Tadalafil Pills: Brand Name vs. Generic Options

Check your insurance policy and local pharmacies for price information. – By Matthew Solan Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Dosage (mg)	Common Brand Names	Duration of Effect (hours)	Notes
10	Cialis	Up to 36	Suitable for daily use
20	Cialis	Up to 36	Most prescribed strength
5	Tadalafil Generic	Up to 36	Lower dose, for mild cases
25	Cialis Daily	Up to 36	For continuous activity
40	Not commonly used	Up to 36	Rarely prescribed

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! All content on this page has been medically reviewed by: Hassan Thwaini, Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) on 30 March, 2026. Tadalafil is a clinically-proven erectile dysfunction treatment that gives you the freedom to enjoy sex when you want it.

What to avoid

Related treatment guides

It lasts for 36 hours - so there’s less need for planning before sex. Find the clinically proven ED treatment that suits you best. No names, no logos, no delivery fee. 4.6* from over 33,000 people like you. BSc (Hons) MBBS MRCGP AFHEA sublingual tadalafil MA (Hons) AFMCP Answer a few simple questions to get the treatment you need. Indicated for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) Cialis (or generic equivalent) or Chewtadzy only PRN use: 10 mg PO initially before sexual activity, with or without food; may be increased to 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg on basis of efficacy and tolerability; in most patients, maximum dosing frequency is once daily Once-daily use (Cialis): 2.5 mg/day PO in single daily dose, without regard to timing of sexual activity, with or without food; may be increased to 5 mg/day on basis of efficacy and tolerability Indicated for treatment of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); daily use also indicated for treatment of patients with both BPH and erectile dysfunction Cialis (or generic equivalent) or Chewtadzy only BPH with ED: 5 mg PO once daily, taken at approximately same time each day without regard to timing of sexual activity Coadministration with finasteride for BPH: Tadalafil 5 mg plus finasteride 5 mg PO once daily for ≤26 weeks; incremental benefit of tadalafil decreases from 4 weeks until 26 weeks, and the benefit beyond 26 weeks is unknown Indicated for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1) to improve exercise ability; studies establishing effectiveness included predominately patients with NYHA Functional Class II – III symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (61%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (23%) Adcirca, Alyq, Tadliq, or generic equivalent only 40 mg PO once daily; dividing dose for more frequent dosing is not recommended Patients also taking ritonavir: 20 mg PO once daily initially for ≥1 week; may be increased to 40 mg/day on basis of tolerability Cialis, Chewtadzy (PRN use)Mild (CrCl >50 mL/min): No dosage adjustment neededModerate (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): Not to exceed 5 mg PO once daily initially; maximum dosage, 10 mg PO q48hrSevere (CrCl <30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): Not to exceed 5 mg PO q72hr Mild (CrCl >50 mL/min): No dosage adjustment needed Moderate (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): Not to exceed 5 mg PO once daily initially; maximum dosage, 10 mg PO q48hr Severe (CrCl <30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): Not to exceed 5 mg PO q72hr Cialis (once daily use)ED (CrCl >50 mL/min): No dosage adjustment neededBPH or BPH/ED (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): 2.5 mg/day starting dose recommended; may increase to 5 mg according to individual responseED or BPH (CrCl <30 mL/min or hemodialysis): Not recommended ED (CrCl >50 mL/min): No dosage adjustment needed BPH or BPH/ED (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): 2.5 mg/day starting dose recommended; may increase to 5 mg according to individual response ED or BPH (CrCl <30 mL/min or hemodialysis): Not recommended Chewtadzy (once daily use)BPH, ED/BPHCrCl >50 mL/min: No dosage adjustment neededCrCl ≤50 mL/min or hemodialysis: Not recommended CrCl >50 mL/min: No dosage adjustment needed CrCl ≤50 mL/min or hemodialysis: Not recommended Adcirca, Alyq, TadliqMild-to-moderate (CrCl 31-80 mL/min): 20 mg PO once daily initially; may be increased to 40 mg once daily on basis of tolerabilitySevere (CrCl <30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): Avoid use Mild-to-moderate (CrCl 31-80 mL/min): 20 mg PO once daily initially; may be increased to 40 mg once daily on basis of tolerability Severe (CrCl <30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): Avoid use Cialis, Chewtadzy (PRN use)Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Not to exceed 10 mg PO once dailySevere (Child-Pugh class C): Not recommended Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Not to exceed 10 mg PO once daily Severe (Child-Pugh class C): Not recommended Cialis, Chewtadzy (once daily use)Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Data limited; caution advisedSevere (Child-Pugh class C): Not recommended Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Data limited; caution advised Severe (Child-Pugh class C): Not recommended Adcirca, Alyq, TadliqMild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Consider starting dosage of 20 mg PO once dailySevere (Child-Pugh class C): Avoid use Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Consider starting dosage of 20 mg PO once daily Severe (Child-Pugh class C): Avoid use ED PRN use: Not to exceed 10 mg/72 hr ED or ED/BPH once-daily use: Not to exceed 2.5 mg/day Adcirca, Alyq, TadliqOn ritonavir for at least 1 week: Start tadalafil at 20 mg PO qDay; may increase to 40 qDay based on individual tolerabilityAvoid tadalafil during ritonavir initiationStop tadalafil at least 24 hr before to starting ritonavirAfter at least 1 week following ritonavir initiation, resume tadalafil 20 mg PO qDay; may increase to 40 qDay based on individual tolerability On ritonavir for at least 1 week: Start tadalafil at 20 mg PO qDay; may increase to 40 qDay based on individual tolerability Stop tadalafil at least 24 hr before to starting ritonavir After at least 1 week following ritonavir initiation, resume tadalafil 20 mg PO qDay; may increase to 40 qDay based on individual tolerability Chewtadzy: Not indicated for once daily use for ED because dosing is not possible (recommended dosage for this indication cannot be achieved with lowest available strength) Orphan designation for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) Eli Lilly and Company; Lilly Corporate Center; Indianapolis, IN 46285 Indicated for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) Cialis or generic equivalent only: No dosage adjustment is warranted solely on basis of age; however, greater sensitivity to medications in some older individuals should be considered Indicated for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1) to improve exercise ability; studies establishing effectiveness included predominately patients with NYHA Functional Class II – III symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (61%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (23%) Adcirca, Alyq, or generic equivalent only: Lower dose or reduced dosing frequency may be required in elderly because of decreased renal or hepatic clearance Allow 48h after last tadalafil dose before nitrate administration.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Tadalista Super Active	20mg	180 + 20 Pills	521.59€ 496.75€	Buy
Cialis Generic	10mg	120 + 6 Pills	178.49€ 169.99€	Buy
Cialis Generic	2.5mg	60 + 4 Pills	83.43€ 79.46€	Buy
Cialis Generic	20mg	180 + 10 Pills	254.09€ 241.99€	Buy
Cialis Generic	40mg	360 + 10 Pills	477.87€ 455.11€	Buy
Cialis Generic	10mg	180 + 8 Pills	236.88€ 225.60€	Buy
Cialis Generic	2.5mg	10 Pills	28.51€ 27.15€	Buy
Cialis Generic	5mg	20 Pills	41.99€ 39.99€	Buy
Cialis Generic	2.5mg	360 + 10 Pills	260.03€ 247.65€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	60 + 4 Pills	145.06€ 138.15€	Buy
Cialis Generic	20mg	90 + 6 Pills	154.71€ 147.34€	Buy
Cialis Generic	5mg	90 + 6 Pills	115.91€ 110.39€	Buy
Tadalista Super Active	20mg	90 + 10 Pills	314.14€ 299.18€	Buy
Tadalista Super Active	20mg	120 + 16 Pills	382.15€ 363.95€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	360 + 10 Pills	570.52€ 543.35€	Buy

Allow 48h after last tadalafil dose before nitrate administration. nitroglycerin rectaltadalafil increases effects of nitroglycerin rectal by additive vasodilation.

