Table of Contents

I. What is Cialis?

II. Types of Dosing

III. Does Cialis Work Right Away?

IV. How to Take Cialis for the Best Results

V. FAQ: What Should I Check If Cialis Is Not Working as Well as Expected?

What is Cialis?

Cialis is the brand name for tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. Cialis is also used to treat the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. [1]

During sexual stimulation, the body releases nitric oxide, which increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP. Tadalafil helps maintain these higher cGMP levels, allowing smooth muscle in the penis to relax and blood to flow into the penile tissues to produce an erection. Cialis does not increase penile blood flow without sexual stimulation. [1]

How you take Cialis depends on whether it is prescribed for daily or as-needed use. Read on to learn more about the different dosing options and how to get the most from your Cialis prescription.

Types of Dosing

Many people prefer Cialis because it offers a flexible dosing schedule. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend either daily or as-needed dosing. As-needed Cialis is taken before anticipated sexual activity, while daily Cialis is taken once a day at approximately the same time, regardless of when you plan to have sex. [1] The two options are outlined below.

Daily Dosing

Your doctor will determine whether daily Cialis is right for you. The usual daily dose is 2.5 mg or 5 mg, depending on how well the medication works and how you tolerate it. The tablet should be taken at approximately the same time each day, regardless of when you plan to have sex. Because tadalafil remains in your system between doses, daily use offers more flexibility for the timing of sexual activity. [1]

As-Needed Dosing

As-needed Cialis is taken before anticipated sexual activity. The usual dose is 10 mg or 20 mg, although your doctor may adjust it based on how well the medication works and how well you tolerate it. Cialis can begin working within about 30 minutes and may remain effective for up to 36 hours. Do not take more than one dose per day. [1]

Does Cialis Work Right Away?

Cialis can begin working within about 30 minutes and may remain effective for up to 36 hours after a dose. The amount of time it takes to work can vary from person to person, so as-needed Cialis should be taken before anticipated sexual activity rather than immediately before sex. [1]

For men who want less planning around sexual activity, daily Cialis offers another option. Taking tadalafil once a day at approximately the same time helps maintain medication levels in the body, with steady-state levels reached within about five days of regular dosing. This allows sexual activity to be less dependent on the timing of each dose. [1]

How to Take Cialis for the Best Results

Things to Do

Taking care of your overall health may also help with erectile dysfunction. Research shows that a healthy diet can lower the risk of ED and may improve ED symptoms. Healthy choices include leafy green vegetables, berries and other fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. Mediterranean-style eating patterns have also been associated with a lower risk of ED. [2]

Things to Avoid

Smoking is associated with erectile dysfunction, and research has found that the association becomes stronger as the number of cigarettes smoked increases. Quitting smoking may help reduce a factor associated with ED. [3] Unlike some other ED medications, Cialis can be taken with or without food because food does not significantly affect tadalafil absorption. [1] 

Be cautious with alcohol while taking Cialis. Alcohol can temporarily lower blood pressure and make it harder to achieve an erection, and larger amounts taken with tadalafil may increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure. Grapefruit juice may also modestly increase tadalafil levels in the body, so ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should limit it. [1]

Finally, tell your doctor about all medications you take before using Cialis. Tadalafil should not be taken with nitrates because the combination can cause a potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure. Other medications may also interact with tadalafil, including alpha-blockers, some blood pressure medications, HIV protease inhibitors, and certain antifungal or antibacterial medications. Your doctor may need to adjust your treatment or monitor you more closely depending on the medications you use. [1]

FAQ: What Should I Check If Cialis Is Not Working as Well as Expected?

If Cialis is not working as well as expected, first make sure you are taking it the way your doctor prescribed. Cialis still requires sexual stimulation to help produce an erection, so it will not automatically cause an erection on its own. As-needed Cialis should be taken before anticipated sexual activity, while daily Cialis should be taken at approximately the same time each day.

Timing can also affect your results. As-needed Cialis can begin working within about 30 minutes and may remain effective for up to 36 hours, but the amount of time it takes to work can vary from person to person. For men who want less planning, daily Cialis may provide more flexibility once steady medication levels are reached with regular use.

To help Cialis work properly:

1. Take Cialis exactly as prescribed.
2. Do not take more than one dose per day.
3. Give as-needed Cialis enough time to start working before sex.
4. Take daily Cialis at about the same time each day.
5. Remember that sexual stimulation is still needed.
6. Limit alcohol, since larger amounts may make erections harder to achieve and increase dizziness or low blood pressure.
7. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about grapefruit juice.
8. Tell your doctor about all medications you take, especially nitrates, alpha-blockers, blood pressure medications, HIV medications, antifungals, or antibiotics.
9. Support your overall health with habits such as a healthy diet and quitting smoking.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.