What dose of Cialis should I take

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A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg in Japanese patients with severe erectile dysfunction

Introduction: Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor with documented efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg in men with severe ED.

Methods: A prespecified subgroup analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy of tadalafil 10 and 20 mg measured by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) erectile function (EF) domain and Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) among patients with severe ED (EF domain score = 1-10) in a Japanese placebo-controlled study (PCT). We also analyzed the efficacy of the two doses in men with severe ED post hoc by pooling data from three tadalafil clinical trials that evaluated these doses using a similar study design (three placebo-controlled trials), and evaluated (post hoc) the presence of organic comorbidities in patients with different levels of response to tadalafil 10 or 20 mg.

Main outcome measures: Mean change in the IIEF-EF domain and mean per-patient changes in percent “yes” responses to SEP Question 2 (SEP2) and Question 3 (SEP3).

Results: Patients with severe ED in the Japanese study experienced numerically greater increases (improvements) when taking tadalafil 20 mg compared with 10 mg in the IIEF-EF domain (14.3 vs. 12.4; P = 0.355), SEP2 (60% vs. 57%; P = 0.781), and SEP3 (61% vs. 49%, P = 0.196). When sufficiently powered, these observations reached statistical significance in the three PCTs: patients with severe ED experienced greater increases when taking tadalafil 20 mg compared with 10 mg in the IIEF-EF domain (13.6 vs. 10.4; P = 0.014) and SEP3 (56% vs. 43%, P = 0.019). Both doses were well tolerated.

Conclusions: Patients with severe ED, and especially those with an organic comorbidity, may derive greater clinical benefits from tadalafil 20 mg compared with 10 mg.

Cited by

Guo YL, Viswanathan VP, Chiang HS, Choi HK, Yip AW, Shen W, Kopernicky V. Guo YL, et al. Asian J Androl. 2009 Jul;11(4):423-33. doi: 10.1038/aja.2009.11. Epub 2009 Apr 20. Asian J Androl. 2009. PMID: 19377488 Free PMC article.

What dose of Cialis should I take?

Tadalafil is an Erectile Dysfunction (ED) treatment used by men who have difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection. It is the generic (non-branded) version of Cialis, which means they both contain the same active ingredient (tadalafil), and are as good as each other. Tadalafil is commonly referred to as “generic Cialis”. Cialis and tadalafil are the same, and work in the same way.

Tadalafil tablets are available in 4 different strengths, 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Tadalafil 2.5mg and 5mg are taken daily and provide a continuous effect. Tadalafil 10mg and 20mg are taken when required. If you are taking the 10mg and 20mg strength, you should take one tablet around 30 minutes before sexual activity. The effects of tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours.

The weekend pill

Tadalafil 20mg and 10mg are commonly referred to as “the weekend pill”. This is because they have a long-lasting effect of up to 36 hours. This means you can take a tablet on a Friday night, and it can still be effective until Sunday morning.

How Cialis works

Tadalafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis when you are sexually stimulated. The increase in blood flow helps to get and keep an erection. You should take one tablet around half an hour before sex. Tadalafil peaks at around the 2 hour mark, so you may wish to take a tablet slightly earlier, as tadalafil is most effective after 2 hours. Tablets can be taken with a glass of water. You don’t need to worry about taking these pills on an empty stomach. Unlike Viagra, food does not affect the absorption of tadalafil.

Cialis starting dose

Tadalafil 10mg is usually prescribed if you are taking treatment for the first time. There is a lower chance of experiencing side effects with the 10mg dose.

You should take tadalafil 10mg as follows:

Take one tablet at a time
Take a tablet around half an hour before you plan to have sex
Avoid drinking alcohol with tadalafil as this can negatively affect your ability to get erection. Alcohol may increase the chances of experiencing common side effects such as headaches.
Do not take more than one tablet in a 24 hour period

Tadalafil tablets, will only work when you are sexually aroused, and treatment alone (or any other type of ED tablets) will not increase sexual desire (libido). If you are experiencing a loss of sexual drive, you should see your doctor as there may be an underlying health condition causing ED. The effects of tadalafil 10mg tablets can last for up to 36 hours, and within this timeframe, you should be able to get an erection when you are sexually stimulated.

