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Tadalafil

Tadalafil (Cialis®) is a medication used to treat ED, an enlarged prostate, or both. It’s known for its long-lasting effects and can be taken daily or as needed.

Medical Review byMike Bohl, MD, MBA, MPH, MS, ALMUpdated Jul 2, 2025

Medication Name

Basics

Tadalafil is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Cialis® and is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tadalafil works the same way as Cialis and has the same benefits and risks, according to the FDA. 

Tadalafil works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing blood flow to particular areas of the body, notably the penis. The drug is known for its long-lasting effects, allowing for more sexual spontaneity, as it can remain effective for up to 36 hours. It is typically taken as needed, but a lower-dose daily prescription is also available for continuous treatment. 

Common side effects of tadalafil include headaches, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches, which typically resolve within a few days. It is important to use Cialis with caution, especially for those with cardiovascular conditions, and to avoid combining it with nitrates or certain other medications due to the risk of serious interactions.

*Tadalafil Approved Uses

Cialis (tadalafil) is indicated to treat:

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)

  • The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

  • ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH)

*Tadalafil Drug Category

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

*Tadalafil Side Effects

Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include:

  • Headache

  • Indigestion

  • Back pain

  • Muscle pain

  • Nasal congestion

  • Flushing

  • Pain in limb

Tadalafil Cost

The cost of tadalafil may vary depending on factors such as your insurance plan, the dosage, quantity, and where you buy it.

Without insurance, the average price of the medication is between $1 and $25 per tablet. Coupons and discount cards may be available to bring down the price, and insurance may cover all or some of the cost of the drug.

Tadalafil through Hims’ online platform for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) starts at around $40 per month. Hims also offers access to chewable Hard Mints that can contain tadalafil and/or sildenafil, starting at $1.63 per use.

*Interactions & Contraindications

  • Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated

  • History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca

  • Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin)

*Warnings & Precautions

  • Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status

  • Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure

  • Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH, because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering

  • If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted

  • Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours

  • Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

  • Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing

  • Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms

FAQs

Tadalafil for ED typically starts working within about 30 minutes to two hours of taking the medication, with sexual stimulation.

Tadalafil can be taken daily or as needed. Daily tadalafil is prescribed at a low dose (either 2.5 or 5 mg) and taken once per day. When used on an as-needed basis for ED, tadalafil is typically taken about two hours before you plan to have sex and prescribed at a higher dose (5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg).

Tadalafil is effective for up to 36 hours after you take it, making it longer-lasting than other medications for ED.

Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis. Research has shown they are equally effective at treating ED, last the same amount of time, and have the same side effects risk. The main difference between the two is that Cialis is a brand name, which typically means it’s more expensive than generic tadalafil.

References

*This information is from the label for brand name Cialis®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tadalafil.

Editorial Standards

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

  1. CIALIS (tadalafil) tablets, for oral use. (2011). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021368s20s21lbl.pdf

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of third-party trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with Hims, Inc.
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