyle with physical activity. ...
- Communicate and stay relaxed.
| Pharmacy | Cialis Retail Price | Cialis SingleCare Price |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $334.33 | $57.33 |
| Walgreens | $264.60 | $141.90 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $370.31 | $29.74 |
| Albertsons Pharmacy | $320.21 | $41.58 |
Dose for pulmonary hypertension
Tadalafil for pulmonary hypertension comes as 20mg tablets. The usual dose is 40mg – two 20mg tablets, taken once a day. If you have kidney or liver problems your doctor might decrease the starting dose to 10mg or 20mg.
Can I take tadalafil 20 mg two days in a row? ›
The maximum dose of Cialis that can be taken in a day is 20 mg. You should not take Cialis more than once a day. In clinical trials, Cialis helped people with ED symptoms for up to 36 hours after their dose. So if you're taking the medication only as needed, you shouldn't have to take it every day.
Is 40 mg of tadalafil too much? ›Is 40 mg of Cialis safe? Taking 40 mg of Cialis could be dangerous and raise the risk of side effects such as a sudden drop in blood pressure and priapism. The typical dose is 10 mg for occasional use and 2.5 or 5 mg for daily use. The typical maximum dose of Cialis for ED is 20 mg once a day.
Is it OK to take 10 mg of tadalafil? ›For treatment of erectile dysfunction (as needed): Adults—10 milligrams (mg) as a single dose, no more than once a day, taken 30 minutes before you think sexual activity may occur. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children—Use is not recommended.
Why do bodybuilders take Cialis? ›What is known is that the medication, as a vasodilator, promotes better blood circulation throughout the body, not just in the penile region. With this, those who ingest the medicine, theoretically, would gain more energy and resistance.
Is 10mg of tadalafil a lot? ›One 10mg tablet is normally a sufficient amount of Tadalafil to treat erectile dysfunction for up to 36 hours, but for some men, it just isn't enough. For a number of reasons, an ED sufferer might need a higher strength, and that's when 20mg Tadalafil tablets can be prescribed.
What is the peak time for tadalafil? ›Most men feel the benefit of tadalafil after 30 minutes. 52% of patients can have successful sexual intercourse within 30 minutes of taking tadalafil. After 2 hours, the maximum concentration of the drug is in the bloodstream.
How do you take tadalafil for best results? ›Cialis is taken orally before sexual activity, not more than once daily. Cialis may be taken with or without food. In some patients, the dose strength and maximum frequency of use may be adjusted. For more detailed information consult with your health care provider.
What happens if you take too much tadalafil? ›If you take too much tadalafil or take it together with these medicines, the chance for side effects will be higher. If you experience a prolonged erection for more than 4 hours or a painful erection for more than 6 hours, contact your doctor immediately.
What is the best pill to stay hard longer? ›- Sildenafil (Viagra). This medication is most effective when taken on an empty stomach one hour before sex. ...
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn). This medication also is most effective when taken one hour before sex and can be taken with or without food. ...
- Tadalafil (Cialis). ...
- Avanafil (Stendra).
Overall, tadalafil is the best ED medication on the market if you're looking for long-lasting relief from erectile dysfunction. It's also a great option if you prefer a once-daily pill to the as-needed dosage form of other ED medications.
Does tadalafil make harder? ›
By controlling the enzyme, tadalafil helps to maintain an erection after the penis is stroked by increasing blood flow to the penis. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, tadalafil will not work to cause an erection.
Is 20mg tadalafil the same as 100mg sildenafil? ›What Are The Key Differences? The number one difference between the two drugs is how long they last. Tadalafil can last up to 36-hours, which means it will treat erectile dysfunction anytime within the 36-hour timeframe. While contender Sildenafil typically only lasts around 4 to 6 hours.
What is the downside to Cialis? ›What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Cialis? The most common side effects with Cialis are: headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. These side effects usually go away after a few hours. Men who get back pain and muscle aches usually get it 12 to 24 hours after taking Cialis.
What is the strongest tadalafil? ›Cialis is also available as a 20mg tablet. This version of Cialis is the strongest dosage that has been approved for use by the FDA and, just like the 10mg version of Cialis, is designed for use as needed before you have sex.
Why am I not getting hard on Cialis? ›But the main reason why Cialis and other medications don't work is the lack of sufficient blood flow to the penis no matter what the cause. For the most part, erections are all about having enough blood getting to the penis to result in an erection.
Does coffee enhance Cialis? ›Coffee and other sources of caffeine are not known to interact with Cialis. It should be safe to consume coffee and caffeine while taking this drug. According to one study , consuming caffeine may lower the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED).
How much does a 30 day supply of generic Cialis cost? ›The price of brand name Cialis can range from $12 to upwards of $70 per tablet, depending on the specific dosage of the medication. For a month's supply, typical pricing ranges from $380 to $1,000 or more, again depending on the dosage you're prescribed.
Can I buy Cialis over the counter at CVS? ›Cialis is not available over the counter in the United States. It must be prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Does insurance pay for Cialis? ›The short answer is: Yes, your insurance company might cover Cialis, but you may have to jump through hoops (with the help of your provider's documentation) in order to get it.
Why is my 20 mg Cialis not working? ›The most common reasons why Cialis may not have worked are incorrect use or inadequate trial. It is important to understand that Cialis may not work after the first dose. It is advisable to try at least 8-10 doses before getting concerned about whether or not Cialis is working.
