Health Centre /
Written by
The Manual Team
Medically approved by
Dr Earim Chaudry
Last updated
19th August 2021
In 30 seconds…
Cialis is a clinically-approved erectile dysfunction drug, available to buy online from accredited pharmacies. You can also buy the unbranded version – which is called Tadalafil. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in both drugs. They are both PDE5 inhibitors; meaning they help relax blood vessels in the penis, encouraging blood flow, making it easier for men to get, and keep, an erection.
Cialis is often called the “weekend pill” as it’s effects can last up to 36 hours, meaning your sex life can have a certain amount of sponteneity not possible with other erectile dysfunction drugs. Tadalafil often takes less than 30 minutes to take effect, which makes it quicker than other ED drugs. But on average, it can take up to 2 hours for the full effects to take hold. This differs for every man.
If you’re looking for information on Cialis, it’s likely you’re having a bit of trouble in the bedroom. And we’re sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, erectile dysfunction (or ED) is a common problem, affecting over 150 million men worldwide. Unhealthy lifestyles associated with modern life – like being overweight, stressed, sleep-deprived, drinking too much alcohol, and living a generally sedentary life, can all contribute to a man’s likelihood of developing ED. So the numbers are on the rise.
Thankfully, these days, there are a raft of clinically-approved ED drug treatments available to buy from accredited online pharmacies. You can seek professional help, and get your prescription delivered directly to your door, without the need for an awkward convo with your doctor.
Cialis has been on the market since 2003, and the unbranded version, named simply Tadalafil, entered the market in 2017. Tadalafil is the name of the active ingredient in both drugs, meaning they both work in the same way, with the same dosage, effects and side effects.
Tadalafil is a type of drug called a PDE5 inhibitor. To get an erection, a chemical called Nitric Oxide is released, which enables the production of another substance called cGMP.
cGMP controls the relaxation and stimulation of blood vessels within the penis, and that allows sufficient blood flow to get an erection, and contracts the vessels to keep the blood there. PDE5 destroys cGMP, so a PDE5 inhibitor drug stops that, to ensure the cGMP can do its job properly and help keep you up.
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
How to Take Cialis (Tadalafil)
So, first up, it’s important to know that Cialis is not an aphrodisiac. You have to be sexually aroused for Cialis, Tadalafil, or any other ED drug (e.g. Sildenafil), to work. So you’ll need to get in the mood, relax and let the pill do it’s thing… before you can do your thing.
Cialis isn’t affected by fatty foods or mild alcohol intake, so you can take it at any time of day, however you’ve previously indulged. However, it’s important to note that excessive alcohol consumption is likely to affect your ability to perform. In fact, the mixture of the two – alcohol and Cialis – can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. So, go go easy on the booze if you’re hoping for a good time!
The usual dose of Cialis (Tadalafil) is 10mg, however this can be adjusted to anything between 5-20mg, depending on your circumstance. If you’re in doubt about the right dose, speak to a Manual clinician.
Cialis can be known as the “weekend drug” because its effects can last up to 36 hours. By that, we don’t mean you’ll have an erection for 36 hours – that would be dangerous, not to mention inconvenient. But if you’re turned on, you’ll be ready to get busy at any time within those 36 hours. So if you thought your days of spontaneity were over, think again – Cialis could be the treatment for you and your ED.
How Long Does it Take for Cialis to Kick In?
So, exactly when should you take Cialis, and how long does it take for the Tadalafil to kick in? Well, the effects are different and personal to every man, but the time-frame is usually along similar lines…
On average, it can take 2 hours for the Tadalafil to take effect. That said, some men have reported the effects kicking in after just 15 minutes! And plenty of Cialis users will be more successful in achieving an erection after just 30 minutes. In comparison, Viagra or generic unbranded Sildenafil will need to be taken about an hour before anticipated sexual intercourse to give the best chance of effectiveness.
What to Know Before Taking Cialis
If, after taking Cialis, Tadalafil, or any other ED drug, you find yourself with a painful erection for 4 hours or more, seek urgent medical advice. You may be suffering from Priapism; a vascular condition whereby blood cannot drain from the penis as normal, despite lack of stimulation. The sound of a never-ending erection might sound fun to some people, but it can actually cause lasting damage to your penis.
