What's the Best Cialis Dosage? Cialis Dosages Explained

Last reviewed: 10 Jan 2025

• 1. What Cialis dosages are available?
• 2. About Cialis 10mg
• 3. About Cialis 20mg
• 4. About Cialis Daily 2.5mg and 5mg
• 5. How often can you take a dose of Cialis?
• 6. What if my current dose isn’t working?
• 7. How do Cialis doses compare with Viagra ones?

Cialis is available in four distinct dosages in the UK:

• 2.5mg: small white pills with ‘2.5mg’ inscribed on them
• 5mg: small light orange pills featuring ‘5mg’
• 10mg: larger light orange pills marked with ‘10mg’
• 20mg: larger dark orange pills that have ‘20mg’ printed on them

The dosage of Cialis refers to the quantity of the active ingredient—tadalafil—in each tablet. The lower doses (2.5mg and 5mg) are often prescribed for daily use, whereas the higher doses (10mg and 20mg) are designed for use ‘on demand.’ This means they should be taken at least 30 minutes before anticipated sexual activity rather than on a daily basis.

The standard dose for Cialis Daily is 5mg, while 10mg is typically the standard dose for on-demand use. In the UK, the maximum dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is 20mg; higher doses are available in some countries. However, increased dosages may lead to a higher risk of side effects as they can significantly alter blood pressure and accumulate in the body over time.

In certain instances, a 40mg dosage of tadalafil is utilized for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, but this should only occur under specialist supervision due to the potential risks involved.

Dr Zenon Andreou Medical Director

If you engage in sexual activities up to three times weekly and are trying Cialis for the first time, the 10mg dosage is usually recommended. Commonly regarded as the ‘standard dose’:

• Cialis 10mg is taken on-demand, at least half an hour before sexual activity
• The effects can last up to 36 hours
• This dosage is effective for most users and has a lower risk of adverse effects compared to higher-strength options
• Available in pack sizes of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 28 tablets

If you’ve tried Cialis 10mg without achieving the desired results (and haven’t experienced any adverse effects), you may contemplate increasing your dosage to 20mg. This option is characterized by:

• Cialis 20mg is also taken on-demand, at least half an hour prior to sexual engagement
• It remains effective for up to 36 hours
• This dose can be beneficial for individuals who did not find satisfactory results with 10mg, but it carries a higher likelihood of side effects
• Available in pack sizes of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 28 tablets

For individuals who participate in sexual activities more than three times weekly, Cialis Daily can be a preferable option, offered in two dosages, with 5mg being the standard choice:

• 5mg should be taken once daily at a consistent time
• When taken regularly, the effects should be consistently noticeable
• If the 5mg dosage is effective but causes side effects, switching to 2.5mg may be an alternative, as it provides similar efficacy with a reduced risk of side effects
• Both dosages are available in pack sizes of 28 tablets

All Cialis doses can be taken up to once per day, but it is crucial to never exceed one tablet every 24 hours. Consider transitioning to Cialis Daily if:

• You find yourself taking higher on-demand doses (10mg or 20mg) on more than three days a week.
• You are 'topping up' after 24 hours. Since on-demand doses are effective for up to 36 hours, overlapping doses can lead to higher concentrations in your bloodstream, which may result in increased side effects.
• You notice that the effects of Cialis diminish before the 24-hour mark and wish to engage in sexual activity again.

• If you’re on 2.5mg or 10mg and haven’t experienced significant side effects, consider increasing your dosage to see if that enhances efficacy. Any dosage adjustments should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
• If you’re currently taking a daily dose of 5mg, exploring a higher on-demand dose may be worthwhile, but again, consult your doctor first.

If 20mg of Cialis does not yield satisfactory results, it may be time to look into alternative medications. In addition, consider supplementary treatments, such as lifestyle modifications, counseling, or devices like penis pumps. However, be cautious not to combine Cialis with other erectile dysfunction therapies or exceed the recommended daily dosage.

Cialis and Viagra contain different active ingredients that work to treat erectile dysfunction, meaning their dosing is not directly interchangeable. Consequently, a 20mg dose of Viagra does not equate to 20mg of Cialis in terms of effectiveness or side effects. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your needs.