The starting dose of Cialis did not work for me. What should I do?

If tadalafil 10mg is not working, there are a few things you can do:

Try taking a tablet another 7 times. According to UK national guidelines, you should try taking ED tablets on 8 separate occasions, before increasing the dose or trying another treatment. It can take time for you to get used to the idea of using a tablet to help with ED
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about increasing the strength to tadalafil 20mg
Consider using a different ED tablet such as sildenafil or vardenafil

Can I take two Cialis 10mg tablets?

You can safely take two tadalafil 10mg tablets to give you 20mg. You should only do this if your doctor of pharmacist has prescribed you with tadalafil 20mg. The maximum dose of tadalafil that you should take is 20mg within a 24 hour period.

Taking the higher dose of Cialis

You doctor or pharmacist may prescribe tadalafil 20mg initially, although it’s more common to start with tadalafil 10mg and work your way up to 20mg if you have limited success. This lowers the chances of experiencing side effects.

Tadalafil 20mg tablets are taken in the same way as the lower strength 10mg tablets, 30 minutes before sex. There is not too much of a difference between tadalafil 20mg and 10mg. However, clinical trials have shown the 20mg dose to be around 10% more effective than the 10mg dose.

The effects of tadalafil 20mg do not last longer than the 10mg strength, but they may be stronger. This can increase the chances of experiencing side effects.

Common side effects of tadalafil include headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, muscle pain and a stuffy nose. Not everyone experiences side effects, however, the chances increase if you take tadalafil 20mg.

The higher dose of Cialis did not work for me. What should I do?

If the 20mg tablets are not effective, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist. As is the case with all ED tablets, you should try taking these pills on 8 separate occasions, before trying another ED medication.

If you have followed this advice, and still find tadalafil tablets to be ineffective, you may wish to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about trying an alternative ED treatment.

Most alternative ED tablets belong to the same class of drugs, known as PDE5 inhibitors. This means that they will act in the same way. In certain instances, counselling may be helpful, especially if ED is caused by anxiety. You should speak to a healthcare professional to find our if your ED is psychological, or physical.

Cialis overdose

You should not take more than 20mg of tadalafil within a 24 hour period. This is because 20mg is the highest licensed dose to treat ED. Taking more than 20mg can increase the likelihood of experiencing serious side effects, such as a drop in blood pressure, which can cause headache and dizziness. It can also increase the chances of experiencing other potentially harmful side effects such as priapism.

Can I take Cialis as a daily dose?

Tadalafil 10mg and 20mg are safe to take daily for most men. You should check this with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure. Tadalafil tablets are also available in lower strengths, 2.5mg and 5mg. These tablets are also known as “tadalafil daily”. The 2.5mg and 5mg strength are usually more appropriate to be taken every day, as the dose is smaller, resulting in a lower chance of experiencing side effects.

Tadalafil or sildenafil, which one should I choose?

No ED treatment can make you last longer in bed, however, tadalafil has an advantage over sildenafil as it has a longer duration of action. This means that you can benefit from more sexual encounters within a longer time frame (up to 36 hours). Sildenafil has a shorter duration of action, with the effects lasting up to 4 hours. Tadalafil tablets also work faster than sildenafil, and can take up to 30 minutes to kick in as opposed to sildenafil, which takes 1 hour to kick in. Tadalafil can also be taken after a meal as food does not affect absorption, unlike sildenafil, where the onset of action can be delayed by food.

Having said this, these points are theoretical and ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you find suits you. Individuals are likely to experience different responses to different ED tablets, and there is no correct answer for what treatment is best. You may prefer tadalafil or sildenafil, depending on your response to treatment.

So, what dose of Cialis should I take?