Cialis, as with any drug, does come with some side effects, however the likelihood of suffering from any negative effects is thankfully really low. If you’re otherwise healthy, the side effects shouldn’t put you off attempting to treat your ED with Cialis. Common side effects can include flushing, headaches, nasal congestion, back or muscle pain, and heartburn.
However, if you’re suffering from one of several serious conditions, Cialis may not be the right treatment for you. If you have high or low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or if you’ve recently suffered from a stroke or heart attack, you should definitely seek medical advice before committing to Cialis.
Equally, if you have any kind of heart condition, you need to be careful – medications for heart disease are often from the nitrate family, and those and Cialis do not mix well. Some epilepsy and anti-seizure meds can be problematic as well, so our Manual clinicians are here to help if you have any questions.
Key Takeaways…
Cialis and Tadalafil are both great ED treatment options if you’re looking for a little spontaneity in your sex life. With positive effects in most men who chose this medication, it might be just what you need to get your intimate relationship(s) back on track. You can usually expect Cialis to start working quickly, often within 30 minutes – but of course, this is different for every man.
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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
From our health centre. Experts, information and hot topics.See allErectile Dysfunctionarticles
FAQs
How Long Will Cialis keep u hard? ›
Cialis can last from 24 to 36 hours. In some cases, it can last as long as 72 hours. This is one of the reasons Cialis has high patient satisfaction ratings in surveys compared to other PDE5 inhibitors: It allows more spontaneous sexual activity.
How long before Cialis is at its peak? ›Peak plasma concentrations of Cialis are reached within 30 minutes to six hours (average time two hours) of a dose. Effects of 'as needed' Cialis last for up to 36 hours. The recommended starting dose for once-daily Cialis for ED is 2.5mg; once daily Cialis for BPH, 5mg; and 'as needed' Cialis, 10mg.
Does Cialis make you hard for hours? ›In this case, Cialis may keep working for up to 36 hours in helping you have and maintain erections during that time. However, if you take Cialis each day for either benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or ED, you'll always have medication in your system. Therefore, it will continue to work throughout the day.
How many hours after taking Cialis is it most effective? ›Viagra and Levitra take about 30 minutes to work, and the effects last for about 4 hours after you take the pill. You should take Cialis at least 2 hours before you plan to have sex. The effects may last for up to 36 hours after you take it.
Will Cialis make me rock hard? ›It's worth noting that, while both Cialis and Viagra will help you achieve a harder erection, this only works if you suffer from erectile dysfunction. If you can already achieve a strong erection without the use of ED treatments, neither Viagra nor Cialis will make you harder.
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 Cialis keep you hard all day? ›Compared with other ED drugs, Cialis lasts longer, working for up to 36 hours. But that doesn't mean a continuous erection for 36 hours. It means that the medicine enhances your ability to get hard over the course of 36 hours. As a treatment for ED, you can take tadalafil one of two ways (Rew, 2016):
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.
How should I take Cialis 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.
Is Cialis good for the heart? ›Viagra and Cialis May Cut Risk of Early Death From Heart Disease by 25 Percent. A large new study shows that men who take erectile dysfunction medication are less likely to experience heart failure, stroke, and heart attack.
Does Cialis make you harder than Viagra? ›
So to answer the above question, no, Viagra would not necessarily give a stronger erection than Cialis, and vice versa. However, Cialis will last longer and can help achieve one or more erections for up to 36 hours. This is considerably longer than Viagra, which is typically effective for 4-6 hours.
Is 20mg Cialis equal to 100mg Viagra? ›It may cause longer-lasting side effects.
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.
- 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).
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.
Does Cialis work better if taken daily? ›Because Cialis takes longer to leave the body, it can help men achieve erections (with sexual stimulation) for a full 24 hours between doses if taken daily at a lower dose (DailyMed, 2022). Daily use Cialis comes in a tablet and is formulated to be taken at the same time each day.
At what age does a man stop ejaculating? ›While some men may experience premature ejaculation, others may experience difficulty ejaculating at all. While there is no definite age at which male ejaculation ceases, it has been suggested that it may happen when a man reaches his late 40s or early 50s.
