What milligrams does cialis come in. Cialis Dosage Guide: Strengths, Side Effects, and Optimal Usage for ED and BPH Treatment

20.10.202123.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the available strengths of Cialis. How should Cialis be taken for erectile dysfunction. What is the recommended dosage of Cialis for benign prostatic hyperplasia. How long does Cialis typically last. What are the potential side effects of taking Cialis.

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Understanding Cialis: A Comprehensive Overview

Cialis, also known by its generic name tadalafil, is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult males. As a member of the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class of drugs, Cialis works by relaxing blood vessels to increase blood flow to the penis, effectively treating ED. For BPH symptoms, it relaxes bladder muscles to improve urine flow.

Available as an oral tablet, Cialis comes in four different strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The appropriate dosage depends on various factors, including the condition being treated, the patient’s response to the medication, and any existing health conditions.

Cialis Dosage for Erectile Dysfunction: Occasional vs. Daily Use

When prescribing Cialis for erectile dysfunction, doctors typically consider two dosing strategies: occasional use and daily use.

Occasional Use for ED

For occasional use, patients typically start with a 10 mg tablet taken as needed before sexual activity. Based on the effectiveness and tolerability, the dose may be adjusted to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg. It’s crucial to note that Cialis should not be taken more than once per day, and the maximum recommended dosage is 20 mg daily.

Daily Use for ED

For daily use, the starting dosage is usually 2.5 mg taken once per day, regardless of sexual activity timing. If this proves insufficient, the dosage may be increased to 5 mg daily. This approach maintains a consistent level of the medication in the body, potentially allowing for more spontaneous sexual activity.

Cialis for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Dosage and Duration

For the treatment of BPH symptoms, the standard dosage of Cialis is 5 mg taken once daily for up to 26 weeks. Consistency in timing is important, so patients are advised to take their dose at approximately the same time each day.

Can Cialis treat both ED and BPH simultaneously? Indeed, for patients experiencing both conditions, doctors may prescribe a single daily dose of 5 mg Cialis. In this case, no additional doses should be taken for occasional use before sexual activity.

Maximizing Cialis Effectiveness: Tips for Optimal Usage

To achieve the maximum benefit from Cialis, it’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and timing instructions carefully. For daily use, taking the medication at the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood levels of the drug. Skipping doses or taking them irregularly can reduce the medication’s effectiveness.

For occasional use, timing is less critical, but it’s important to remember that Cialis can remain effective for up to 36 hours after taking a dose. This extended window of effectiveness is one of the key advantages of Cialis over other ED medications.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations of Cialis

Like all medications, Cialis can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include:

Headache
Flushing
Nasal congestion
Back pain
Muscle aches
Indigestion

More serious side effects, though rare, can occur. These may include sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain, or priapism (a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours). It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if any of these severe side effects occur.

Cialis Dosage Adjustments for Special Populations

Patients with kidney or liver problems may require dosage adjustments. In these cases, doctors may prescribe lower doses or recommend occasional use instead of daily dosing for ED treatment. The severity of the kidney or liver condition will influence the specific dosage recommendation.

Is Cialis safe for long-term use? Generally, Cialis is considered safe for long-term treatment when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. However, regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor about any side effects or concerns are essential for safe, continued use.

Comparing Cialis to Other ED Medications: Duration and Effectiveness

One of the distinguishing features of Cialis is its long duration of action. While medications like sildenafil (Viagra) typically last for about 4-5 hours, Cialis can remain effective for up to 36 hours after a single dose. This extended window has led to Cialis being nicknamed the “weekend pill,” as it allows for greater spontaneity in sexual activity.

Does the longer duration of Cialis make it more effective than other ED medications? Not necessarily. The effectiveness of ED medications can vary from person to person. While some may find Cialis more suitable due to its longer-lasting effects, others may prefer the shorter-acting options. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine which medication is most appropriate for your specific needs and lifestyle.