Condition	Recommended Dose	Take With Food	Common Usage Scenarios
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)	10-20 mg	Yes	30-60 minutes before activity
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)	5 mg daily	Yes	Regular intake for symptom relief
Pulmonary Hypertension	40 mg divided in 2 doses	No	Under medical supervision
Daily Use (for ED)	2.5 to 5 mg	Yes	Once per day

Use of nitroglycerin within a few days of PDE5 inhibitors is contraindicated.

Pros and cons of Tadalafil (Cialis)

PDE5 inhibitors have been shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of organic nitrates.

Adult Dosing .

atazanavir will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. ceritinibceritinib will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. ceritinib will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. clarithromycinclarithromycin will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. For ED limit tadalafil to max of 2.5 mg/day (for daily use) or 10 mg dose every 72 hr (for use as needed).

Insurance Information

Avoid concurrent use of tadalafil for pulmonary HTN in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. clarithromycin will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. cobicistatcobicistat will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Adjust tadalafil dose for PAH; if on cobicistat, start tadalafil 20 mg/day and may increase up to 40 mg/day; avoid tadalafil when starting cobicistat; for ED, may take a single dose of tadalafil not exceeding 10 mg in 72 hr.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

tadalafil increases effects of nitroglycerin rectal by additive vasodilation.

Tadalafil or Cialis: Are They Basically The Same?

Use of nitroglycerin within a few days of PDE5 inhibitors is contraindicated. PDE5 inhibitors have been shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of organic nitrates. tadalafil increases effects of nitroglycerin rectal by additive vasodilation. Either increases tadalafil online effects of the other by additive vasodilation. Coadministration of PDE-5 inhibitors (eg, avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) and guanylate cyclase stimulators (eg, riociguat) is contraindicated due to risk of additive hypotension; do not administer 24 hr before or within 48hr of each other.

Take as part of a healthy lifestyle

Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Coadministration of vericiguat with PDE-5 inhibitors may result in additive hypotensive effects. apalutamideapalutamide will decrease the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Coadministration of apalutamide, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates can result in lower exposure to these medications. Avoid or substitute another drug for these medications when possible.

Alcohol interaction warning

Evaluate for loss of therapeutic effect if medication must be coadministered. Adjust dose according tadalafil weekend pill to prescribing information if needed. apalutamide will decrease the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. atazanaviratazanavir will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Stop tadalafil >24 hours prior to protease inhibitor (PI) initiation, restart 7 days after PI initiation at 20 mg once daily, and increase to 40 mg once daily based on tolerability. Either increases tadalafil online effects of the other by additive vasodilation. Coadministration of PDE-5 inhibitors (eg, avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) and guanylate cyclase stimulators (eg, riociguat) is contraindicated due to risk of additive hypotension; do not administer 24 hr before or within 48hr of each other. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Coadministration of vericiguat with PDE-5 inhibitors may result in additive hypotensive effects. apalutamideapalutamide will decrease the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.

• Tadalafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor, which allows it to target specific enzymes.
• It can improve erectile function, making intimacy more satisfying.
• The medication is available in several generic options besides brand names.
• Side effects may include nasal congestion, back pain, or dizziness.
• Tadalafil should be used with caution in men with bleeding disorders.
• It is recommended to avoid using tadalafil with alcohol to minimize side effects.
• Consult your healthcare provider before starting tadalafil if you have health concerns.
• Tadalafil does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• For optimal results, follow your doctor’s recommended dosage and schedule.

