Tadalafil (Cialis)

Tadalafil is a prescription medication in the class of PDE5 inhibitors. It’s the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Cialis. Tadalafil works by relaxing blood vessel walls and increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body.

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Helps achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Relieves urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate (weak stream, frequent urination, difficulty starting).
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Under the brand name Adcirca, it improves exercise ability in people with this lung condition.

• As-needed dose (10–20 mg): Usually begins working within 30–60 minutes.
• Daily dose (2.5–5 mg): Builds up over time; expect 4–5 days of consistent use for full 24/7 effect.

A single as-needed dose can last up to 36 hours, which is why it’s known as the “weekend pill.” Daily dosing provides continuous coverage for more spontaneous sexual activity.

No. Tadalafil does not cause an erection by itself. Sexual stimulation is still required. The medicine makes it easier to get and keep an erection once you are aroused.

• Daily use (2.5 mg or 5 mg): Taken at the same time every day. Ideal if you want ongoing readiness without planning ahead. Also commonly used for BPH treatment.
• As-needed use (10 mg or 20 mg): Taken at least 30–60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.

• Food: Can be taken with or without food. High-fat meals do not significantly affect absorption.
• Alcohol: Large amounts are not recommended. Both alcohol and Tadalafil can lower blood pressure and together increase the risk of dizziness, headache, or fainting.
• Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice; they can raise Tadalafil levels and increase side effect risk.

Common, usually mild side effects include:

• Headache
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Back pain
• Muscle aches
• Flushing (warmth/redness of the skin)
• Stuffy or runny nose

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• An erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism)
• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
• Sudden hearing loss, with or without ringing or dizziness
• Chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity

Do NOT take Tadalafil if:

• You use any form of nitrate medication (e.g., nitroglycerin) for chest pain or heart issues.

Talk to your doctor before using Tadalafil if you have a history of:

• Heart problems (recent heart attack or stroke)
• Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure
• Severe liver or kidney disease
• An eye condition called NAION (sudden vision loss)
• Peyronie’s disease or a physical deformity of the penis

This FAQ is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.