Lifestyle Factors That Can Enhance Cialis Effectiveness

While Cialis can be highly effective in treating ED and BPH symptoms, certain lifestyle factors can enhance its effectiveness and overall sexual health:

Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
Regular exercise, which improves cardiovascular health and blood flow
Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking
Managing stress through relaxation techniques or therapy
Getting adequate sleep
Communicating openly with your partner about sexual concerns and expectations

How can these lifestyle changes impact the effectiveness of Cialis? By improving overall cardiovascular health and reducing factors that contribute to ED, these lifestyle modifications can work synergistically with Cialis to enhance sexual function and satisfaction.

The Importance of Proper Storage and Handling of Cialis

To maintain the effectiveness and safety of Cialis, proper storage is essential. Cialis should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. It’s important to keep the medication in its original container and out of reach of children and pets.

Does the effectiveness of Cialis decrease over time? When stored properly, Cialis should maintain its potency until the expiration date printed on the package. However, it’s best to avoid using expired medication and to consult with a pharmacist if you have any concerns about the quality or effectiveness of your Cialis tablets.

Interactions and Contraindications: When to Avoid Cialis

While Cialis is generally safe for most adult males, there are certain situations where its use may be contraindicated or require special precautions:

Concurrent use of nitrates or nitric oxide donors (e.g., nitroglycerin)
Severe liver or kidney disease
Recent stroke or heart attack
Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure
Certain eye conditions, such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

Additionally, Cialis may interact with various medications, including alpha-blockers, antifungal medications, and certain antibiotics. It’s crucial to provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Can grapefruit juice affect Cialis absorption? Yes, grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of Cialis in the body, potentially leading to higher blood levels of the medication and an increased risk of side effects. It’s generally recommended to avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Cialis.

The Role of Patient Education in Successful Cialis Treatment

Proper education about Cialis use is essential for maximizing its benefits and minimizing risks. Patients should be informed about:

The correct dosage and timing of medication
Potential side effects and when to seek medical attention
The importance of regular follow-up appointments
The need for sexual stimulation for the medication to be effective in treating ED
The limitations of Cialis (e.g., it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections)

How can patients ensure they’re using Cialis correctly? Open communication with healthcare providers is key. Patients should feel comfortable asking questions about their treatment and reporting any concerns or side effects they experience.

Future Developments and Research in ED and BPH Treatment

While Cialis and other PDE5 inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of ED and BPH, ongoing research continues to explore new therapeutic options and potential improvements to existing treatments. Some areas of current interest include:

Development of longer-acting PDE5 inhibitors
Exploration of combination therapies for enhanced effectiveness
Investigation of novel drug delivery methods
Research into regenerative therapies for ED, such as stem cell treatments
Studies on the potential neuroprotective effects of PDE5 inhibitors

What might the future hold for ED and BPH treatment? While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, ongoing research suggests that we may see more personalized treatment approaches, improved drug formulations, and potentially new classes of medications for these conditions in the coming years.

The Psychological Aspect of ED Treatment

While Cialis primarily addresses the physical aspects of ED, it’s important to recognize the psychological component of sexual dysfunction. For many men, ED can lead to anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem, which can further exacerbate the condition.

How can the psychological aspects of ED be addressed alongside Cialis treatment? A comprehensive approach to ED treatment often includes counseling or therapy, either individually or with a partner. This can help address underlying psychological issues, improve communication, and reduce performance anxiety, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of Cialis and overall sexual satisfaction.

Cialis and Women’s Health: Exploring Potential Applications

While Cialis is primarily approved for use in men, there has been interest in its potential applications for women’s health issues. Some areas of research include:

Treatment of female sexual arousal disorder
Management of certain urinary tract symptoms in women
Potential use in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension

Is Cialis currently approved for use in women? As of now, Cialis is not approved by regulatory agencies for use in women. However, ongoing research may lead to new applications or similar medications designed specifically for women’s health issues in the future.

