What's The Best Dosage Of Cialis?

Brenda Ikeji

What dosages are there, and which strength should you pick?

Cialis, a popular treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED), comes with the active ingredient tadalafil. It is available in four specific dosages, making it a versatile choice depending on individual needs and health conditions. Choosing the appropriate dosage is vital for both achieving optimal effectiveness and maintaining safety throughout treatment.

Typically, starting with the 10 milligram (mg) tablet is advisable, as it serves as the standard dosage for many patients. However, since the response to Cialis can differ markedly among individuals, it is highly recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable option for you.

What are the dosages of Cialis?

As noted, the dosages of Cialis include:

• 2.5mg
• 5mg
• 10mg
• 20mg

The Cialis Daily options, specifically at 2.5mg and 5mg, are purposefully designed for regular, daily intake, while the 10mg and 20mg dosages are tailored for "on demand" use, intended to be taken shortly before anticipated sexual activity.

What are the differences between Cialis Daily and Cialis on demand?

Cialis Daily:

• Available in 2.5mg and 5mg doses
• Specifically designed for daily consumption
• Helps achieve a consistent ability to attain an erection after approximately five days of use
• Facilitates spontaneous sexual encounters without the need for prior planning

Cialis On Demand:

• Available in higher strengths of 10mg and 20mg
• Effects can persist for up to 36 hours following consumption
• Ideal option for those who prefer not to take a pill every day
• 10mg is often the initiation dose for individuals who require erections less frequently
• 20mg serves as the peak available dose, utilized when 10mg does not yield adequate results

What dosage of Cialis should I take?

The ideal Cialis dosage is largely contingent upon your sexual activity frequency.

Up to twice a week

The 10mg or 20mg dosages are well-suited for those engaging in sexual activities occasionally, allowing for an erection typically within 30 to 60 minutes following ingestion.

More than twice a week

For individuals looking to have sexual encounters with greater frequency, the 2.5mg or 5mg daily doses are recommended as they assist in maintaining a stable concentration of tadalafil in your system.

Is there a recommended dosage for Cialis?

Healthcare providers generally initiate therapy with lower dosages to evaluate their efficacy. Commonly, individuals begin with a 10mg prescription. This dosage is deemed effective while posing a reduced risk of side effects compared to the 20mg variant. Should the 10mg dose not deliver satisfactory results, your healthcare provider may propose an increase to the 20mg dosage.

What factors affect my dosage?

Your prescribed Cialis dosage will depend on several important criteria, including:

• Your overall health condition and age
• Frequency of sexual activity
• Other medications you may be currently taking
• Side effects you may have experienced while using the medication
• Current effectiveness of the prescribed dosage

Will I find a Cialis dosage that works for me?

Cialis may not be appropriate for every individual; hence, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential prior to commencing therapy. They will assess your medical history to determine the safety of this medication, factoring in any concurrent medications and underlying health conditions.

How do I take Cialis?

Cialis is an oral medication that should be swallowed whole with or without water. For Cialis Daily, it is advisable to take it at the same time each day for optimal outcomes. For Cialis on demand, it should be taken at least 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity. It is permissible to consume with or without meals.

When should I switch dosages?

If you experience side effects:

Common side effects of Cialis may include:

• Headaches
• Flushing
• Muscle pain or backache
• Indigestion

If you encounter side effects, please discuss with your healthcare provider about the possibility of adjusting your dosage.

If the current dosage isn't effective:

If you find that Cialis does not seem to be producing the desired effects, it is advisable to consult with your doctor about the potential for increasing the dosage from 10mg to 20mg. It is crucial to refrain from self-medicating by taking multiple pills of your existing dosage.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose:

Cialis on demand: Take it as soon as you remember, and engage in appropriate foreplay while awaiting its effect.

Cialis Daily: Take it as soon as you realize, but refrain from doubling up if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose.

Get erectile dysfunction treatment with tadalafil

Can I increase the dosage of Cialis?

If you find that your current dosage is not effective, your healthcare provider may recommend a higher dosage. However, never exceed the prescribed dosage without professional guidance, as this may result in serious adverse effects.

How can I optimize my Cialis dosage?

To improve the effectiveness of Cialis, consider incorporating several lifestyle changes:

Avoid High-Fat Foods:

Consuming Cialis with high-fat meals can impair its absorption and diminish its efficacy.

Timing:

• For 10mg and 20mg doses, take them approximately one hour prior to anticipated sexual activity.
• For daily doses, ensure you take them at the same time each day for maximum results.

Remember, Cialis does not automatically induce erections; sexual arousal is necessary for the desired effect.

Limit Alcohol:

Alcohol intake may increase the likelihood of side effects and can hinder the ability to achieve or maintain an erection.

Avoid Grapefruit Juice:

This juice can interact with the effectiveness of Cialis and should be avoided during treatment.

How do Cialis dosages compare to other medications?

Cialis vs Viagra:

• Cialis and Viagra contain different active ingredients, leading to different dosing recommendations.
• Cialis effects can last up to 36 hours, while Viagra's duration is approximately 6 hours.
• Both medications may take up to an hour to produce effects.

Branded vs. Generic Cialis:

• No difference exists in dosing between branded Cialis and its generic equivalent, tadalafil.
• Both products contain identical active ingredients and share similar side effects.

Conclusion

This comprehensive overview outlines the different dosages available for Cialis and how to ascertain the most suitable option for your requirements. Always initiate treatment with the lowest dose and collaborate closely with your healthcare provider to ensure optimal results. Adjustments to your dosage should only occur with professional advice to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Last reviewed: 28 Feb 2025

Sources:

• Choi, H. et al. (2014). Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of 5-mg Once-Daily Versus 5-mg Alternate-Day Tadalafil in Men with Erectile Dysfunction and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. International Journal of Impotence Research: 27, pp 33-37.
• Moncada, I. et al. (2014). Effects of Tadalafil Once Daily or On Demand Versus Placebo on Time to Recovery of Erectile Function. World J Urol: 33, pp 1031-1038.
• Padma-Nathan, H. et al. (2001). On-Demand IC351 (Cialis) Enhances Erectile Function in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction. International Journal of Impotence Research: 13, pp 2-9.
• Sadovsky, R. (2002). The Role of the Primary Care Clinician in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction. Reviews in Urology: 4(Suppl 3), pp S54-S63.
• Say, A. et al. (2017). Interaction Between Grapefruit Juice and Drugs. Acta Physica Polonica A.

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