Coadministration of apalutamide, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates can result in lower exposure to these medications. Avoid or substitute another drug for these medications when possible. Evaluate for loss of therapeutic effect if medication must be coadministered. Adjust dose according tadalafil weekend pill to prescribing information if needed. apalutamide will decrease the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. atazanaviratazanavir will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Stop tadalafil >24 hours prior to protease inhibitor (PI) initiation, restart 7 days after PI initiation at 20 mg once daily, and increase to 40 mg once daily based on tolerability. atazanavir will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. ceritinibceritinib will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.

Select a medication above to begin.

ceritinib will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. clarithromycinclarithromycin will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Check your insurance policy and local pharmacies for price information. – By Matthew Solan Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Why it’s used

All content on this page has been medically reviewed by: Hassan Thwaini, Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) on 30 March, 2026. Tadalafil is a clinically-proven erectile dysfunction treatment that gives you the freedom to enjoy sex when you want it. It lasts for 36 hours - so there’s less need for planning before sex. Find the clinically proven ED treatment that suits you best. No names, no logos, no delivery fee.

Will Cialis help me keep an erection after ejaculating?

4.6* from over 33,000 people like you. BSc (Hons) MBBS MRCGP AFHEA sublingual tadalafil MA (Hons) AFMCP Answer a few simple questions to get the treatment you need. Indicated for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) Cialis (or generic equivalent) or Chewtadzy only PRN use: 10 mg PO initially before sexual activity, with or without food; may be increased to 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg on basis of efficacy and tolerability; in most patients, maximum dosing frequency is once daily Once-daily use (Cialis): 2.5 mg/day PO in single daily dose, without regard to timing of sexual activity, with or without food; may be increased to 5 mg/day on basis of efficacy and tolerability Indicated for treatment of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); daily use also indicated for treatment of patients with both BPH and erectile dysfunction Cialis (or generic equivalent) or Chewtadzy only BPH with ED: 5 mg PO once daily, taken at approximately same time each day without regard to timing of sexual activity Coadministration with finasteride for BPH: Tadalafil 5 mg plus finasteride 5 mg PO once daily for ≤26 weeks; incremental benefit of tadalafil decreases from 4 weeks until 26 weeks, and the benefit beyond 26 weeks is unknown Indicated for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1) to improve exercise ability; studies establishing effectiveness included predominately patients with NYHA Functional Class II – III symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (61%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (23%) Adcirca, Alyq, Tadliq, or generic equivalent only 40 mg PO once daily; dividing dose for more frequent dosing is not recommended Patients also taking ritonavir: 20 mg PO once daily initially for ≥1 week; may be increased to 40 mg/day on basis of tolerability Cialis, Chewtadzy (PRN use)Mild (CrCl >50 mL/min): No dosage adjustment neededModerate (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): Not to exceed 5 mg PO once daily initially; maximum dosage, 10 mg PO q48hrSevere (CrCl <30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): Not to exceed 5 mg PO q72hr Mild (CrCl >50 mL/min): No dosage adjustment needed Moderate (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): Not to exceed 5 mg PO once daily initially; maximum dosage, 10 mg PO q48hr Severe (CrCl <30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): Not to exceed 5 mg PO q72hr Cialis (once daily use)ED (CrCl >50 mL/min): No dosage adjustment neededBPH or BPH/ED (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): 2.5 mg/day starting dose recommended; may increase to 5 mg according to individual responseED or BPH (CrCl <30 mL/min or hemodialysis): Not recommended ED (CrCl >50 mL/min): No dosage adjustment needed BPH or BPH/ED (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): 2.5 mg/day starting dose recommended; may increase to 5 mg according to individual response ED or BPH (CrCl <30 mL/min or hemodialysis): Not recommended Chewtadzy (once daily use)BPH, ED/BPHCrCl >50 mL/min: No dosage adjustment neededCrCl ≤50 mL/min or hemodialysis: Not