The Economic Impact of ED and BPH Treatment

The availability of effective treatments like Cialis has had a significant impact on both individual quality of life and healthcare economics. Consider the following:

Reduced need for more invasive treatments or surgeries for ED and BPH
Improved workplace productivity due to better management of symptoms
Potential reduction in healthcare costs associated with untreated ED and BPH complications
Growth of the pharmaceutical industry and associated research and development

How has the availability of generic tadalafil affected the accessibility of treatment? The introduction of generic versions of Cialis has generally led to lower costs and increased accessibility for many patients, potentially improving overall treatment rates for ED and BPH.

Global Perspectives on ED and BPH Treatment

The prevalence and treatment of ED and BPH can vary significantly across different countries and cultures. Factors influencing these differences include:

Cultural attitudes towards sexual health and masculinity
Availability and affordability of medications like Cialis
Healthcare system structures and access to medical care
Regulatory environments for pharmaceutical products
Educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns

How do these global differences impact the use of Cialis worldwide? While Cialis and similar medications have gained widespread use in many countries, cultural stigma, economic factors, and varying healthcare priorities can still create disparities in access to and utilization of these treatments globally.

The Role of Telemedicine in ED and BPH Treatment

The rise of telemedicine has had a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of ED and BPH, particularly in the context of Cialis prescriptions. Some key aspects include:

Increased accessibility to healthcare providers for initial consultations
Convenience of follow-up appointments and prescription renewals
Potential for increased patient comfort in discussing sensitive health issues
Challenges in conducting physical examinations and diagnostic tests remotely

Has telemedicine changed how Cialis is prescribed and monitored? While telemedicine has made it easier for many patients to access ED and BPH treatment, it’s important to note that in-person examinations are still crucial for initial diagnoses and periodic check-ups to ensure safe and effective use of medications like Cialis.

Cialis and Sexual Health Education: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

The availability of treatments like Cialis has highlighted the need for comprehensive sexual health education. Key areas of focus include:

Destigmatizing discussions about sexual health and dysfunction
Educating about the physiological aspects of sexual function and aging
Promoting awareness of available treatment options for ED and BPH
Addressing misconceptions about medications like Cialis
Emphasizing the importance of overall health in maintaining sexual function

How can improved sexual health education impact the use of Cialis? By increasing awareness and understanding of ED and BPH, as well as available treatments, more individuals may seek appropriate medical care and make informed decisions about their treatment options, potentially leading to improved outcomes and quality of life.

The Future of Personalized Medicine in ED and BPH Treatment

As medical science advances, there is growing interest in personalized approaches to ED and BPH treatment. This may involve:

Genetic testing to predict medication response and side effects
Tailored dosing strategies based on individual patient characteristics
Combination therapies designed for specific patient profiles
Integration of lifestyle interventions with pharmaceutical treatments

How might personalized medicine change the way Cialis is prescribed in the future? While Cialis is already prescribed with consideration for individual patient factors, future advances may allow for even more precise tailoring of treatment regimens, potentially improving efficacy and reducing side effects.

Strengths, Form, When to Use, and More

Cialis (tadalafil) is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It comes as a tablet that’s taken as needed or once per day, depending on the condition it’s treating.

Cialis is used in adult males.* It belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These drugs treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by relaxing blood vessels to increase blood flow into the penis. For symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), they relax the bladder muscles, allowing urine to flow more easily.

This article describes the dosages of Cialis, including its form, strengths, and how to take the drug. To learn more about Cialis, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers typical dosages of Cialis, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Cialis, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

* In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Get answers to common questions about the dosage of Cialis.

What form does Cialis come in?

Cialis comes as a tablet that you take by mouth.

Available strengths of Cialis (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg)

Cialis tablets come in four strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.

What are the typical dosages of Cialis?

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

If you have certain kidney or liver problems, your doctor may prescribe a low dosage for you. This is because the usual dosage may increase the risk of side effects with your condition.

The information below describes the usual dosage recommendations for Cialis. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for erectile dysfunction (ED)

There are two dosage options when Cialis is used to treat ED: dosage for occasional use and for daily use.

