Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary:
- Cialis® can help with erectile dysfunction (ED) but it comes in several different dosages: 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.
- More Cialis® isn’t always better. The right amount varies for each individual, and it’s important to balance the potential efficacy of higher dosages with the potential side effects.
- Most people either take Cialis® daily or on-demand. Choose between higher doses for occasional use or lower doses for regular, daily use.
- 5mg is typical for men who take Cialis® daily, while 10mg is the standard dosage for people using it on an as-needed basis. This dosage can be increased to 20mg if recommended by a healthcare professional, since it can increase the risk of side effects.
Cialis® comes in different dosages for a reason
Cialis® (generically known as tadalafil) is one of the most common medications in the world for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). But it commonly comes in several different dosages: 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.
There’s a general misconception that the more Cialis® you take, the better the effects will be. In reality, different amounts of Cialis® work best for different people. Below, we walk you through how varying amounts of this drug can influence its efficacy and duration—as well as change your risk of experiencing side effects.
On-demand vs. daily dosing for Cialis®
Cialis® is known for having a longer duration of action than other ED medications like Viagra (sildenafil). It can remain effective for up to 36 hours, which is significantly longer than other PDE5 inhibitors.
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The effects of Cialis® generally appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours of taking it, although the onset of action can vary from one person to another. For this reason, there are two common ways to take Cialis®: as a daily dose, or on-demand.
On-demand dosing
- Typically involves taking higher doses (10 mg or 20 mg).
- Intended for use prior to anticipated sexual activity.
- Suitable for men who have less frequent sexual activity or prefer planning for such occasions.
Daily dosing
- Involves taking a low dose (2.5 mg or 5 mg) of Cialis® every day at the same time.
- Helps maintain a steady level of medication in the body.
- Beneficial for men who engage in sexual activity more frequently and prefer not to plan for it in advance.
This approach can also ameliorate some of the urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Different Cialis® dosages & their common use cases
Cialis® 5mg: daily use
Lower dosages of Cialis® are often best if you’re planning to take it daily. This ensures a continuous level of medication in the bloodstream, but also keeps you at a lower risk of side effects compared to higher regular doses. Daily Cialis® at a 5mg dosage is also beneficial for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as it can help relieve urinary symptoms.
Potential side effects
Common side effects may include:
- Headache
- Back pain
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
These tend to be milder at lower dosages.
Cialis® 10mg: standard starting dose
10mg of Cialis® is typically recommended as a starting dose for most men who plan to take it on an as-needed basis—at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. At this level, most men can enjoy the benefits Cialis® offers while still experiencing a relatively low risk of side effects.
Adjustments based on individual response & tolerance
Depending on each individual’s response and side effects, the dose can be adjusted. It may be increased to 20mg or reduced to 5mg.
Cialis® 20mg: maximum strength
A higher dose of Cialis® can sometimes be considered for men who do not achieve sufficient results with the 10mg dose (see previous citation). Increasing your dosage to 20mg should only be done under medical supervision, taking into account your individual health conditions and tolerance for the drug.
Potential risks, side effects, & contraindications
Taking a higher dosage of Cialis® also increases your risk of common but mild side effects like:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Dizziness
- Dyspepsia
Cialis® is not recommended for men with certain medical conditions such as severe heart disease, recent stroke, or low blood pressure (see patient information above).
Taking 20mg of Cialis® also poses a higher risk of the drug interacting with other medications, such as nitrates, which can lead to significant drops in blood pressure.
Factors to consider when choosing a dosage
Before you take Cialis®, it’s vital to review the following information with a qualified healthcare provider:
- Age and health conditions: Older individuals or those with liver, kidney, or heart conditions may need a lower dosage. Health status significantly influences the appropriate dose.
- Other medications: Interactions with other drugs, especially nitrates, can impact the effectiveness and safety of Cialis®. Discuss all medications you’re currently taking with your doctor.
- Sexual activity frequency: For frequent sexual activity, a daily low dose (5mg) is usually effective. For less frequent activity, higher doses (10mg or 20mg) on-demand may be suitable.
- Individual response: Your dosage can be adjusted based on how your body reacts to the initial dose and any side effects experienced.
Consult with Lemonaid Health for tailored advice
Learning about ED medications like Cialis® and your individual needs helps you make more informed choices about how you support your sexual health. Lemonaid Health’s US-based medical practitioners can help by providing online consultations, Cialis® prescriptions, and more.
Cialis® is a registered trademark of Lilly ICOS LLC.