Studies have shown that tadalafil is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, allowing patients of all ages to regain a satisfactory sex life. The 10mg strength is usually prescribed if you are taking tadalafil tablets for the first time, and the strength is generally only increased if need be. Both the 10mg and 20mg dose take around 30 minutes to kick in, with the effects lasting for up to 36 hours. If you engage in sexual activity more than 3 times a week, you may wish to explore the daily dose of tadalafil. It has a continuous effect and allows you to enjoy a spontaneous sex life.

It is important to note that these pills are not recreational drugs and are only for use if you are experiencing ED. Certain types of cardiovascular disease, heart disease and other health conditions may mean that ED medication is not appropriate. You can speak to your GP about alternative ED treatments such as penile implants or penis pumps.

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

What’s the Best Dosage of Cialis?

What dosages are there, and which strength should you pick?

Cialis is a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) that works well for a lot of people. It contains the active ingredient ‘tadalafil’. Cialis come in 4 different dosages, and some dosages can be taken daily.

If you need help find the right dosage of Cialis, an online doctor or GP should be able to help. It’s a good idea to start with the 10 milligram tablet, which is the standard dosage. Just like with most medications, how well Cialis works can vary from person to person.

What are the dosages of Cialis?

The 2.5mg and 5mg dosages are called Cialis daily, because you take them once a day. This way, you can always be ready to get erections easier.

The 10mg and 20mg dosages are called Cialis on demand because you don’t need to take them every day. Instead you take them shortly before you want to be able to get an erection.

What are the differences between Cialis daily and Cialis on demand?

2.5mg and 5mg dosages
Specifically designed for daily use
Should help you to get an erection from 5 days after you start taking it, every day
Will help you to get an erection at any time between taking doses
Can work well if you want an erectile dysfunction (ED) pill and want to able to get an erection at any time, without planning in advance
The 2.5mg dosage is the most common one to start on
The 5mg dosage is usually prescribed if you think you’ll have want to get an erection at least twice a week

10mg and 20mg dosages
Effects last for up to 36 hours after each time you take a tablet
This form of Cialis can work well if you don’t want to take a pill every day
10mg is usually the starting dose of Cialis on demand. It’s normally prescribed if you think you’ll want an erections on up to two days in a week
20mg is the highest dose of Cialis available. This is normally prescribed if you find that the 10mg dose isn’t strong enough for you

How do I pick the right dosage?

The right dosage for you may depend on how often you want to get an erection.

Up to twice a week

The 10mg and 20mg Cialis doses are designed to be used when you need them, so they’re ideal if you’d usually want to get an erection up to twice a week. You’ll be able to get an erection 30 to 60 minutes after you take a 10mg or 20mg dose.

Twice a week or more

Taking Cialis daily builds up a steady amount of medication in your body. So the 2.5mg or 5mg daily dosages would be best if you want to be able to get an erection more than twice a week.

Is there a standard dosage?

If you’ve never taken Cialis before, you should try starting on the 10mg dosage. It works very well for a lot of people, and has a lower chance of giving you side effects than the 20mg dosage. But, 20mg may be an option if the 10mg dosage doesn’t work for you.

Will I find a Cialis dosage that works for me?

Cialis isn’t right for everyone. Before you’re prescribed Cialis, you’ll need a consultation with a doctor. They’ll check your medical history to make sure Cialis wouldn’t interact with any other medications you’re taking, and you don’t have any medical conditions that make Cialis unsafe for you.

Your online doctor or GP may also be able to identify possible causes of your erectile dysfunction (ED). They’ll be able to give advice on how to help tackle those causes.

When should I switch dosages?

Switching because of side effects

If you experience side effects on the dose of Cialis you’ve been prescribed, you can talk to your doctor about switching dosage.

Dizziness
Stomach ache
Your heart racing, pounding, or fluttering (palpitations)
More sweating than normal
Nosebleeds
Blurred vision
Painful eyes
A higher heart rate than normal

In a medical emergency, call 999 and get medical attention as soon as you can.

