This article describes Cialis’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Cialis. If you want to know more about Cialis, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Cialis is a brand-name medication that comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s available in a generic version called tadalafil. This article describes dosages of Cialis.
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Form and strengths of Cialis
Cialis comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet that you take by swallowing
- Strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Dosage of Cialis
This article describes the recommended dosages for Cialis. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Cialis without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Cialis in adults
Cialis is approved for use in adult males* to treat symptoms of:
- ED
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called enlarged prostate
- ED and BPH occurring together
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Dosage for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia
The Cialis dosage chart below shows recommended Cialis dosages for each approved use.
| Condition/purpose | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED, for occasional use | 10 mg, once (prior to sexual activity) | 5 mg to 20 mg, once (prior to sexual activity) | 20 mg, once (prior to sexual activity) |
| ED, for daily use | 2.5 mg, once per day | 2.5 mg to 5 mg, once per day | 5 mg, once per day |
| BPH | 5 mg, once per day | 5 mg, once per day | 5 mg, once per day |
| Both ED and BPH | 5 mg, once per day | 5 mg, once per day | 5 mg, once per day |
If you’re taking Cialis for occasional use to treat ED, you’ll take your dose as needed prior to anticipated sexual activity. One dose is expected to treat ED symptoms for up to 36 hours. Do not take more than one dose of Cialis over a 24-hour period.
If you’re taking Cialis once daily to treat ED symptoms (including taking Cialis to treat both ED and BPH symptoms), you can take your dose without timing for sexual activity. But you still should not take more than one Cialis dose over any 24-hour period.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Cialis and its dosage.
If I’m taking Cialis as needed for erectile dysfunction, when should I take Cialis for best results?
If you’re taking Cialis as needed (occasionally) to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), you’ll take one dose prior to sexual activity. The effects of one dose of Cialis as needed to treat ED symptoms are expected to last up to 36 hours.
The timing with Cialis prescribed for occasional use to treat ED isn’t as important as some other treatments for ED symptoms. The drug’s effects last for some time, which is why you won’t need to take more than one dose per day to treat ED symptoms.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions about when to take your Cialis dose.
Does Cialis have a 40-mg or 80-mg dosage?
Cialis is not available in 40-mg or 80-mg strengths. See the “Form and strengths” section above to learn the available strengths of the Cialis tablet.
Do not take a Cialis dosage higher than what your doctor prescribes. Doing so raises your risk of side effects from the drug, including serious ones such as priapism (a painful, prolonged erection that can cause permanent damage).
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your Cialis dosage or are concerned the drug isn’t adequately treating your symptoms. They can suggest the best way to manage your condition.
What’s the maximum dose of Cialis to take over 24 hours?
It depends. The maximum dose of Cialis to take over 24 hours varies based on several factors, including:
- the condition you’re taking Cialis to treat
- your kidney function
- your liver function
- other medications you may take
See the “Dosage of Cialis” section above to learn more about the maximum dosage of Cialis based on the condition it’s used to treat. To learn more about the recommended maximum Cialis dose based on your kidney or liver function or other medications you take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Get free cardOverdose of Cialis
It’s important that you do not take more Cialis than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Cialis overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- fainting
- headache
- low blood pressure
What to do if you take too much Cialis
If you think you’ve taken too much Cialis, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
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Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.