Rundown in Brief
Tadalafil is the active chemical.
Primary signals: treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), relief of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and, in specific regimens under specialist care, management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Mechanism: Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that promotes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and improves blood flow to target tissues.
Approved tablet strengths for ED and BPH in the U.S. are 2.first 5 mg, second 5 mg, then 10 mg, and 20 mg. Some internet sellers promote a so-called "Cialis Black" at 800 mg; that strength is not FDA approved and may be counterfeit. For regulatory context see the section on The Legal Standing Across the United States.
- Related condition: erectile dysfunction.
- Also used for: BPH symptoms and select PAH treatments when prescribed by a specialist.
Broad uses
Products containing tadalafil, including formulations sold under various names, are used to:
- Enhance erectile response during sexual stimulation.
- Alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms that can accompany an enlarged prostate, for example improving urine flow and reducing urgency.
- Assist in PAH management under specialist-prescribed regimens to improve exercise tolerance.
Do not self-prescribe for PAH; that condition requires specialist evaluation and active monitoring.
How to take care of yourself the dosage as prescribed
Use the directions printed on your prescription bottle and follow the guidance from your prescriber. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or take doses more frequently than instructed. Tablets can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole.
- ED as needed: take shortly before sexual activity; do not use more than one dose within 24 hours.
- ED or BPH daily regimen: some patients are prescribed a low daily dose to allow spontaneous sexual activity; follow the plan set by your clinician.
- Available approved strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg. Any offer of an 800 mg "Cialis Black" tablet is not an FDA approved dosage and is potentially hazardous.
Alcoholic drink product and large meals may influence the effects and potential side effects. For medicines and foods that interact with tadalafil, see Drug Interaction Risks and Safety.
Basic core safety safety protocols
In advance of starting tadalafil, tell your health care provider about current and past medical conditions, especially:
- Any heart disease, prior heart attack, angina, arrhythmia, or stroke.
- High or low arterial pressure.
- Pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary veno-occlusive disease unless prescribed by a specialist.
- Hepatic dysfunction or renal disease, including dialysis.
- Vision problems or inherited retinal disorders.
- Blood disorders encompass sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma, and leukemia.
- Penile structural problems or a history of priapism.
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers.
- Any condition that puts your safety at risk during sexual activity.
Go to emergency services now for any acute condition. chest pain, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or an erection lasting longer than four hours.
Potential treatment acute side effects
Common treatment negative effects reported include:
- Headache disorder accompanied by a flushed face.
- Blockage of the nasal passages or stuffiness.
- Nausea from indigestion.
- Acute back pain, muscle aches, or limb discomfort.
Stop use and seek urgent care for severe reactions such as fainting, chest pain, signs of an allergic reaction, sudden hearing or vision loss, or painful, prolonged erections.
Drug Interaction Vigilant monitoring
Provide your prescriber and pharmacist with a complete list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products. Significant dialogues include:
- Use with nitrates (for example nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate) or recreational nitrites can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.
- Riociguat should not be used together with tadalafil because of additive blood pressure lowering.
- Certain antibiotics and antifungals such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, ketoconazole, and itraconazole may raise tadalafil levels.
- Protease inhibitors and some antivirals (for example ritonavir) can affect tadalafil metabolism.
- Antihypertensives and alpha blockers may add to hypotensive effects; dose adjustments and timing may be needed.
- Tadalafil exposure may be increased by grapefruit or grapefruit juice consumption.
- Beverage that contains ethanol can enhance dizziness and lower blood pressure.
For subtle intercommunications can reinforce culture. with PAH therapies or other PDE5 inhibitors, consult a specialist. Similar topics Not indicated conditions.
Conditions precluding use
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to tadalafil or any inactive ingredient in the product.
- Concomitant use with any form of nitrate therapy or recreational nitrites due to risk of severe hypotension.
- Concomitant use with riociguat is contraindicated.
A Study of Plan B options and Comparisons
Several other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and non-PDE5 options are available. Efficacy and side effect profiles differ by person. Discuss choices with your clinician and consider cost differences shown in the price summary details section.
- Tadalafil (brand Cialis or generic): long duration, sometimes called the "weekend" drug because effects can last up to 36 hours; approved strengths from 2.5 mg to 20 mg.
- Sildenafil (brand Viagra or generic): shorter duration, typically 4 to 6 hours; also available for PAH under the brand Revatio at lower doses.
- Vardenafil (brand Levitra or generic): duration similar to sildenafil; some formulations dissolve in the mouth.
- Avanafil (brand Stendra): faster onset for some users and generally shorter duration than tadalafil.
For BPH, clinicians may offer alpha blockers such as tamsulosin or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. For PAH, specialist drugs like endothelin receptor antagonists and prostacyclin analogues are used under strict medical supervision.
Be aware: products labeled "Cialis Black" at 800 mg that appear online are not recognized by the FDA and are likely counterfeit or unsafe. Check regulatory restrictions before ordering any prescription product online.
Estimated prices in United States dollars
Out-of-pocket costs in the United States vary by pharmacy, quantity, insurance coverage, and discount offers. The ranges below are approximate retail or discounted single-tablet equivalents:
- Generic tadalafil 10 mg to 20 mg: about $1 to $5 per tablet with common discounts; full retail prices without discounts may exceed $10 to $20 per tablet.
- Brand Cialis 20 mg: often in the $50 to $80+ range per tablet at full retail.
- Generic sildenafil 50 mg to 100 mg: roughly $0.50 to $3 per tablet with discounts; brand Viagra commonly $50 to $90+ per tablet.
- Generic vardenafil 10 mg to 20 mg: about $5 to $15 per tablet; brand Levitra often $60 to $80+.
- Avanafil (Stendra) 100 mg to 200 mg: approximately $15 to $40 per tablet depending on offers.
- Tadalafil for PAH (Adcirca or generics, 20 mg daily): monthly costs can vary widely, roughly $80 to $500+ with discount programs; retail may be higher.
Generic formulations are typically far less expensive than brand-name versions. Discount cards, coupon programs, and pharmacy membership plans can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs. Extremely low prices for nonstandard "Cialis Black" 800 mg offers usually indicate an unapproved or counterfeit product and may carry legal and health risks.
The Legal Status High level summary of People in the United States
- Tadalafil is a prescription-only medication in the United States. A valid prescription from a licensed U.S. clinician is required to purchase and legally possess it.
- Purchase only from licensed U.S. pharmacies or verified online pharmacist shops. Look for accreditation or verification services such as the NABP or equivalent trust marks.
- Importing prescription drugs from other countries is generally prohibited by the FDA. There are very limited exceptions for personal importation, but unapproved products such as an 800 mg "Cialis Black" are not eligible for these exceptions and may be detained or refused entry.
- Possession, distribution, or sale of prescription medicines without appropriate authorization may violate federal and state laws.
- Not a controlled substance, but tadalafil can impair alertness in some people; avoid driving or hazardous activities until you know how the medicine affects you.
For individualized legal or medical guidance, consult a licensed U.S. healthcare professional or legal advisor. Explore related content the bibliography a short briefing of the material and rate sheet projections to offer further context.
Dose omission incident
If you take tadalafil only as needed, there is no fixed schedule and a dose was skipped care and guidance does not apply. For daily use, take the missed tablet when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the next dose to make up.
OD
If you suspect an an accidental overdose, seek emergency medical help or call your local poison control center immediately. Symptoms of an accidental overdose may include extreme dizziness, fainting, or a prolonged and painful erection.
Storage area network
- Keep it at room temperature, avoiding exposure to heat and moisture.
- Store in the original, child-resistant container and keep out of reach of children and pets.
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