If 20mg Cialis is cut in half is pill destroyed or 10mg each? (2023)

Question posted by 2ndaddress on 1 Oct 2009

Last updated on 10 September 2020 by AnonieMouse

Many meds lose their potency when cut in half and become worthless. Is that true of Cialis or can a 20mg pill be cut in half leaving 2 x 10mg pills.

Added 27 May 2010:

Can Viagra and Levitra also be cut in half without becoming worthless?

Answer this question

11 Answers

If 20mg Cialis is cut in half is pill destroyed or 10mg each? (1) Official Answer by Drugs.com 6 Sep 2018

Cialis has been licensed to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections.
More recently, Cialis was also approved for the treatment of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

The tablets come in four different strengths and can be cut in half as they are not coated in any extended release coating.

Votes: +2

AN

AnonieMouse 10 Sep 2020

I split many of my pills to save money. If you’ve ever compared the price of different milligram pills, you know the drug companies are totally ripping you off for smaller dosages. Many times you can get twice the dosage for virtually the identical price.

Erectile dysfunction drugs are a good example of ways you can save lots of money by pill splitting. Although it’s not recommended, and I’m no doctor, I also take them with grapefruit juice. This allows me to take about half the dosage I normally would for the same result, saving even more money. (Grapefruit juice is a whole lot cheaper than Viagra and Cialis.) Again, I am not a doctor and I am not recommending that anyone do this. I am simply relating my own experience as food for thought.

Expand...

Lastly, I always start small and work my way up slowly. I don’t like taking risks. But I do like saving money, and I know for a fact that drug companies are not our friends. So when it comes to ED drugs, I take only the generic. I don’t have the money to take the namebrand even if I wanted to.

(Video) Cialis Review (Tadalafil) - Dose, Side effects, Safety - Doctor Explains

Again – I am not a doctor and I am not giving medical advice or even suggestions. I am simply relating my own experiences with my own body.

Votes: +0

NO

NottaDr 18 March 2020

Short answer yes you can split it.
I work at a Pharmaceuticals manufacturing Plant and I can only offer my experience as to how and why tablets are made the way they are.

Reasons:

First, all tablets are made to have a 100% homogeneous mixture. This means any sample taken from a tablet will have the exact consistency as any other sample taken from the tablet.
Second, some tablets are made with a coating on it for extended release. These should never be crushed or broken this is very dangerous because instead of getting the dose over an extended period you get the entire dose at once.
Third, some tablets have a score line on them so they can easily split into equal parts.

Conclusion: Cialis dose not have a coating on it so it is not time released and can be split. Cialis doesn't have a score line so it is hard to split into equal parts. All tablets are made to have a 100% homogeneous mixture, so if split into equal parts the have equal doses.

Votes: +0

DE

Derrickgordon 14 Jan 2019

Is the Cialis tablet effective when you only take half a tablet

Votes: +0

CH

chaplainnick 19 Sep 2018

You may get 5 mg instead of 10?

Votes: +0

BA

barbqbob 25 July 2018

I will say 10 mg each

(Video) 10 Cialis Secrets and Answers 💪

Votes: +0

RE

Renewed_male 8 March 2018

I've been cutting my 5mg pills in half and have found they work fine. At the time I purchased tadalafil (generic Cialis) the 2.5 mg pills were not available, but now they are, and at a reasonable price, I have purchased 2.5mg for future.

Votes: +0

BI

Bigolepleaser 17 Feb 2018

I've cut many pills that weren't labeled to cut in half ... they are not scored could it be to make more money ?By cutting them you save but taking whole, you don't .

Votes: +0

CH

chaplainnick 19 Sep 2018

You’ll never know the answer! One expert yes, the other no, and Of course there’s always get a maybe. May I Split them they cost too damn much! 5 mg for the prostate.

IN

Inactive 16 Oct 2012

I'm am not a doctor yet but am in school to become one. If a pill is not scored to be cut (has little lines) then it should not be cut. When pills are made and pressed, they have a mix of chemicals in them some might not be as distributed as others. Thus, cutting a unscored pill might and most likely will diminish its potency. It's egg shaped for a reason. It won't harm you. It just may be lacking is all. It doesn't have an enteric coating so there's no time release.

