Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsComprehensive TreatmentWhat to Avoid With CialisHow It WorksHow to Take ItHow Quickly It WorksHow Long It LastsSide EffectsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Comprehensive Treatment
What to Avoid With Cialis
How It Works
How to Take It
How Quickly It Works
How Long It Lasts
Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Cialisis a prescription drug that contains the active ingredienttadalafil.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use in people assigned male at birth to treat:
This article will help the reader understand how to take Cialis for ED and outline other important information about this medicine.
Use Cialis With Other Treatments
Cialis contains the ingredient tadalafil, also available as a generic medication. As with any prescription medication, you should follow the directions carefully.
For erectile dysfunction, Cialis is prescribed for one of the following reasons:
Dosing will be discussed further in this article.
Cialis can help symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, using this medication as part of a comprehensive treatment that may include couples therapy can be more helpful.
Although many people try to address ED with medication, couples may also find therapy to be greatly helpful when managing ED.
The following lifestyle changes can also help with ED:
Lifestyle changes are easier said than done. However, even trying to make a few minor changes over time can help. Ask your healthcare provider for advice. For example, they may refer you to aregistered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)to help you with your nutrition, exercise, weight management, and more.
Cialis pill bottle.Wladimir Bulgar, Science Photo Library / Getty Images
Wladimir Bulgar, Science Photo Library / Getty Images
What Should I Avoid While Taking Cialis?
It’s best to avoid the following when using Cialis.
Alcohol
In general, higher alcohol consumption increases the risk of sexual problems.Even those who overindulge in alcohol only on occasion can have temporary ED problems.
In addition, combining Cialis and alcohol can cause severelylow blood pressure.
Avoid alcohol or reduce the amount you drink as much as possible.
People whoneed help with an immediate alcohol crisiscancall 988to get in touch with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) offers free and confidential help at any time.
Grapefruit
When you take Cialis, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juices, including mixed fruit drinks that contain grapefruit.
Grapefruit can slow Cialis’s elimination from the body and can lead to the following:
Medication Interactions
Some medications can interact with Cialis.
Before taking Cialis, tell your healthcare provider about all your medicines.
This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamins or supplements.
While taking Cialis, do not start any new medications without approval from your healthcare provider.
Some interactions include:
This is not a complete list of interactions; others may occur with Cialis.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about interactions and how they may affect you.
How Does Cialis Work?
Cialis belongs to a drug class calledphosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors.
By doing so—combined with sexual stimulation—a cascade of events occurs that increases nitric oxide.
This process helps increase blood flow to the penis and achieve an erection.
How Do I Take Cialis?
Cialis can be taken with or without food. The pill should be swallowed whole and not crushed, broken, or chewed.
Cialis alone does not lead to an erection. To work, it requires sexual stimulation as well.
Cialis is approved in adults assigned male at birth; it is not approved for use in children or adolescents.
Dosing is as follows:
People with kidney or liver problems will need to either take a lower dose of Cialis or avoid the medication altogether, depending on the severity of the condition.
How Quickly Does Cialis Work?
Some studies show that Cialis reaches its maximum effect around two hours after taking an as-needed dose.However, everyone is different, and it may take less time or more time to work for you.
Maximum effects can be seen between 30 minutes and eight hours.
It may take some time and trial and error to determine the best dosage as well as the best time to take Cialis. What does this mean?
Some people opt for a lower daily dose. This ensures the medication is always in the person’s system and allows for spontaneous sexual activity without planning dosing times.
You can talk to your healthcare provider about the best dosage for you.
How Long Does Cialis Usually Last?
A dose of Cialis can remain effective in the body for up to 36 hours. Because it may last this long, Cialis should not be taken more than once daily.
Common side effects of Cialis include the following:
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Report Side Effects
(800) 332-1088
Summary
Cialis (tadalafil) is a prescription medication taken as needed - or once daily - to help with erectile dysfunction (ED) andbenign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
It works in combination with sexual stimulation.
ED may also involve other issues, so lifestyle changes and addressing underlying issues may help improve ED symptoms.