Occasional use for ED

With occasional use, you’ll take Cialis only as needed. You’ll likely take one 10-mg tablet before having sex.

Depending on how well the 10-mg dose works for your ED, your doctor may adjust your dose. It may be decreased to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg. You’ll continue to take it only as needed before sex.

You should not take Cialis more than once per day. You also should not take more than the recommended maximum dosage of Cialis, which is 20 mg per day. Taking higher dosages of Cialis than this, such as 40 mg per day, raises your risk for serious side effects. Examples of these side effects include very low blood pressure and priapism (a painful erection lasting 4 hours or longer).

Daily use for ED

With daily use, you’ll take one dose of Cialis per day. You don’t need to time your dose to be taken before having sex. You should take it around the same time each day.

For daily use of Cialis for ED, the usual starting dosage is 2.5 mg per day. If this dosage isn’t effective for you, your doctor may increase your dosage to 5 mg per day.

Dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

The usual dosage of Cialis for BPH symptoms is 5 mg once per day for up to 26 weeks. You should take your dose around the same time each day.

Dosage for ED and BPH

If your doctor prescribes Cialis to treat ED along with BPH symptoms, you’ll take Cialis once per day.

For this use, the usual dosage is 5 mg per day. You should not take any additional doses of Cialis for occasional use before sex.

You don’t need to time your dose to be taken before having sex. You should take it around the same time each day.

Is Cialis used long term?

Yes, Cialis is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use Cialis long term.

Dosage adjustments

If you have certain kidney or liver problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Cialis for you. This is because, with your condition, the usual dosage may raise your risk for side effects from the drug.

Depending on how severe your kidney or liver problems are, your doctor may recommend occasional dosing instead of daily dosing to treat ED.

How can I get the maximum effect from Cialis?

To get the maximum effect from Cialis, take it exactly as prescribed.

If you’re using once-daily Cialis for either erectile dysfunction (ED) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), take your dose around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body to provide the maximum effect. If you forget to take doses, skip doses, or take doses late, the medication won’t work as well.

If you’re prescribed occasional (as needed) Cialis for ED, it’s best to take your dose at least 2 hours before having sex. This is because it takes an average of 2 hours for the drug to reach its highest level in your body.

Because this is an average, you may notice better effects if you have sex a little sooner or a little later than this 2-hour timeframe. In studies, Cialis improved erectile function as soon as 30 minutes to as long as 36 hours after a dose was taken. As long as you do not take more than the maximum daily dose, you can experiment with how long you wait to have sex after taking a dose.

If you have other questions about how to get the most from Cialis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If I take 5 milligrams (mg) of Cialis daily, how long does it take the drug to work?

Cialis starts working quickly. Studies show that the drug begins to work 30 minutes to 6 hours after you take your first dose. But it may take several days for the medication to reach its full effectiveness. If you don’t notice an improvement in your BPH symptoms or ED within a week of daily use, talk with your doctor. They may need to adjust your dosage.

Could I take an 80-mg dose of Cialis?

No, it’s not safe to take an 80-mg dose of Cialis. The maximum recommended daily dosage of Cialis is 20 mg per day if you take it as needed for ED. If you take Cialis daily, the maximum dosage is 5 mg per day.

Taking doses of Cialis above the recommended limit could lead to serious side effects, such as dangerously low blood pressure or priapism (a painful erection lasting 4 hours or longer).

What’s the typical Cialis dosage for a 70-year-old?

Cialis dosage is not based on your age alone. Instead, your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s best for your condition. Before prescribing Cialis, your doctor may send you for a blood test to check how well your kidneys and liver are working. This is because they’ll take your kidney and liver health into consideration when determining your dosage.

For many people, their kidneys may not work as well as they age. So if you’re an older adult (ages 65 years and older), it may take longer for your body to break down and clear Cialis from your system. Older adults may also be more sensitive in how they react to Cialis, which may increase their risk for side effects.