Switching because your Cialis didn’t work

You may also think about switching dose if you feel the dosage you’re taking isn’t working for you. If you’re taking the 10mg dose, your doctor might recommend moving to 20mg.

20mg is the maximum dose for Cialis. If this isn’t working for you, you won’t be able to increase it. Instead, it might be better for you to switch to a different ED medication.

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Can I increase the dosage of Cialis if it doesn’t work for me?

If the dosage you’re taking isn’t working for you, your online doctor or GP might prescribe a higher dosage.

But, don’t just take more tablets of your current dosage. Taking Cialis more than once a day, or more than the recommended dosage, could cause serious side effects.

How can I get the best results from my Cialis dosage?

Fatty foods

Timing

Make sure you take Cialis 10mg and 20mg around an hour before you want to get an erection – you won’t get an erection straight away
For 2.5mg and 5mg daily dosages, try to take them at the same time every day
Cialis doesn’t cause erections directly – to get an erection with any erectile dysfunction (ED) medication, you need to be sexually aroused as normal
Take your time, and try to stay relaxed

Alcohol

Try to avoid drinking alcohol when you’re taking Cialis
Drinking can increase your heart rate
It can also reduce your blood pressure
Alcohol can make headaches and dizziness more likely
Alcohol also makes it harder to get an erection

Grapefruit juice

How do Cialis dosages compare to other medications?

Differences between medications

The dosages of Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis are different
They also each contain different active ingredients
Cialis can last in the body for up to 36 hours, whereas Viagra may last up to 6 hours

No difference in dosage between branded Cialis and the generic version

Cialis and tadalafil have the same dosages available because they have the same active ingredient
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis
Tadalafil can be bought as a generic version of the drug

Dr Kathryn Basford is a qualified GP who works as a GP in London, as well as with ZAVA. She graduated from the University of Manchester and completed her GP training through Whipps Cross Hospital in London.

Cialis Dosages

Cialis is a treatment for erectile dysfunction in men. It comes in 4 different doses which are taken in different ways and under different circumstances. The dose of Cialis refers to how much of the active ingredient ‘tadalafil’ is in them.

What are the doses of Cialis?

You can get Cialis in four different doses:

2.5mg: small white pills with ‘2.5mg’ written on them

5mg: small light orange pills with ‘5mg’ written on them

10mg: large light orange pills with ‘10mg’ written on them

20mg: large dark orange pills with ‘20mg’ written on them

The lower doses (2.5mg and 5mg) are usually prescribed for ‘daily’ use, and the higher two doses (10mg and 20mg) can be taken as required or ‘on demand’. This means you take them at least 30mins before you plan to have sex, instead of the same time every day.

The dose is the amount of the active drug ingredient ‘tadalafil’ inside each tablet. 5mg is the standard dose for Cialis Daily, and 10mg is the standard dose for on demand Cialis.

About Cialis 10mg

If you have sex on up to 3 different days a week, and you’ve never tried Cialis before, this is usually the first dose of Cialis that’s recommended. It’s known as the ‘standard dose’:

10mg Cialis is taken as you need it (on demand), at least half an hour before sex

This dosage works for most people who try it and has a lower risk of Cialis side effects than the higher on demand dose, 20mg

This dose comes in pack sizes of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 28 tablets from Superdrug Online Doctor

About Cialis 20mg

If 10mg doesn’t work the dose can be doubled to the ‘maximum daily dose’ in the UK of 20mg. This dose is normally only recommended if you tried the 10mg dose and you didn’t see the effect you wanted, and you also didn’t get any side effects.

Like 10mg Cialis, 20mg Cialis is taken as you need it (on demand), at least half an hour before sex

It also lasts for the same amount of time, up to 36 hours

This dose can work for some people who didn’t see enough of an effect from 10mg, but it is also more likely to cause side effects

This dose also comes in pack sizes of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 28 tablets from Superdrug Online Doctor

View Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

About Cialis Daily 2.5mg and 5mg

If you have sex on more than 3 different days in a week, taking a daily dose of Cialis might be a good idea. This comes in 2 doses like Cialis on demand, but the higher dose of 5mg is the standard one.

5mg is taken once a day at the same time

As long as you take every dose, you should always see the effects

If 5mg works fine for you but you get side effects, then you can switch to 2.5mg, which works the same way but has a lower risk of side effects

Both doses come in pack sizes of 28 tablets from Superdrug Online Doctor

Are there higher doses, like 40mg or 60mg?

Higher doses are only available for erectile dysfunction in the US. In the UK the max limit is a 20mg dose for treating erectile dysfunction.

Higher doses of Cialis have a much higher risk of side effects, because blood pressure is affected and the amount of Cialis in your body can build up over time. Because of this, higher doses of Cialis are not available in the UK for erectile dysfunction and there doesn’t seem to be any plans to bring out higher doses in future.

40mg of tadalafil is used in some situations to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, but only under specialist supervision because of the risks.

How often can you take a dose of Cialis?

All doses can be taken up to once a day. You should never take more than 1 Cialis tablet every 24 hours.

Think about switching to Cialis Daily if:

You find you are taking the higher on-demand doses (10mg or 20mg) on more than 3 different days in a week.

You are ‘topping up’ after 24 hours. The on-demand doses (10mg and 20mg) work for up to 36 hours, so if the doses overlap this can lead to higher amounts in the bloodstream which may lead to more side effects.

You find the effects of Cialis wear off before 24 hours are up and you want to have sex again.

How often can I take Cialis?

If you’ve never tried Cialis before and you have sex up to 3 different days a week, you could start with 10mg on demand.

If you’ve never tried Cialis before and you have sex on more than 3 different days a week, you could start with 5mg daily.

If you’ve tried 10mg and you haven’t seen the effect you wanted, and you didn’t have side effects, you could try 20mg

If you’ve tried 5mg and you saw the effect you wanted, but you also got side effects, you could try 2.5mg

Cialis isn’t right for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions or you’re taking certain medications then you might not be able to try any dose of Cialis. Also, if your erection problems are only occasional, and don’t happen at least half the time you have sex, then Cialis treatment might not be right for you either.

What if my current dose isn’t working?

If you’re on 2.5mg or 10mg and you haven’t had any problems with side effects, then the dose can be increased to see if that has a better effect. You will need to discuss this with your doctor before making any changes though.

If you’re on a daily dose of 5mg then a higher on demand dosage might be worth trying, after first discussing with your doctor.

If 20mg of Cialis doesn’t work for you, you may have to try a different medication. Or, you could try combining Cialis with some other treatments like lifestyle changes, counselling, penis pumps, or therapy. You should never combine Cialis with any other erectile dysfunction medication, or take more than the recommended daily dosage.

How do Cialis doses compare with Viagra ones?

Cialis and Viagra have different active ingredients in them that make them work. So, the doses of Cialis and Viagra are not related and you can’t compare the number of mg to figure out which might be more effective (e.g. 20mg of Viagra wouldn’t be the same as 20mg of Cialis).

Viagra is only available in three on demand doses with no daily dose available. Usually you begin at the middle dose of 50mg then you move up if you don’t see the effects you want, or down if you get side effects, like Cialis.

There are only two on demand Cialis products available, so you can only begin on the lowest and get moved up if you don’t see the effect you want and don’t get side effects. This should only be done after checking with a doctor first.

Can I Take 40 mg of Tadalafil (Cialis) for ED?

agsaz / Shutterstock

Cialis is a brand-name version of tadalafil, a popular medication for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Taking the medication helps you get the maximum effect while avoiding side effects.

Reasons not to take 40 milligrams (mg) of Cialis include how the drug works and its duration. Increasing the dose could result in side effects.

If you feel your current dosage isn’t working, there may be options to consider. Let’s look at Cialis, why to avoid taking too much, and more.