recommended CrCl >50 mL/min: No dosage adjustment needed CrCl ≤50 mL/min or hemodialysis: Not recommended Adcirca, Alyq, TadliqMild-to-moderate (CrCl 31-80 mL/min): 20 mg PO once daily initially; may be increased to 40 mg once daily on basis of tolerabilitySevere (CrCl <30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): Avoid use Mild-to-moderate (CrCl 31-80 mL/min): 20 mg PO once daily initially; may be increased to 40 mg once daily on basis of tolerability Severe (CrCl <30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): Avoid use Cialis, Chewtadzy (PRN use)Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Not to exceed 10 mg PO once dailySevere (Child-Pugh class C): Not recommended Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Not to exceed 10 mg PO once daily Severe (Child-Pugh class C): Not recommended Cialis, Chewtadzy (once daily use)Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Data limited; caution advisedSevere (Child-Pugh class C): Not recommended Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Data limited; caution advised Severe (Child-Pugh class C): Not recommended Adcirca, Alyq, TadliqMild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Consider starting dosage of 20 mg PO once dailySevere (Child-Pugh class C): Avoid use Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh class A or B): Consider starting dosage of 20 mg PO once daily Severe (Child-Pugh class C): Avoid use ED PRN use: Not to exceed 10 mg/72 hr ED or ED/BPH once-daily use: Not to exceed 2.5 mg/day Adcirca, Alyq, TadliqOn ritonavir for at least 1 week: Start tadalafil at 20 mg PO qDay; may increase to 40 qDay based on individual tolerabilityAvoid tadalafil during ritonavir initiationStop tadalafil at least 24 hr before to starting ritonavirAfter at least 1 week following ritonavir initiation, resume tadalafil 20 mg PO qDay; may increase to 40 qDay based on individual tolerability On ritonavir for at least 1 week: Start tadalafil at 20 mg PO qDay; may increase to 40 qDay based on individual tolerability Stop tadalafil at least 24 hr before to starting ritonavir After at least 1 week following ritonavir initiation, resume tadalafil 20 mg PO qDay; may increase to 40 qDay based on individual tolerability Chewtadzy: Not indicated for once daily use for ED because dosing is not possible (recommended dosage for this indication cannot be achieved with lowest available strength) Orphan designation for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) Eli Lilly and Company; Lilly Corporate Center; Indianapolis, IN 46285 Indicated for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) Cialis or generic equivalent only: No dosage adjustment is warranted solely on basis of age; however, greater sensitivity to medications in some older individuals should be considered Indicated for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1) to improve exercise ability; studies establishing effectiveness included predominately patients with NYHA Functional Class II – III symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (61%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (23%) Adcirca, Alyq, or generic equivalent only: Lower dose or reduced dosing frequency may be required in elderly because of decreased renal or hepatic clearance Allow 48h after last tadalafil dose before nitrate administration. Allow 48h after last tadalafil dose before nitrate administration. nitroglycerin rectaltadalafil increases effects of nitroglycerin rectal by additive vasodilation. For ED limit tadalafil to max of 2.5 mg/day (for daily use) or 10 mg dose every 72 hr (for use as needed).

• Tadalafil enhances erectile response by increasing nitric oxide effects in the corpus cavernosum.
• It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of ED and BPH in men.
• The medication should be taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
• Tadalafil's pharmacokinetics allow for flexible timing of doses.
• Patients with liver or kidney issues should consult their doctor before use.
• Combining tadalafil with other PDE5 inhibitors is not recommended.
• Tadalafil may cause vision changes, such as blurred vision or color tingling.
• Women should not use tadalafil, as safety has not been established for them.
• Tadalafil therapy may improve quality of life and sexual confidence.

Avoid concurrent use of tadalafil for pulmonary HTN in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. clarithromycin will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. cobicistatcobicistat will increase the level or effect of tadalafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Adjust tadalafil dose for PAH; if on cobicistat, start tadalafil 20 mg/day and may increase up to 40 mg/day; avoid tadalafil when starting cobicistat; for ED, may take a single dose of tadalafil not exceeding 10 mg in 72 hr.