People may have different experiences with how long Cialis takes to work. It may take some trial and error before finding the best dose for you and the time to take it.
Talk with your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice on how to benefit from Cialis.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCialis is a PDE5 inhibitor. It is similar to drugs like Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil).Learn MorePDE5 Inhibitors: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, PrecautionsAdcirca and Revatio also contain the active ingredient tadalafil. However, these medications are FDA-approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high pressure in the lungs' blood vessels).Learn MoreTreatments for Pulmonary HypertensionA Cialis tablet can take up to several hours to start working. Remember that it will not cause an erection on its own. Sexual stimulation must occur. If one Cialis is not working, talk to your healthcare provider. Because one Cialis pill stays active in the body for 36 hours, the prescribing information states that Cialis should not be taken more than once daily.
Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor. It is similar to drugs like Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil).Learn MorePDE5 Inhibitors: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions
Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor. It is similar to drugs like Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil).
Learn MorePDE5 Inhibitors: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions
Adcirca and Revatio also contain the active ingredient tadalafil. However, these medications are FDA-approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high pressure in the lungs' blood vessels).Learn MoreTreatments for Pulmonary Hypertension
Adcirca and Revatio also contain the active ingredient tadalafil. However, these medications are FDA-approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high pressure in the lungs' blood vessels).
Learn MoreTreatments for Pulmonary Hypertension
A Cialis tablet can take up to several hours to start working. Remember that it will not cause an erection on its own. Sexual stimulation must occur. If one Cialis is not working, talk to your healthcare provider. Because one Cialis pill stays active in the body for 36 hours, the prescribing information states that Cialis should not be taken more than once daily.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Leiblum SR, Rosen RC.Couples therapy for erectile disorders: conceptual and clinical considerations.J Sex Marital Ther. 1991 Summer;17(2):147-59. doi: 10.1080/00926239108404956Maiorino MI, Bellastella G, Esposito K.Lifestyle modifications and erectile dysfunction: what can be expected?Asian J Androl. 2015 Jan-Feb;17(1):5-10. doi: 10.4103/1008-682X.137687Arackal BS, Benegal V.Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence.Indian J Psychiatry. 2007 Apr;49(2):109-12. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.33257Sexual Medicine Society of North America.Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction.Food and Drug Administration.Cialis label.Shen X, Chen F, Wang F, Huang P, Luo W.The Effect of Grapefruit Juice on the Pharmacokinetics of Tadalafil in Rats.Biomed Res Int. 2020 Jan 24;2020:1631735. doi: 10.1155/2020/1631735National Library of Medicine.Cialis - tadalafil tablet, film coated.Kloner RA, Goggin P, Goldstein I, et al.A new perspective on the nitrate-phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor interaction.J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Sep;23(5):375-386. doi: 10.1177/1074248418771896Frajese GV, Pozzi F, Frajese G.Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; an overview of the clinical evidence.Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):439-49. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.439Forgue ST, Patterson BE, Bedding AW, Payne CD, Phillips DL, Wrishko RE, Mitchell MI.Tadalafil pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Mar;61(3):280-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02553.xPrescribers’ Digital Reference.Tadalafil - drug summary.Food and Drug Administration.Revatio label.Food and Drug Administration.Adcirca label.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Leiblum SR, Rosen RC.Couples therapy for erectile disorders: conceptual and clinical considerations.J Sex Marital Ther. 1991 Summer;17(2):147-59. doi: 10.1080/00926239108404956Maiorino MI, Bellastella G, Esposito K.Lifestyle modifications and erectile dysfunction: what can be expected?Asian J Androl. 2015 Jan-Feb;17(1):5-10. doi: 10.4103/1008-682X.137687Arackal BS, Benegal V.Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence.Indian J Psychiatry. 2007 Apr;49(2):109-12. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.33257Sexual Medicine Society of North America.Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction.Food and Drug Administration.Cialis label.Shen X, Chen F, Wang F, Huang P, Luo W.The Effect of Grapefruit Juice on the Pharmacokinetics of Tadalafil in Rats.Biomed Res Int. 2020 Jan 24;2020:1631735. doi: 10.1155/2020/1631735National Library of Medicine.Cialis - tadalafil tablet, film coated.Kloner RA, Goggin P, Goldstein I, et al.A new perspective on the nitrate-phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor interaction.J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Sep;23(5):375-386. doi: 10.1177/1074248418771896Frajese GV, Pozzi F, Frajese G.Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; an overview of the clinical evidence.Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):439-49. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.439Forgue ST, Patterson BE, Bedding AW, Payne CD, Phillips DL, Wrishko RE, Mitchell MI.Tadalafil pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Mar;61(3):280-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02553.xPrescribers’ Digital Reference.Tadalafil - drug summary.Food and Drug Administration.Revatio label.Food and Drug Administration.Adcirca label.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Leiblum SR, Rosen RC.Couples therapy for erectile disorders: conceptual and clinical considerations.J Sex Marital Ther. 1991 Summer;17(2):147-59. doi: 10.1080/00926239108404956Maiorino MI, Bellastella G, Esposito K.Lifestyle modifications and erectile dysfunction: what can be expected?Asian J Androl. 2015 Jan-Feb;17(1):5-10. doi: 10.4103/1008-682X.137687Arackal BS, Benegal V.Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence.Indian J Psychiatry. 2007 Apr;49(2):109-12. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.33257Sexual Medicine Society of North America.Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction.Food and Drug Administration.Cialis label.Shen X, Chen F, Wang F, Huang P, Luo W.The Effect of Grapefruit Juice on the Pharmacokinetics of Tadalafil in Rats.Biomed Res Int. 2020 Jan 24;2020:1631735. doi: 10.1155/2020/1631735National Library of Medicine.Cialis - tadalafil tablet, film coated.Kloner RA, Goggin P, Goldstein I, et al.A new perspective on the nitrate-phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor interaction.J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Sep;23(5):375-386. doi: 10.1177/1074248418771896Frajese GV, Pozzi F, Frajese G.Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; an overview of the clinical evidence.Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):439-49. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.439Forgue ST, Patterson BE, Bedding AW, Payne CD, Phillips DL, Wrishko RE, Mitchell MI.Tadalafil pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Mar;61(3):280-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02553.xPrescribers’ Digital Reference.Tadalafil - drug summary.Food and Drug Administration.Revatio label.Food and Drug Administration.Adcirca label.
Leiblum SR, Rosen RC.Couples therapy for erectile disorders: conceptual and clinical considerations.J Sex Marital Ther. 1991 Summer;17(2):147-59. doi: 10.1080/00926239108404956
Maiorino MI, Bellastella G, Esposito K.Lifestyle modifications and erectile dysfunction: what can be expected?Asian J Androl. 2015 Jan-Feb;17(1):5-10. doi: 10.4103/1008-682X.137687
Arackal BS, Benegal V.Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence.Indian J Psychiatry. 2007 Apr;49(2):109-12. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.33257
Sexual Medicine Society of North America.Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction.
Food and Drug Administration.Cialis label.
Shen X, Chen F, Wang F, Huang P, Luo W.The Effect of Grapefruit Juice on the Pharmacokinetics of Tadalafil in Rats.Biomed Res Int. 2020 Jan 24;2020:1631735. doi: 10.1155/2020/1631735
National Library of Medicine.Cialis - tadalafil tablet, film coated.
Kloner RA, Goggin P, Goldstein I, et al.A new perspective on the nitrate-phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor interaction.J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Sep;23(5):375-386. doi: 10.1177/1074248418771896
Frajese GV, Pozzi F, Frajese G.Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; an overview of the clinical evidence.Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):439-49. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.439
Forgue ST, Patterson BE, Bedding AW, Payne CD, Phillips DL, Wrishko RE, Mitchell MI.Tadalafil pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Mar;61(3):280-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02553.x
Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Tadalafil - drug summary.
Food and Drug Administration.Revatio label.
Food and Drug Administration.Adcirca label.
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