If you’re 70 years old, your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage of Cialis. If it works well for you, you’ll probably continue taking a low dosage. If it doesn’t work well for you or you develop bothersome side effects, your doctor will adjust your dosage. The goal is to find the lowest dosage that effectively treats your BPH symptoms or ED without causing bothersome side effects.

If you have questions about what your Cialis dosage should be, talk with your doctor.

How do the dosages for Cialis and Viagra compare?

As ED treatments, both Cialis and Viagra can be taken occasionally (as needed) before sexual activity. The usual dosage for occasional Cialis use is one dose 2 hours before having sex. The usual dosage for occasional Viagra use is one dose 1 hour before having sex.

Cialis is also approved for once-daily dosing for ED, but Viagra is not. This is because the effects of Cialis on ED can last much longer than Viagra’s effects. One dose of Cialis can help improve erectile function for up to 36 hours. In comparison, Viagra’s effects can last up to 4 hours. But on average, its effects start to lessen 2 to 3 hours after you take a dose.

The typical dose for once-daily Cialis for ED is 2.5 milligrams (mg) to 5 mg. When used as needed for ED, the usual Cialis dose is 10 mg (with a maximum daily dose of 20 mg). The typical dose of Viagra for ED is 50 mg.

Talk with your doctor about whether Cialis or Viagra may be a better option for you.

You’ll take Cialis by mouth, either once per day or occasionally (as needed before sex).

The Cialis tablet should be swallowed whole. You can take it with or without food.

With once-daily Cialis, be sure to take it around the same time each day. When you’re taking Cialis once a day, there isn’t a best time to take Cialis. But taking your dose around the same time each day helps to keep a steady level of the drug in your body.

With occasional (as needed) use of Cialis, it’s recommended that you take your dose about 2 hours before having sex. This is because it takes an average of 2 hours for the drug to reach its highest level in your body.

If you have questions about taking Cialis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use more Cialis than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you take too much Cialis

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken/used too much Cialis. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosage of Cialis you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

the type and severity of the condition you’re using Cialis to treat
your age
other conditions you may have, such as kidney or liver problems (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Cialis’s dosage?”)

If your doctor prescribes once-daily Cialis for your condition, it’s best to take it around the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible.

However, you should not take more than one dose of Cialis per day. Doing so could raise your risk for side effects, such as low blood pressure or priapism (a painful erection lasting 4 hours or longer).

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Cialis on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.

The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Cialis for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Cialis without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Cialis exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

How long should I give Cialis a chance to work before talking with my doctor about adjusting my dosage?
Is once-daily or occasional dosing of Cialis more effective for erectile dysfunction?
How can I tell if my Cialis dosage might need to be lowered?
Would a different dosage raise or lower my risk for side effects from this drug?

To learn more about Cialis, see these articles:

Cialis (tadalafil)
Cialis and Cost: What You Need to Know
Cialis Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Q:

My doctor prescribed 10 mg of Cialis for occasional use to treat my erectile dysfunction (ED). I took one dose 2 hours before trying to have sex, but I still couldn’t get an erection. Should I try the same dose again before asking my doctor to increase my dose? Or if it didn’t help the first time, will this drug not work for me at all?

Anonymous

A:

Even though Cialis didn’t work this time, it doesn’t mean the drug won’t work at all or that the dose is too low. You can try taking the same dose but waiting longer before having sex.

The 2-hour timeframe is an average, so some people may notice better effects by having sex a little sooner or a little later after taking their dose. In studies, Cialis improved ED as soon as 30 minutes to as long as 36 hours after a dose was taken.

If the drug still doesn’t work after several attempts, or if you have questions or concerns about using Cialis, talk with your doctor.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Strengths, Form, When to Use, and More

This article describes the dosages of Cialis, including its form, strengths, and how to take the drug. To learn more about Cialis, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers typical dosages of Cialis, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Cialis, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

* In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Get answers to common questions about the dosage of Cialis.