Does Cialis raise blood pressure? ›Taking Cialis can cause changes in blood pressure, including high blood pressure. Blood pressure changes weren't common in people taking Cialis in clinical trials. Low blood pressure was more likely to occur than high blood pressure, but both are possible. These changes tend to be mild.
Will Cialis work without arousal? ›Cialis and other PDE5 inhibitors don't cure ED or increase libido. Physical and psychological arousal is still necessary for the medications to help achieve and sustain an erection.
What makes Cialis less effective? ›Avoid drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs. Not only can alcohol make Cialis and other medications less effective, but it can also affect your blood flow. This side effect of mixing Cialis with alcohol makes it harder to get an erection even with the help of medication.
Why can I only get a semi hard on? ›Why You're Not Getting All the Way Hard. Erectile dysfunction's mechanism is quite simple, but the underlying cause could be a myriad of reasons, from poor diet and exercise habits, diabetes or heart disease, to low self-esteem, depression or anxiety.
When is the best time to take daily Cialis? ›
Cialis Daily must be taken once every 24 hours, with or without food. It's best to get into a routine and take it at the same time each day, as you should never take more than one tablet in a 24-hour period. Cialis should be taken 30-60 minutes before you plan to have sex.
What does Cialis do to a woman? ›However, just like there is an off-label use of Viagra (sildenafil; see Important Safety Information) for women, some healthcare providers may suggest Cialis if you are struggling with female sexual dysfunction. Similar to Cialis for men, researchers think tadalafil may increase blood flow to the genital area in women.
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.
Which is safer Viagra or Cialis? ›Overall, Cialis and Viagra are both safe, effective drugs. As with all prescription medicine, you'll need to talk to your healthcare provider about your ED symptoms and general wellbeing before using either type of medication to treat erectile dysfunction.
What is the best strength of Cialis? ›The typical dose for once-daily Cialis for ED is 2.5 milligrams (mg) to 5 mg. When used as needed for ED, the usual Cialis dose is 10 mg (with a maximum daily dose of 20 mg). The typical dose of Viagra for ED is 50 mg.
Does Cialis work faster under the tongue? ›You may have better results with sublingual (which means “under the tongue”) therapies and here's why: Food interferes (particularly fats) with the absorption of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors (drugs like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Zydena, Stendra/Spedra).
Is taking 5 mg of Cialis daily OK? ›The drug comes in low-dose versions that can be taken daily. This means you can have sex at any time, rather than needing to take a pill from time to time as needed like other ED brands. The starting dose for daily-use Cialis is 2.5 milligrams (mg). If that doesn't work, you can increase your daily dose up to 5 mg.
Can an 80 year old man take Viagra? ›The most commonly experienced adverse events were flushing and dyspepsia, which occurred in 6.8% and 2.3%, respec- tively. No patients discontinued sildenafil treatment due to adverse events. In conclusion, oral sildenafil is efficacious and well tolerated by elderly men with ED, even among those older than 70 years.
What is the cost of Cialis per pill? ›Cialis Cost Per Pill
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.
| Viagra | Cialis | |
|---|---|---|
| What strengths does it come in? | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg |
| What's the typical dosage? | 50 mg | 10 mg as needed or 2.5 mg daily |
| When do I take it? | 30–60 minutes before sex | 30 minutes before sex |
| How long does it work? | 4 hours | up to 36 hours |
Is there anything stronger than Cialis? ›
Structurally vardenafil (Levitra) is similar to sildenafil, while tadalafil (Cialis) is very different. Vardenafil (Levitra) is almost 10 times more biochemically potent than sildenafil, therefore a lower dose is needed to facilitate the penile erection, potentially resulting in less side effects.
How much is Cialis at Walmart? ›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).
Why is my 10 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.
What stays in your system longer Viagra or Cialis? ›Cialis lasts up to 36 hours in the body, while Viagra lasts 4–6 hours in the body. Both are taken 30 minutes before sex. Cialis can cause limb pain, while Viagra can cause vision change, rash, and dizziness. Side effects include flushing, back pain, headaches, muscle pain, and upset stomach.