Tadalafil—often known by the brand name Cialis—is a PDE5 inhibitor used mainly for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It stands out because one dose can last much longer than other ED pills. That makes it a good choice if you prefer flexibility instead of timing sex around a pill.
Tadalafil relaxes blood vessels in the penis and prostate so blood flows more easily. For ED, common doses are 10 mg or 20 mg taken as needed about 30–60 minutes before sex. There’s also a low-dose daily option—2.5 mg or 5 mg—if you want spontaneous activity without planning each time. For BPH symptoms, doctors often use daily dosing, which can ease urinary problems.
Start with the dose your doctor recommends. If 10 mg is too strong or causes side effects, the doctor may lower it to 5 mg. If the effect is weak, they might increase to 20 mg. Don’t mix doses on your own, and avoid taking tadalafil more than once every 24 hours for as-needed use.
Common side effects are headache, flushing, indigestion, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Muscle aches and back pain are more common with tadalafil than with some other ED drugs. Serious problems are rare but include sudden vision or hearing loss and a painful erection lasting more than four hours (priapism). Seek immediate care for those.
Do not take tadalafil with nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain). Mixing them can dangerously drop blood pressure. Also be cautious with alpha-blockers, some blood pressure medicines, and certain antifungal or antibiotic drugs that change how your body processes tadalafil. Always tell your doctor about every medicine you take.
If you have heart disease, low blood pressure, severe liver or kidney problems, or are on multiple prescription drugs, talk to your doctor before trying tadalafil. They’ll help you weigh benefits and risks and pick the right dose or an alternative.
Want a quick comparison to other ED meds? Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, sildenafil (Viagra) works faster but wears off sooner. If you want longer window and less pressure about timing, tadalafil often fits better.
Buying online can save money, but safety matters. Look for pharmacies that require a prescription, show clear contact info, and are licensed. Check customer reviews and third-party verification where possible. Avoid sites that sell prescription meds without asking for a prescription—those are risky.
When you order, confirm the pill strength, packaging, and shipping times. If something looks off—unusually low price, no pharmacy address, or unclear return policy—skip that seller. Your health is worth paying a little more to buy from a trustworthy source.
Need more detail on how tadalafil compares with other PDE5 inhibitors or where to buy safely? Check our article on PDE5 inhibitors compared for a deeper look and practical tips on purchasing from reliable Canadian pharmacies.