Votes: +0

RO

(Video) What is the difference between Cialis 5mg and 20mg?

robertnick3 27 July 2014

Wrong. I am a pharmacist and the mixture of drug and fillers is evenly mixed-it has to be to turn old so many tablets.
Pharmaceutical companies use advanced technology to ensure this along with quality control.

RO

robertnick3 27 July 2014

Scoring tablets just makes it easier to break in half. Only those specific drugs that are long acting because of their formulation should not be cut. It will always say on bottle-do not crush or break tablets.

NO

NottaDr 18 March 2020

I work at a Pharmaceuticals manufacturing Plant and I can only offer my experience as to how and why tablets are made the way they are.

Reasons:

First, all tablets are made to have a 100% homogeneous mixture. This means any sample taken from a tablet will have the exact consistency as any other sample taken from the tablet.
Second, some tablets are made with a coating on it for extended release. These should never be crushed or broken this is very dangerous because instead of getting the dose over an extended period you get the entire dose at once.
Third, some tablets have a score line on them so they can easily split into equal parts.

Conclusion: Cialis dose not have a coating on it so it is not time released and can be split. Cialis doesn't have a score line so it is hard to split into equal parts. All tablets are made to have a 100% homogeneous mixture, so if split into equal parts the have equal doses.

View all 3 comments

JS

J'swife 1 Sep 2010

My husbands doctor suggests splitting pills to save money says its ok

Votes: +2

MA

Marvell 14 Oct 2009

Yes, you can split a 20mg Cialis pill in half.

Cialis pill isn't coated with any extended release coating so it's okay.

Votes: +4

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(Video) Erectile Dysfunction: Viagra Problems To Avoid, How To Reverse ED Instead

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  • Cialis uses and safety info
  • Cialis information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
  • Side effects of Cialis (detailed)

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(Video) How to use SILDENAFIL (Viagra) for ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION including doses, side effects & more!

FAQs

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 tadalafil 20mg be cut in half? ›

You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, break, chew, or crush it. When using this medicine for erectile dysfunction, the ability to have sexual activity may be improved for up to 36 hours after taking the tablet.

Should I take 10mg or 20mg of Cialis? ›

The normal dosage of Cialis for occasional use in treating ED is 10 mg taken before sexual activity. If you have side effects with the 10-mg dose, your doctor may prescribe a 5-mg dose. If the 10-mg dose doesn't work for you, they may increase your treatment to the maximum dosage of 20 mg once per day.

Is 10mg of Cialis enough? ›

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. Cialis is designed for use one time per day.

Is half a 20mg tablet 10 mg? ›

The 20 mg pills are scored and can be safely split in half. If you buy the 20 mg tablets, cut them in half, and then take that one-half for each dose (now equal to your 10 mg dose), you can double your buying power.

Can we use half tablet? ›

Yes. Many medications, such as cholesterol medications and medications prescribed for depression, can be cut in half. As a general rule, if the tablet has a score mark or groove down the middle, it can be split in half. Be sure to talk to your pharmacist before breaking your pills in half.

Can you cut Sildenafil 20 mg in half? ›

The most common ED medications can be safely split. This includes: Sildenafil (Viagra)

Is tadalafil 20mg strong? ›

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.

How long does tadalafil 20mg last? ›

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.

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.

How should I take Cialis 20mg 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.

How long does 10mg Cialis last? ›

How long does Cialis last? On the other hand, the effects of Cialis last noticeably longer than the effects of Viagra, normally up to 36 hours. That's a full 1.5 days!

Why is my 20mg 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.

When is Cialis 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.

How fast does Cialis 10mg work? ›

When taken correctly, Cialis should begin to work within 30-60 minutes. The effects of one Cialis tablet can last up to 36 hours; however during this period you will only achieve an erection if you become sexually aroused.

What happens when you take half a pill? ›

Cutting a pill engineered to slowly release medication undermines that intended delay. “Splitting this sort of pill can lead to the entire dosage being dumped at once — and that can be very unsafe,” cautions Dr. Miller.

What does it mean to take 1 2 tablet? ›

Pill splitting refers to breaking a pill down to obtain a smaller amount of the whole pill. Your doctor can write a prescription that is usually double the dosage of what you should take in one day. You can then cut the pill in half, making the smaller dose that should actually be taken.

