Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)

The primary difference is duration. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours compared to sildenafil’s 4 to 6 hours. This longer window allows more spontaneity without timing intimacy around medication. Tadalafil can also be taken daily at low doses for continuous readiness, whereas sildenafil is typically used on demand only. Both work through PDE5 inhibition. Many men prefer tadalafil’s longer duration and describe its effects as more natural and less mechanical than those of sildenafil. Food also has less impact on tadalafil absorption.

The medication’s effects can last up to 36 hours after a single dose, earning it the nickname “the weekend pill.” Take it Friday evening and maintain effectiveness through Sunday. This doesn’t mean continuous erection for 36 hours. Rather, the ability to achieve erections with sexual stimulation remains enhanced throughout this window. Daily low-dose medication provides a continuous baseline level of effectiveness. The extended duration comes from tadalafil’s longer half-life compared to other ED medications.

Yes. This medication can be taken daily at low doses (2.5 to 5mg) for continuous erectile function support rather than on-demand dosing. Daily tadalafil provides consistent baseline effects, eliminating the need to plan medication timing around intimacy. It also provides benefits for lower urinary tract symptoms related to prostate enlargement. Daily dosing is ideal for men who prefer spontaneity and engage in sexual activity multiple times per week. We help determine whether daily or on-demand dosing better suits your lifestyle.

On-demand dosing typically ranges from 10 to 20mg taken as needed, with most men starting at 10mg. Daily dosing is usually 2.5 to 5mg taken at the same time each day. Our compounded formulations at 5.5mg and 22mg allow flexibility. Some men respond well to lower on-demand doses, while others need the full amount. Daily dosing provides lower, more consistent levels, while on-demand dosing provides higher, more temporary levels for specific events. We customize based on your response.

Yes. This medication is FDA-approved for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and lower urinary tract symptoms at a daily dose of 5mg. It relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder, improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms such as frequent urination, a weak stream, and urgency. Many men use the medication daily to address both erectile function and urinary symptoms simultaneously. If you have both ED and BPH symptoms, daily tadalafil may provide dual benefits.

Common side effects include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, facial flushing, and nasal congestion. Back and muscle pain are more common with tadalafil than sildenafil and typically occur 12 to 24 hours after taking. These effects are usually mild to moderate and resolve within hours to a couple of days. Serious but rare side effects include priapism (erection over 4 hours requiring immediate medical attention), sudden vision loss, or sudden hearing loss. Most men tolerate the medication well.

Tadalafil can interact with blood pressure medications, particularly nitrates (contraindicated; can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure) and alpha-blockers (require careful dosing and timing). Tadalafil causes a mild reduction in blood pressure on its own and can have an additive effect with other medications. This doesn’t mean you can’t use the medication if you have high blood pressure. Many men with well-controlled hypertension safely use it. Always disclose all medications during consultation for proper safety screening.

Neither is objectively better. It depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Daily dosing suits men who want spontaneity without planning, engage in sexual activity multiple times per week, or have BPH symptoms. On-demand dosing suits men who prefer taking medication only when needed, have less frequent sexual activity, or want to control exactly when the medication is active. We help determine which approach fits your life.

Back and muscle pain affect roughly 5 to 10% of users, more commonly than with sildenafil. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it is thought to relate to PDE5 inhibition in muscle and back tissue. Pain typically occurs 12 to 24 hours after taking and resolves within 48 hours. OTC pain relievers can help. If back pain is significant, sildenafil or vardenafil may be better alternatives since they cause this side effect less frequently.

Yes. The generic compounded version contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Cialis and is equally effective when properly manufactured. Our compounded medication is prepared by FDA-registered pharmacies in accordance with USP quality standards. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is identical. The difference is in price. Compounded tadalafil offers significant savings compared to brand-name Cialis, as low as $2 per dose versus $40+ for brand-name, while providing equivalent effectiveness.