Is 30 mg of tadalafil too much? ›
Men taking tadalafil for erectile dysfunction should not take more than 20 mg per day. The recommended daily dose for pulmonary hypertension is 40 mg per day and should not be exceeded.
What happens if 20mg Cialis doesn't work? ›If you're prescribed a lower dosage of Cialis and you find that it's not fully effective (for example, you notice some improvements but still have difficulty maintaining an erection), it's a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider to see if switching you to a higher dose is appropriate.
Can you build a tolerance to tadalafil? ›Tadalafil has a half‐life of 17.5 hours. In patients taking tadalafil more frequently than every 3–4 days, sustained plasma levels of tadalafil will be present and may be associated with an increased risk of tolerance.
Can I take 40mg of Cialis? ›Official answer. The maximum recommended dose of Cialis is 20mg daily. Increasing the dose to 40mg might just increase the intensity of side effects and may not actually deal with the erectile dysfunction problem. If 20mg dose is not working you might want to look for an another medicine.
What happens if you split Cialis in half? ›Detailed Information. Splitting or crushing tadalafil tablets may result in a patient receiving more or less than the prescribed dose. Data are not available to support any alternative dosing options beyond specific dosing/administration according to the approved tadalafil label.
Can I take 2 Cialis 10 mg at once? ›The maximum recommended dosage of Cialis is 20 mg once per day. Taking a dose of Cialis that's higher 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).
When is the best time to take tadalafil 20 mg? ›If you are taking tadalafil 10 mg or 20 mg tablets for erectile dysfunction: these tablets should only be taken before sexual activity - they are NOT for continuous daily use. You should take one tablet at least half an hour before you plan to have sex (it may still be effective up to 36 hours after taking the tablet).
Can Cialis increase testosterone? ›In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of tadalafil 5 mg once daily on the level of testosterone in men with ED accompanied by the MetS. Our results showed that 5 mg tadalafil once daily improves ED by increasing TT levels in men.
Does Cialis change testosterone? ›Cialis does not interact with testosterone replacement therapy. Men experience no side effects from using Cialis while being treated for low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy in the form of testosterone gel, testosterone injections, Testopel testosterone pellets or another treatment option.
Does Cialis give you a pump? ›From my research, the general consensus is that Cialis is a pretty effective pre-workout supplement. Tadalafil is capable of relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow in effect, which can enhance your overall energy and give you some pretty good pumps.
Why does brand Cialis work better than generic? ›
Both brand name and generic drugs contain the same active ingredient but the carrier is different. In general, the brand name Cialis and generic version tadalafil work equally well. Typically, you would use the same dose of Cialis and tadalafil as they are the same medication.
Is tadalafil 5mg the same as Cialis? ›4) Tadalafil is no different from brand-name Cialis
You can read more about this from the FDA here. The biggest difference between brand-name Cialis and generic tadalafil might be the shape of their tablets. Cialis comes in a yellow, oval-shaped tablet. Tadalafil is also yellow but can be either oval- or circle-shaped.
Tadalafil (Cialis) is available in generic and brand versions in several doses as an oral tablet. You can take Cialis as needed or once a day, depending on the dose and how it's prescribed. Cialis takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect. It can last up to 36 hours.
Which is stronger Cialis or tadalafil? ›Generic Cialis, or Tadalafil, is the same as Cialis in terms of its active ingredient (tadalafil), its effectiveness and side effects. The difference you may see is in the cost, with generic medicines tending to be less expensive.
What can I take to enhance Cialis? ›When combined with grapefruit, this effect can cause a serious increase in blood flow around the body, especially when combined with nitrates. This is because grapefruit can increase the amount of Cialis in your body.
Is taking two 5 mg Cialis the same as taking one 10 mg? ›Cialis taken as needed
But if this dose doesn't work for you, your doctor may have you take two 5 mg tablets of Cialis at once. This will increase the dose back to 10 mg. If the 10-mg dose of Cialis isn't working well enough, your doctor may increase it to 20 mg.
Is 20mg Cialis equal to 100mg Viagra in terms of efficacy? 20mg is the maximum dose of Cialis and 100mg is the maximum dose of Viagra, meaning your healthcare provider may suggest that you use 100mg of Viagra if you're prescribed Cialis and want to change medications.
Is 5mg Cialis enough as needed? ›When prescribed for as-needed use, Cialis is available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg doses. The recommended starting dose of Cialis for use as needed is 10mg. This may be increased to 20mg if you still find it difficult to get or maintain an erection at a 10mg dose, or reduced to 5mg if you develop side effects from Cialis.
Is 20 mg of tadalafil too much? ›Do not take more than 1 tablet a day. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose, depending on how well it works and how often you take it. The effects may last longer than 24 hours, so you're not recommended to take the 10mg or 20mg tablets every day.
Why is tadalafil not working? ›Poor control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor control of diabetes, and weight gain are some of the common causes of why tadalafil (Cialis) may stop working well. Addressing underlying problems is important not only for sexual health but also for heart health.
What is the downside of Cialis? ›
The most common side effects with Cialis are: headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. These side effects usually go away after a few hours. Men who get back pain and muscle aches usually get it 12 to 24 hours after taking Cialis.
What happens if you take tadalafil everyday? ›Conclusion: Tadalafil at doses of 5, 10, or 20mg taken as needed up to once daily for 18 to 24 months was safe and well tolerated. These findings support the long-term use of tadalafil in the clinical management of erectile dysfunction.