Taking 40 mg of Cialis could be dangerous and raise the risk of side effects such as a sudden drop in blood pressure and priapism. The typical dose is 10 mg for occasional use and 2.5 or 5 mg for daily use. The typical maximum dose of Cialis for ED is 20 mg once a day.

If a doctor has prescribed Cialis for pulmonary arterial hypertension, you may be advised to take two 20-mg doses a day. But taking that much of the medication should be done only under a doctor’s guidance.

It changes more than your penis

While Cialis works for ED by affecting the PDE5 enzyme in the penis, it also affects other PDE enzymes in tissues and cells in other areas of the body. For example, PDE5 is found in tissues in the lungs, kidneys, liver, brain, and platelets.

Cialis also affects PDE11, which is found in tissues in the heart, pancreas, pituitary, skeletal muscles, testes, and corpus cavernosum.

It increases your chances of side effects

Doubling the maximum dose of Cialis to 40 mg can increase the chances of experiencing side effects, which include:

It may also cause priapism, an erection lasting longer than 4 hours, damaging the penile tissue. An urgent medical evaluation is needed to prevent long-term damage if this occurs.

It’s in your system for a while and clears slowly

Another reason not to double your dose is the long lasting effects of Cialis.

The effects of Cialis last much longer (up to 36 hours) than other PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra (4 to 5 hours). So, Cialis stays in your body and clears slowly. This can increase the risk of side effects if you add doses on top of what’s already in your system.

How does Cialis work?

Cialis is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It limits the effect of the PDE5 enzyme in the penis, allowing blood vessels in your penis to relax so blood can flow into the penis, helping to get or keep an erection. Keep in mind that Cialis won’t work unless you’re stimulated or aroused.

Cialis, a brand-name version of tadalafil, is available by prescription in tablet form in four strengths:

The dose of Cialis for ED depends on your age and if you’re taking it once daily (lower dose) or as needed (higher dose).

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dosing guidelines for ED symptoms, the recommended dose for Cialis once daily is 2.5 mg to start and may be increased to 5 mg if needed.

The recommended dose for as-needed Cialis is 10 mg and may be adjusted up or down to a maximum of 20 mg.

Tadalafil is the generic name for Cialis. It’s part of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and is prescribed for the following conditions:

Tadalafil treats ED by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal.

What is the benefit of tadalafil?

Tadalafil is unique compared with other PDE5 inhibitors because it can be taken either once daily at a lower dose or as needed at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.

This lets you choose which dosing suits your lifestyle needs best.

On average, Cialis starts to work in about 30 minutes and can take up to 2 hours to take effect.

How well a medication works depends on the individual and can vary from person to person.

Don’t be discouraged if Cialis doesn’t work right away. If you’re nervous or anxious, this affects your arousal and ability to get or keep an erection.

Talk with a doctor about your experience with Cialis to see whether a dose increase or switching to a different ED medication would work better.

Try different timing if you take it as needed. You may need to take Cialis a few times for you to figure out the best timing for as-needed dosing. Don’t take more than one dose in a day.
Be consistent for daily use. Some people prefer the daily dose because it allows small amounts of Cialis to always be in your bloodstream, so you can have flexibility with sexual activity. For the daily dose, try to take it at the same time every day.

Cialis can last up to 36 hours in the body but may last up to 72 hours in some cases. How long it lasts can vary.

Your age, genetics, and if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease all affect how the drug works and how long Cialis stays in your body. You may need dose adjustments to avoid side effects.

The dosage of Cialis and how it’s prescribed for you depends on:

your overall health
your age and lifestyle
other medications you’re taking
other conditions you may have like diabetes or high blood pressure

If you have heart, kidney, or liver disease, it’s important to discuss your ED treatment options with a doctor. You may need a lower dose of Cialis to avoid side effects.

