14 CLINICAL STUDIES

All doses are taken orally with or without food, depending on the user’s preference.

• Cardiovascular status should be assessed before prescribing Cialis.
• Sexual activity may pose cardiac risk for men with preexisting heart conditions.
• Cialis does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Not recommended for patients with anatomical penis deformities.
• Psychological factors can affect erectile function even with medication.

Each dose is intended for a specific use: 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets are typically prescribed for once-daily dosing, while 10 mg and 20 mg tablets are used for on-demand treatment of erectile dysfunction.

14.1 CIALIS for Use as Needed

Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Stop and call your care team right away if you have symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain during sex. Contact your care team right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage. Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Pregnancy Categories

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date. The tablets are scored for ease of identification, but not all are designed to be split.

• Tadalafil is also available in chewable tablet form under different brand names.
• Cialis brand tablets are yellow, film-coated, and almond-shaped.
• Each tablet strength has distinct markings for easy identification.
• Manufacturer provides detailed patient information leaflet with each prescription.
• Report any side effects to your healthcare provider and FDA MedWatch.

This should only be done under a healthcare provider’s guidance. Generic Cialis (tadalafil) is produced in the same dosage strengths, but the tablets may differ in color, shape, imprint, or coating.

These differences are aesthetic and do not affect pharmacological activity or safety.

A small number of manufacturers also offer chewable tadalafil tablets, usually marketed as flavored generics.

6.1 Clinical Studies Experience

Mind over Libido: Using Tadalafil to Counter SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunction and Protect Treatment Adherence Emerging Evidence for PDE5 Inhibition in Dementia Prevention The term Cialis refers to the original, brand-name version of tadalafil, developed by ICOS and marketed by Eli Lilly. After its launch in 2003, Cialis quickly became one of the leading medications for erectile dysfunction, thanks to its long duration of action and flexible dosing schedule. For many years, Cialis was only available as a branded prescription medication, often priced at a premium. However, in 2018, the Cialis patent expired, opening the market to generic versions. The generic Cialis name is simply tadalafil, the same active ingredient as the one found in the brand.

Can Cialis be used to treat ED after prostate surgery?

These generics are required by the FDA to demonstrate bioequivalence, meaning they deliver the same amount of medication into the bloodstream over the same time frame as the brand-name drug. In clinical effect, there is no difference between brand-name Cialis and its generic equivalents. Multiple pharmaceutical companies now manufacture FDA-approved tadalafil tablets, including Teva, Mylan, Aurobindo, Camber, and others. These generic products come in the same dosage strengths as the original Cialis pill: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Although the Cialis pill is typically yellow and almond-shaped, generic versions may differ in color, shape, or packaging, depending on the manufacturer.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

These changes are cosmetic and do not affect efficacy or safety. What does matter is sourcing: to avoid counterfeit or substandard products, patients should obtain tadalafil only from licensed pharmacies or verified telehealth providers. Switching to generic Cialis is often a safe and cost-effective alternative, offering the same benefits at a fraction of the cost. The Cialis pill is best known for its distinctive yellow, almond-shaped design, but form can vary depending on the manufacturer. Branded Cialis is available in film-coated tablets containing tadalafil in four strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. These can be more convenient for men who have difficulty swallowing pills. However, it’s important to verify that chewable forms are produced by reputable companies and that they meet the same FDA standards for bioequivalence and safety.

Related/similar drugs

This compound enhances blood flow by relaxing smooth muscle in the blood vessels, particularly in the corpus cavernosum of the penis, the prostate, and the pulmonary vasculature. Tadalafil works by increasing levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule involved in vasodilation. Because of this mechanism, Cialis medication is effective not only for sexual health but also for certain urinary and cardiovascular conditions. The drug is FDA-approved female cialis uk for three primary indications: Erectile dysfunction (ED) – Taken either on demand or daily to improve the ability to achieve and maintain an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Used as a daily therapy to relieve urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and weak stream caused by prostate enlargement.

Erectile dysfunction explained

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) – Though not under the Cialis brand, tadalafil is also marketed as Adcirca to treat PAH by improving exercise capacity through pulmonary vasodilation. It’s important to clarify that Cialis is not approved for use in women or children. While there is ongoing research into tadalafil’s effects in female populations, such as for pulmonary hypertension and overactive bladder, the drug is not indicated for increasing libido or treating sexual dysfunction in women. There are other agents, such as flibanserin or bremelanotide, which are specifically studied for female sexual interest/arousal disorder. In all its approved forms, including generic Cialis (tadalafil), this medication offers proven, targeted effects for vascular-related dysfunction, making it a cornerstone in both urology and cardiopulmonary care.

Take as directed

Researchers continue to explore the broader therapeutic potential of PDE5 inhibitors beyond their established indications. In this evolving landscape, tadalafil has shown promise in several novel clinical applications. Recent studies have investigated its effects on cognitive function in schizophrenia, vascular health in small vessel disease, and even potential benefits for inflammatory conditions. These emerging research avenues highlight the drug’s multifaceted biological activity and suggest new therapeutic possibilities that extend well beyond its original urological indications. Clock-Tuning with cGMP: Could Tadalafil Influence Circadian Rhythm and Psychiatric Sleep Disturbance? Inactive ingredients, such as lactose, dyes, or binders, can also vary between manufacturers, which may be relevant for individuals with allergies or sensitivities. For most patients, though, these differences are minor and do not interfere with treatment outcomes. Cialis (tadalafil) can be taken in two distinct ways, depending on the individual’s symptoms, health status, and lifestyle. The two primary regimens are on-demand use and once-daily administration, and the chosen Cialis dosage determines how the drug performs in the body. For erectile dysfunction, on-demand use typically begins with a 10 mg tablet, taken 30 to 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. If needed, this can be adjusted to 20 mg for a stronger effect or reduced to 5 mg in individuals who experience side effects.

Drug Label Information

It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals. Since its FDA approval in 2003, Cialis medication has become one of the most recognized names in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Drug forms and strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg

Known for its long duration of action (up to 36 hours) and the option for daily dosing, Cialis quickly became a preferred choice for millions of men worldwide. Beyond ED, it’s also approved for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and, under a different brand name, pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its success in clinical use, along with favorable tolerability, led to widespread demand and, eventually, generic competition. With the expiration of the Cialis patent in 2018, a new chapter began. Generic Cialis, sold under the name tadalafil, entered the market at a significantly lower cost while maintaining the same therapeutic efficacy.

Muscular Dystrophy (Orphan)

Many patients now ask: What is Cialis used for today? Is there any difference between Cialis and tadalafil? This article provides a comprehensive overview of Cialis and its generics, from active ingredients and approved indications to formulation types and appropriate use. Whether you’re considering your first prescription or switching to a generic, understanding the distinctions between brand-name Cialis and generic tadalafil is essential for making informed treatment decisions. At the core of all Cialis products is the active ingredient tadalafil, a long-acting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Thanks to its long half-life of 17.5 hours, Cialis can remain effective for up to 36 hours, allowing for more flexibility than shorter-acting PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil.