Cialis
If you have erectile dysfunction (E.D.), our board-certified doctors can help prescribe Cialis (tadalafil) or other prescriptions to help improve sexual performance. Get a same-day evaluation for Cialis and a prescription to treat ED.*
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
Our expert doctors consider your health history, any other prescriptions you may take, and the causes of your erectile dysfunction symptoms to help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
Cialis is an effective prescription for treating erectile dysfunction in men.
With a proven track record, Cialis has helped countless men to improve sexual performance
Cialis helps increase blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, making it easier to stay hard and keep an erection.
Cialis's effects can last up to 36 hours, offering more spontaneity for sex than some other ED drugs.
Our board-certified doctors offer same-day appointments to help you evaluate the right prescription based on your symptoms and health history.
Our board-certified doctors are available for same-day appointments to help you get the right prescription for you, depending on your symptoms and health history.
ED is defined as the inability to keep an erection firm enough for intercourse. It's a silent battle many endure, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. With convenient, discreet virtual doctor appointments, you can get the medical treatment you deserve.
Cialis (generic name tadalafil) is a popular, proven treatment for erectile eysfunction. It’s been approved by the FDA in 2003 for sexual performance issues, showing effectiveness for up to 36 hours after a single dose. It is also approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition affecting the prostate gland in men. Cialis is a common medication used for erectile dysfunction.
Like Viagra, Cialis works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, making it easier to reach and maintain an erection.
Cialis and other ED drugs are all classified as a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. In contrast to older erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs such as Viagra, Cialis lasts up action to 36 hours, a significant increase over Viagra's 4-6 hours.
Many men prefer the long-lasting effects of Cialis (tadalafil over Viagra). While both drugs are effective for the majority of men, the extended period of action of Cialis offers greater spontaneity compared to shorter-acting alternatives. Cialis also has fewer side effects like headaches and facial flushing when compared to other ED medications.
That said, Cialis is not recommended for everyone. Consult with your local primary care doctor or schedule an online doctor visit with one of our board-certified family doctors. Your doctor will consider your medical history, possible underlying causes of ED, and your personal needs and preferences before prescribing Cialis.
Cialis (tadalafil) also helps to relieve symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH). By relaxing the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder, Cialis helps treat BPH symptoms like difficulties initiating urine flow, weak stream, and frequent or urgent urination (including nighttime occurrences).
Effective for up to 36 hours
Consistent and predictable results
It can also treat BPH symptoms
Available in a daily lower-dose option for spontaneous activity
Can be consumed with or without food
Supports longer-lasting erections
Certain users report heightened orgasm experiences
May rarely affect vision
It may cause muscle aches or back pain
Cost may be high, especially without insurance
This may lead to headaches and muscle aches
Should be ingested whole
May result in indigestion
Not purchasable over-the-counter
Not for those with heart conditions, low or high blood pressure, or liver or kidney problems
Both Cialis and Viagra are popular erectile dysfunction treatment options that help men achieve and maintain an erection for a normal sex drive. While they vary in dosage, duration and side effects, they work in similar ways. The active ingredient in Cialis is tadalafil and sildenafil in Viagra.
Both treatments are helpful in achieving and maintaining erections during sexual activity. Viagra and Cialis on-demand are consumed as needed before sexual activity. Cialis Daily is another form of tadalafil that is taken once daily, regardless of sexual activity frequency.
If you already have strong erections, erectile dysfunction drugs like Cialis or Viagra won't make you harder. Despite common misconceptions, neither medication Cialis nor Viagra is better than the other in enhancing hardness. Both drugs are similarly effective in helping men suffering from low sexual performance to achieve and maintain an erection.
When taken in the on-demand form, both Cialis and Viagra are taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. One of the main differences between Viagra and Cialis is the timing; Viagra typically lasts up to 5 hours. In contrast, Cialis Daily is effective for about 24 hours when taken regularly, and Cialis on-demand lasts up to 36 hours per dose.
Healthy lifestyle habits like quitting smoking, weight loss, and regular exercise can improve effectiveness of both Viagra and Cialis in treating Erectile Dysfunction. Sexual arousal is necessary for both drugs to work; they don't enhance libido. Cialis comes in doses of 2.5 mg and 5 mg in the daily version (recommended if having sex at least twice a week. The on-demand version of Cialis comes in 10 mg and 20 mg. Viagra is available in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg to a maximum dose of 100 mg.
Both drugs have important interactions and precautions; always take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Both Viagra and Cialis can interact with prescription drugs containing nitrates, alpha-blockers, certain epilepsy medicines, antibiotics, PAH medications, some HIV treatments, and alkyl nitrites (poppers).
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor or an ED medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Both brand name Cialis, and its generic counterpart tadalafil, contain the identical active ingredient (tadalafil) in equal measures. Stringent regulatory processes ensure that both versions of the drug give equal results in improving erectile function.
The generic form delivers the medication into your bloodstream at the same rate as the brand-name counterpart. While individual experiences may vary slightly due to factors like metabolism and absorption, any differences do not stem from inherent potency discrepancies between generic and brand-name Cialis.
Generic Cialis, tadalafil, is much more affordable than the brand-name version, making it a good option for many ED sufferers.
The only real difference between generic and brand-name medicines is in the fillers and inactive components. These are generally safe but could potentially trigger minor side effects in some individuals. You can talk to your doctor about any unique concerns, financial constraints or preferences for your treatment plan.
Always take your medication exactly as your doctor prescribes; if you have any concerns about side effects or dosage, schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor.
Dosage for Cialis depends on whether you’re taking it in the daily form or on-demand. Daily doses start at 2.5 mg up to 5 mg. On-demand doses typically start at 10 mg up to a maximum of 20 mg. Never take more than 20 mg in a 24-hour period as it could cause serious side effects.
To treat both Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and BPH symptoms together, the normal dosage is 5 mg daily. To ensure steady levels in the blood, take the dose around the same time each day. If you miss a once-a-day dose of Cialis, take it when you remember, but do not take two doses daily.
While Cialis causes side effects in some people, the majority experience only mild effects or none at all. Fortunately, serious side effects are rare, occurring in fewer than 1 out of 1000 patients. Using CiaIis for ED on-demand helps minimize any side effects as it’s only short term usage.
When taken daily for ED or for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), some mild effects are more common, including:
Facial flushing and hot flashes
Indigestion
Congested nose
These mild side effects typically disappear upon discontinuing the medication. Stop using Cialis and get medical help if you experience any of the following:
Sudden vision or hearing issues - discontinue tadalafil use
A prolonged or painful erection lasting over 2 hours
Seizure or chest pain.
Any drug, including tadalafil, may rarely trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Sudden swelling of lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
Rapid or difficult breathing, wheeziness, or feeling of choking
Tightness in the throat or swallowing difficulty
Bluish, gray, or pale skin, lips, or tongue (more visible in palms or soles for darker skin tones)
Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness
Inability to wake up after fainting
Limpness, floppiness, or unusual responsiveness in a child. Additionally, watch for a swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling rash.
If you have any symptoms of a potentially anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency medical care right away. (Please note that not all potential side effects of tadalafil are listed here. Refer to the leaflet enclosed in your medication packet for a comprehensive list.)
When taking any prescription, always tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Like other ED medications, CD may interact with a wide range of drugs, including (but not limited to):
Rifamycins
Barbiturates
Prostate medications
HIV or AIDS prescriptions
Seizure medications
Cialis can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with certain medicines called nitrates. Those with health conditions like sickle cell anemia or pulmonary arterial hypertension should not take Cialis without advice from a healthcare provider. If you are under the care of a primary care doctor or specialist, always tell them if you start taking Cialis or any ED medication. Your doctor will also need to know if you need emergency medical care for a heart problem.
Enjoying a single glass of wine or a drink is unlikely to interfere with Cialis or pose health risks. Yet excessive alcohol consumption combined with Cialis can trigger serious complications. Ultimately, it’s between you and your doctor to decide if consuming alcohol while taking Cialis is safe for you. Always be open and honest with your doctor about alcohol or recreational drug use, so your doctor can make a well-informed recommendation.
Moderate drinking is defined as consuming fewer than three alcoholic beverages daily, with a “beverage” defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
Drinking more than these moderate amounts of alcohol while taking Cialis can lead to dangerous side effects, including low blood pressure, dizziness and fast heartbeat. The combination of Cialis and alcohol both act as vasodilators, relaxing and widening blood vessels, which can dangerously lower blood pressure.
Combining too much alcohol with Cialis can also result in a condition called orthostatic hypotension. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and fainting, possibly causing fractures or other injuries. Orthostatic hypotension may also elevate your heart rate, potentially leading to serious heart issues. Orthostatic hypotension is more prevalent with Cialis compared to some other ED medications.