Warning

Do not take Cialis with nitrate class angina medications or alpha blocker medications. They can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure.

avoid excess alcohol because it can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting
avoid grapefruit juice with Cialis, as it interacts with the medication
take the medication as prescribed by your doctor
ask a pharmacist about interactions with other medications

try to lower stress and anxiety
increase your physical activity and eat a healthy diet
communicate with your partner about your concerns
consider professional counseling or sex therapy

Upping your dose of Cialis increases your chances of serious side effects and damage, including:

low blood pressure (a higher dose may increase the risk of dizziness and fainting)
chest pain
confusion
difficulty speaking or breathing
priapism (a higher dose may increase this risk due to the longer effect of Cialis)
sudden change or loss of vision or hearing

Call your doctor if you feel you’re experiencing serious side effects. Get medical help right away if you experience an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.

Some common side effects of Cialis include:

muscle pain and back pain (higher doses may increase the risk of these effects)
limb pain
headache
diarrhea
dizziness
indigestion
flushing
stuffy or runny nose

Allergic reaction

If you feel you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to Cialis (face or tongue swelling, rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing) or a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.

Cialis is one of the most popular ED medications sold worldwide. Unfortunately, it’s also very common to find Cialis and other ED medications sold online without a prescription through fake pharmacies and other suspect online portals.

Buying prescription medications online through fake sites can jeopardize your health but may also compromise your data and privacy.

Fake products are designed to look exactly like the genuine prescription but may be contaminated, have more or less than the listed strength or dose, be expired, have harmful ingredients, and harm your health.

You can’t tell what’s in these products just by looking.

So, what can you do?

The best way to learn more about ED is to make an appointment with a doctor. They can diagnose the problem and offer a prescription if needed.

Telehealth options, (sometimes covered by insurance, including Medicare plans) such as over the phone, online services, and telemedicine apps are available to connect you with a doctor.

Occasional episodes of ED are typical and could be due to causes such as work stress, relationship troubles, or excessive alcohol consumption. But if you are experiencing ED at least 25 percent of the time, you should talk with a doctor. You should also discuss any minor changes in your erections or libido. Addressing signs of trouble early could help avoid frustrating sexual encounters in the near term or may lead to an early diagnosis of a condition such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes — two common causes of ED, especially in younger individuals.

What will happen if I take 40mg of Cialis?

While you may experience no side effects or complications from taking 40 mg of Cialis, you do run the risk of problems such as a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can, in turn, lead to fainting and a possible injury from a fall.

Taking too much Cialis also means any side effects you experience, such as headaches, priapism, and leg or back pain, are more likely to last longer than side effects accompanying a standard dose.

What is the maximum amount of Cialis I can take?

Cialis is a prescription medication, and you should take only the prescribed amount. The dose may be 10 or 20 mg for occasional use before sexual activity or 2.5 or 5 mg for ongoing daily use. If you find that the prescribed dose isn’t effective or is causing unwanted side effects, talk with your doctor about changing the dose or trying a different type of ED treatment.

Can you take too much tadalafil?

Like any medication, tadalafil can be problematic or even dangerous if you take too much. The medication is designed to significantly impact your circulation, so taking too much may cause severe reactions that negatively affect your sexual health and blood flow throughout the body.

If the Cialis dose your doctor prescribed doesn’t seem to be helping, don’t double your dose to 40 mg on your own. This could increase the risks of serious adverse reactions or side effects.

Make an appointment to talk with a doctor about possible causes and alternative treatment options, including other PDE5 inhibitors, medications, and lifestyle changes that might help.

It’s important to discuss your sexual history, medications you’re taking, and your overall health and concerns about ED with a doctor.

Last medically reviewed on May 18, 2022

How we reviewed this article:

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Dhaliwal A, et al. (2020). PDE5 inhibitor.
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Huang SA, et al. (2013). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the management of erectile dysfunction.
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Kayık G, et al. (2017). Investigation of PDE5/PDE6 and PDE5/PDE11 selective potent tadalafil-like PDE5 inhibitors using combination of molecular modeling approaches, molecular fingerprint-based virtual screening protocols and structure-based pharmacophore development.
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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