How to Take Cialis and Get the Best Results

Written by: Staci Kilpatrick
Published 06/18/2019
Updated: 09/21/2022

Tadalafil Generic Cialis ED Treatment

Cialis and its generic equivalent, tadalafil, are the longest-lasting erectile dysfunction medications on the market. Their versatility and popularity are due to their extraordinarily lengthy half-lives.

More than fifteen years after its 2003 introduction, Cialis remains a powerful force in the U.S. erectile dysfunction drug market. It was second only to Viagra in sales from late 2018 into very early 2019.

Viagra Generic equivalent sildenafil citrate

Along with tadalafil, its generic equivalent, Cialis accounted for 30 percent of all ED drug prescriptions filled between December 1, 2018, and January 31, 2019, according to a report posted at CNBC.com.

Viagra and its generic equivalent, sildenafil citrate, captured 65 percent of the ED drug market during that period. The remaining 5 percent is Levitra, Staxyn, Stendra, and the generic equivalents of Levitra and Staxyn.

Two ED Treatment Formulations

Cialis is the only ED drug available in two formulations -- one for daily use and the other for use on demand. Both have an identical active ingredients. The only difference between the two is in the strength of the dosage. Daily Cialis is marketed in tablets of 2.5 and 5 milligrams, while the on-demand drug is available in tablets of 10 and 20 milligrams.

An extraordinarily lengthy half-life accounts for the fantastic versatility of Cialis and tadalafil. Half-life is the time for the concentration of the drug circulating in your bloodstream to be reduced by half. The half-life of Cialis is 17.5 hours, significantly higher than any other ED medication.

Taking Cialis (Tadalafil) on demand The recommended starting dose of Cialis on Demand is 10 milligrams, which can be adjusted upward to 20 milligrams if the lower dosage isn’t sufficient to get the job done.

The erection-friendly effects of Cialis on Demand can last up to 36 hours, which has earned it the nickname of the “weekender pill.” The impact of a 10-milligram Cialis tablet taken at 9 p.m. on a Friday probably won’t wear off completely until about 9 a.m. on Sunday.

Most Cialis users report that they notice the drug becoming effective about 30 minutes after consumption. However, it can take up to two hours for the drug’s active ingredient to reach maximum concentration in the bloodstream.

Taking Daily Cialis (Tadalafil)

Designed for men who want to be ready for sex whenever the opportunity arises, daily Cialis must be taken once a day, preferably at the same time. It will take three or four days for the concentration of the drug to reach sufficient levels to ensure you’ll be able to get and keep an erection whenever the time is right.

As previously noted, daily Cialis is available in 2.5 and 5 milligrams tablets. The recommended beginning dose for daily Cialis is 5 mg, which can be adjusted downward to 2.5 milligrams if the lower dose is enough to produce the desired results.

Can I Take Cialis With Food?

No matter which formulation of Cialis you choose, the medication is taken with or without food. A pill taken shortly after consuming a heavy or very fatty meal might take a bit longer to become effective, but the food should not interfere with the workings of the medication.

However, avoid grapefruit juice when taking Cialis because it tends to potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effects of the drug.

It’s also probably best to minimize alcohol consumption around the time you plan to take Cialis or Tadalafil. The pills temporarily boost blood flow to the penis and the drugs lower central blood pressure. Alcohol has the same effect on blood pressure, so it’s wise to moderate alcohol consumption when using the ED drug.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Cialis (tadalafil) isn’t appropriate for men taking nitrate-based medications, which also sharply lower blood pressure. Taken at or about the same time, the effects of these two drugs could conceivably trigger a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

This warning also applies to the recreational drugs known as “poppers,” which also contain nitrates and thus are off limits when using Cialis or any other ED drug for that matter.

Multiple clinical trials have shown Cialis to be safe and effective for most men. However, if your doctor has instructed you to avoid sexual activity -- either temporarily or long-term -- because you’re still recovering from a heart attack or are suffering from advanced stages of heart failure, do as your doctor directs.

Side Effects of Cialis (Tadalafil)

Cialis or tadalafil can trigger several common side effects, although these generally are mild and tend to dissipate upon continued use. Such side effects include back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, facial flushing, headache, indigestion, muscle ache, nausea, and a runny or stuffy nose.

Although very rare, more severe side effects of Cialis include:

• Priapism.
• An erection lasting four hours or more.
• A sudden decrease or loss of hearing or vision.

If you experience any adverse effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Whether you choose Cialis or its generic equivalent, tadalafil, you may find that you can save money and time by ordering online from eDrugstore.com, a longtime online facilitator.

We are based in Tempe, Arizona; edrugstore supplies a full range of ED medications, both brand-name and generic. To learn more, visit its Erectile Dysfunction page.

By Don Amerman