If you experience symptoms such as headaches or dizziness, refrain from drinking and talk to your doctor. Excessive alcohol intake not only increases your health risks during Cialis use, but also elevates the likelihood of health issues like heart disease, obesity, and early dementia.
Many insurance plans do not include coverage for brand-name PDE5 inhibitors or medications used to treat ED, such as Viagra, Cialis®, and Levitra®. While coupons may help, the most effective method to save money on Cialis is by purchasing it online through PlushCare.
Yes, you need a prescription for Cialis. This is because Cialis is a potent medication classified as a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, or PDE5 inhibitor for short, and carries potential side effects and risks, underscoring the importance of seeking medical guidance to determine the appropriate dosage and be aware of possible drug interactions. You can get the prescription via our online platform.
Side effects typically subside within a few hours. Men experiencing back pain and muscle aches often notice them 12 to 24 hours after taking Cialis, with these symptoms usually resolving within 2 days. If you encounter any persistent or bothersome side effects, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Cialis can remain effective in your body for up to 36 hours. For treating erectile dysfunction (ED), your doctor might recommend taking Cialis only when necessary, before sexual activity. If used this way, Cialis can help you achieve and sustain erections for 36 hours. On the other hand, if you take Cialis daily for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or ED, the medication will be consistently in your system, providing ongoing support throughout the day.
Brand-name Cialis prices vary based on dosage, with daily use doses (2.5 mg and 5 mg) priced around $15–$17 per dose and as-needed use doses (10 mg and 20 mg) around $60. Consider generic Cialis (tadalafil) for a more affordable option. Different pharmacies and online services offer varying prices. We provide discreet options for getting prescriptions online.
Only a licensed medical provider can prescribe Cialis. An online pharmacy or your local healthcare provider can define Cialis. You can refill it at any local pharmacy.
On demand Cialis is taken orally 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, not more than once daily. You may take Cialis with or without food. Cialis Daily is taken once a day around the same time for continuous use.
Side effects of Cialis are the main downside. These include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. Typically, the side effects go away after a few hours. Men with back pain and muscle aches usually notice these side effects 12 to 24 hours after taking Cialis.
Cialis should not be used by patients taking nitrates as the combination can cause low blood pressure and fainting. Always seek professional medical advice from a licensed medical provider before starting Cialis to treat erectile dysfunction as Cialis can interact with several other prescriptions as well as alcohol recreational drugs. People with certain health conditions are also not advised to take Cialis.
If you take Cialis for BPH, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, you can skip the missed dose if it is close to your scheduled time.
Taking a dose of Cialis that's higher than recommended could increase your risk for side effects. These can include serious side effects such as drops in blood pressure or priapism (a painful erection that won't go away). It's important to not take more Cialis than the dose your doctor recommends.
Cialis (tadalafil) is a prescription medication that has a long track record of both safety and effectiveness for treating symptoms of erectile dysfunction. That said, it's still a prescription treatment and it requires chatting with a doctor online or locally.
Your doctor can help you decide if it's the best ED prescription for you depending on your health history and symptoms. Once you have your prescription and pick up your Cialis locally, you can call in refills as needed. You won't need to see a doctor to pick-up refills for your Cialis prescription.
While Cialis (tadalafil) might seem like a quick solution for ED, it's a prescription medication for good reasons and isn't available over the counter. Only a qualified doctor can assess your individual health and determine if Cialis is safe for you, taking any existing health conditions and/or medications you currently take into account. They can prescribe the appropriate dosage and ensure it won't cause harmful interactions.
Additionally, ED can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Your doctor can help diagnose the root cause of your erectile dysfunction and recommend the most effective treatment plan, which might not always involve medication.
Always be wary of websites selling Cialis or similar medications over-the-counter. These pills can be counterfeit and dangerous, containing incorrect dosages, harmful ingredients, or no active ingredients at all. Chat with a board-certified doctor online to ensure you get a safe and effective treatment plan for ED.
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Same-day appointments available.
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Meet from your smartphone or computer.
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With Plushcare, you have access every day to the convenient and affordable sexual healthcare you deserve, with or without insurance. Book your online consultation today.
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Cialis prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
$16.99/month
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Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
$16.99/month
First month free
$129
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Mayo Clinic. Tadalafil (Oral Route): Side Effects. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tadalafil-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067204?p=1.
Eli Lilly and Company. CIALIS (tadalafil) Prescribing Information. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://pi.lilly.com/us/cialis-ppi.pdf.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. CIALIS Label Information. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021368s20s21lbl.pdf.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