Can I take 2 tablets 10mg tadalafil? ›

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 it not safe to split pills? ›

Once split, the interior of the pill could irritate the stomach, leading to potentially serious problems. Drugs that are time-release or long-acting. Cutting the pill destroys the time-release effect, which means you could get too much of the medicine too quickly.

Which medications should never be crushed? ›

Drugs that should not be crushed are those that are:
  • Designed to be controlled release.
  • Coated for protection or taste.
  • Dissolvable.
  • Liquid-filled gel capsules.
  • Hazardous or irritants.
  • Intended for a small therapeutic window.
Nov 10, 2021

Can tablets be crushed or halved? ›

Do not crush your tablets or open capsules unless a Pharmacist or Doctor has advised you that it is safe and appropriate to do so. Instead: Go and see your doctor or nurse who will be able to prescribe your medicine in a form that is more appropriate for you, such as a liquid medication.

Can a 70 year old man take Viagra? ›

Viagra is approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males ages 18 years and older.

Is 1 20mg sildenafil enough? ›

Sildenafil tablets for pulmonary hypertension come in 10mg and 20mg strengths. The usual adult dose is 20mg taken 3 times a day. Doses for children can range from 10mg to 20mg taken 3 times a day, depending on their weight.

Does taking half a Viagra pill work? ›

You'll take Viagra by mouth about 1 hour before sexual activity. Viagra tablets may be cut in half, crushed, or swallowed whole. You can take Viagra with or without food. But the drug may not work as quickly if you take it with foods containing a lot of fat, such as fried foods.

Which is stronger Cialis 20mg vs Viagra 100mg? ›

Effectiveness of all PDE5 inhibitors is similar; although reported effectiveness of Viagra, at 84% is slightly higher than that of Cialis at 81%. However, more men prefer Cialis because of its longer duration of effect.

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).

What is the best pill to stay hard longer? ›

Advertisement
  • 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).

How long does 20mg of Cialis stay in your system? ›

One dose of Cialis can stay in your system for more than two days. Certain health conditions involving the kidneys and liver and some medications can extend the window. Because Cialis stays in the system for a while, it's essential you don't exceed one dose per 24-hour period.

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.

How long is Cialis 20 mg effective? ›

Official answer. Cialis usually takes about 30 minutes to take effect with sexual stimulation and its effect lasts for up to 36 hours, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a “weekend pill”. Talk with your doctor. You may need to try a different erectile dysfunction medication, such as Viagra, or Levitra.

Should I take 5mg or 10mg of Cialis? ›

5mg is the standard dose for Cialis Daily, and 10mg is the standard dose for on demand Cialis.

What is the best mg for Cialis? ›

10mg is usually the starting dose of Cialis on demand. It's normally prescribed if you think you'll want an erections on up to two days in a week. 20mg is the highest dose of Cialis available. This is normally prescribed if you find that the 10mg dose isn't strong enough for you.

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).

Does Cialis increase blood flow everywhere? ›

Cialis' Effect on Blood Pressure

Because tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors have vasodilating effects — meaning they open blood vessels — they make it easier for blood to flow, which can lower blood pressure.

What would cause Cialis not to work? ›

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 lose effectiveness over time? ›

On average, a 20mg dose of Cialis or generic tadalafil can treat erectile dysfunction for up to 36 hours, compared to four to five hours for most ED medications. Like other medications, Cialis can break down over time and expire.

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.

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.

Does more Cialis make you harder? ›

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.

How can I make Cialis more effective? ›

How should I take Cialis for the best results?
  1. Take as directed. For as-needed dosing, take Cialis at least 30 minutes or more before sexual activity. ...
  2. Take as part of a lifestyle with physical activity. ...
  3. Communicate and stay relaxed.
Aug 27, 2020

Is it OK to split Viagra pills? ›

The most common ED medications can be safely split. This includes: Sildenafil (Viagra) Tadalafil (Cialis)

Is Cialis 2.5 mg effective? ›

CIALIS has been shown to significantly improve the ability of obtaining a hard erect penis suitable for sexual activity. CIALIS contains the active substance tadalafil which belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

How long does it take for Cialis to 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.

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