What is Cialis (tadalafil) used for?

Cialis is a prescription medicine that is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It helps achieve and maintain an erection in the presence of sexual arousal and enables satisfactory sexual intercourse. 

Cialis is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in adult men that can cause urinary symptoms such as hesitancy, frequency, urgency, dribbling, weak urinary stream, incomplete bladder emptying, and pain with urination. 

Adcirca is a medication that also contains the same active ingredient, tadalafil. It is used to improve exercise ability in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a condition in which there is high blood pressure in the lungs’ blood vessels, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, tiredness, and dizziness.

How does Cialis (tadalafil) work?

Cialis belongs to a group of medications called PDE-5 inhibitors. It blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). The blocking of this enzyme causes relaxation of the muscles and widening of the blood vessels in the penis. This increases blood flow to the penis, helping to create a firm erection. Cialis can help achieve and maintain an erection only in the presence of sexual arousal.

What are Cialis (tadalafil) doses?

Cialis is available in tablet form in doses of: 2.5 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | 20 mg

A typical Cialis dose is 10 mg by mouth 30 minutes to 2 hours before planned sexual activity. The dose can be adjusted anywhere from 5 mg to 20 mg. You should not take Cialis more than once a day at any dose. Cialis can also be taken daily at a dose of 2.5 mg or 5 mg by mouth. This dose does not have to be timed before sexual activity. Your doctor may start you on Cialis and then increase or decrease the dose based on your response to the medicine.