Cialis tadalafil
pronounced as (ta da' la fil)
Long-acting PDE5 inhibitor. 24-36 hour duration. Daily low-dose option for spontaneity.
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Cialis vs Viagra
Onset vs duration is the real decision. Sildenafil (Viagra) works in 30-60 min for 4-6 hours; tadalafil (Cialis) lasts up to 36 hours for less clock-watching.
What is Cialis?
Cialis is the brand-name tadalafil, longer-acting than sildenafil. Generic since 2018. Two dosing modes: as-needed (10-20mg) or daily low-dose (2.5-5mg). The daily mode is popular because it allows spontaneous activity without timing pills.
How does Cialis work?
Same mechanism as sildenafil — PDE5 inhibition. Longer half-life (17.5 hours vs 4 hours for sildenafil) means effect lasts longer per dose.
Who can take Cialis?
Adult men with ED. Daily low-dose also FDA-approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Same contraindications as sildenafil (nitrates, alpha-blockers, etc.).
How is Cialis taken?
As-needed: 10-20mg before sexual activity. Daily: 2.5-5mg every day at the same time.
How much does Cialis cost?
Generic tadalafil $1-8/tablet. Telehealth $30-100/month depending on dose and as-needed vs daily.
What side effects can Cialis cause?
Back pain, muscle aches (more common than with sildenafil). Headache, flushing, nasal congestion. Same vision/hearing warnings.
What if I miss a dose of Cialis?
Daily Cialis: if missed, take when remembered if within 12 hours; if longer, skip and resume regular schedule. Do not double up. As-needed Cialis: no missed-dose concept; take 30 minutes before activity, max one dose per 24 hours.
Where to get Cialis
Licensed US telehealth providers that prescribe/ship Cialis. We earn commission when you book. See disclosure.
Hims
from $13/mo- Best for cash-pay
- Best for speed
Hims ED — generic sildenafil from $13/mo
Why we picked itGeneric sildenafil at roughly half the chewable-competitor per-dose cost, with branded Viagra/Cialis available if you want it.
Who should skipSkip if you want fast-onset chewables — Hims uses standard tablets.
Off-Rx: no planFlaws but not dealbreakers (2)
- No chewable format
- Subscription auto-renews — set a calendar reminder if unsure
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Ro
from $2/mo- Best for clinical oversight
Ro — original online ED brand, sildenafil & tadalafil
Why we picked itCleaner clinical voice and quarterly auto-ship with reminders means less reorder friction once you've settled on a dose.
Who should skipSkip if you want the lowest entry price — Hims undercuts Ro's starting tier.
Off-Rx: no planFlaws but not dealbreakers (2)
- Entry price slightly above Hims
- No chewable option
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Not sure which Cialis program fits?
5 questions, ~60 seconds. We'll match you with three programs and explain the trade-offs.
Start free assessmentNo email required. Resume any time.
How often do you experience symptoms?
- Occasional
- Frequent
- Almost always
Have you tried ED medication before?
- Never
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
+ 3 more in the full assessment
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Related terms
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How to get it
Take the eligibility quiz
5 minutes of medical-history questions matched to the medication's FDA criteria. Free, no commitment.
Submit ID + a recent photo
Required by every legitimate US telehealth platform to verify identity and meet state prescribing rules.
Async clinical review
A licensed clinician in your state reviews your history and decides whether the medication is appropriate. Typically within 24-48 hours.
Prescription ships
If approved, the medication is sent from a partner pharmacy. Initial titration dose arrives in 3-7 days for most US states.
Ongoing support
Most programs include follow-up check-ins, dose adjustments, and side-effect support. Coverage varies by program.
Sources
Primary references this page draws from. We cite original sources so you can verify any claim.
Other ed treatment medications
More on Cialis
For clinicians: see the Cialis prescribing summary.