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How Long Does Cialis® (Tadalafil) Last?

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If you’ve been investigating treatment options available for erectile dysfunction (ED), you’ve likely encountered Cialis® and Viagra®. Among the most prevalent questions people ask about these prescription drugs is how they stack up against each other and how long the effects will last. So, how long exactly does Cialis last after taking it?

A multitude of factors distinguishes Cialis from the more widely recognized Viagra, often referred to as the “little blue pill.” Arguably the key differentiating factor is the duration of efficacy each medication offers and how that aligns with individual needs.

Cialis is a brand-name formulation containing the generic drug tadalafil. This active ingredient serves as a prescribed treatment for both ED and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition related to an enlarged prostate. On the other hand, Viagra (alongside its generic counterpart sildenafil) is generally meant to be taken shortly before sexual activity. You can also take Cialis as needed or opt for a daily regimen to maintain consistent levels in your system.

Your method of administration, the timing of your dose, and the amount you take all play crucial roles in determining how long the effects of Cialis will last. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of relevant information, including the duration of the effects, the medication's half-life, the time it takes to feel the onset of action, and other critical details concerning Cialis.

A significant advantage of Cialis is its flexibility, as it offers two effective treatment regimens: a dose for use as needed and a smaller daily option that allows for spontaneous sexual activity without the need to plan ahead.

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) recommends using Cialis in one of the following two ways:

  • Once daily at a dose ranging from 2.5 to 5 mg (milligrams)

  • As needed at a dose varying between 5 to 20 mg

What sets tadalafil apart from other FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitors is its notably extended duration of effectiveness — meaning it can potentially last much longer than alternatives.

Unlike Viagra, which typically provides effects for only a few hours following administration, a single dose of tadalafil can remain effective for as long as 36 hours.

While it may not always provide a full 36 hours of efficacy, the possibility of doing so means that you should refrain from taking Cialis more than once in a single day.

Upon ingestion of a Cialis pill (or chewing one of our ED hard mints infused with tadalafil), it generally takes about two hours for the effects to manifest. However, some users report feeling the impact within just 15 to 30 minutes. This timing can be influenced by the dosage and whether you take it on an empty stomach, which might expedite its action.

How long does tadalafil remain in your body after a single dose? This depends on the specific tadalafil dosage that has been prescribed to you.

The average half-life of Cialis (and accordingly, tadalafil) is roughly 17.5 hours. The term half-life refers to the duration required for your body to metabolize a portion of the medication fluid circulating within your bloodstream, effectively reducing its concentration to half the original amount. This duration is slightly less than half of that previously mentioned 36-hour window.

Based on FDA data, the medication achieves maximum plasma concentration within a timeframe that ranges from 30 minutes to six hours following intake.

By the time you reach the half-life of approximately 17.5 hours, you will have around half the concentration of the medication remaining in your system, and this concentration will continue to decline until the drug is fully cleared. If you are using a lower dosage, the effects may diminish more speedily.

Some anecdotal evidence suggests that Cialis can occasionally provide effects for longer durations, potentially up to 72 hours. Nevertheless, most individuals will experience noticeable effects lasting between 24 to 36 hours after taking a single dose.

As previously noted, different Cialis dosages can produce varied durations of effect. For example, taking a daily dose ensures that the medication continues to build up in your system with each subsequent day of administration, effectively allowing its benefits to manifest continuously over the span of days as you take it.

This means that when you opt for a lower daily dose, the medication does not have sufficient time to completely exit your body, hence maintaining a concentration high enough to assist you in achieving normal erections on a daily basis — with sexual stimulation, of course.

Now, consider tadalafil 20mg — what about its lasting effects? Greater dosages, such as Cialis 20mg tablets, may result in longer-lasting effects. However, pinpointing exactly when the effective window will cease is challenging, as the actual active hours can vary based on your unique physiological response.

If you're concerned that Cialis may be too effective for an extended period during your daily routine, you may also be considering the question of how long Viagra lasts as an alternative treatment for ED. The ongoing comparisons between Cialis and Viagra are common, but ultimately, the choice boils down to your personal goals regarding your sexual life.

So, how does Cialis's duration compare to that of other ED treatments? Other medications (including Viagra) are often aimed at immediate solutions. You might find yourself having a fantastic date night, and as you head back home with your partner, you take a pill to align with your planned sexual escapade.

Conversely, tadalafil operates on a broader scale to accommodate your more spontaneous sexual schedule. Its extensive effectiveness means that taking a dose in the morning can prepare you for both afternoon and evening activities.

This is precisely why tadalafil presents an exceptionally advantageous choice for those whose sexual lives don't conform to a conventional timeline. However, if your partner can improvise, tadalafil as a daily solution is tailored to assist you in meeting the challenge of intimacy at any moment.

How Long Each ED Medication Lasts

Here are the essential takeaways to consider if you’re comparing different erectile dysfunction medications:

  • Cialis is the longest-lasting ED medication. No other ED medication facilitates sexual activity for anywhere near the duration of Cialis, which is known for its 36-hour effectiveness.

  • Other options have shorter durations. ED treatments such as vardenafil, avanafil, and sildenafil (the generics of Levitra®, Stendra®, and Viagra, respectively) have durations that do not exceed 12 hours, with most anticipating only a few hours of efficacy.

  • Viagra generally lasts four to six hours. In optimal scenarios, its effects may extend across a maximum 12-hour window.

  • Stendra and Levitra activate quickly. Both can begin working within 30 minutes and usually offer effects for around five hours.

Your healthcare provider should be informed of any preexisting medical conditions, such as angina (chest pain) or cardiovascular issues, prior to prescribing these ED medications.

It's critical to note that Cialis (like any other ED medication) does not automatically induce erections. In fact, tadalafil likely wouldn’t be effective in stimulating an erection on its own unless accompanied by the right kind of visual stimuli.

Tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors merely optimize the system; you still need to experience arousal and sexual stimulation for the medication to work as intended.

ED is a condition that afflicts millions of men worldwide. While many find relief through Cialis, it’s important to recognize that this isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, especially if your ED is rooted in psychological factors like anxiety, low self-esteem, or stress.

This is why a range of erectile dysfunction treatments exists, which may include psychological therapy and emotional support.

A note of caution: If you're wondering how to maximize the effect of Cialis, it's essential to understand that taking more than the prescribed dosage or exceeding the recommended frequency will not yield better results. The optimal approach is to follow the guidance provided by a healthcare professional.

Taking excess dosages or using the medication too often could heighten the potential for common side effects associated with Cialis, as well as more severe complications.

PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil also have additional applications. Tadalafil can help manage hypertension (high blood pressure), so misuse or overdose could lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels.

In the event of chest pain, back pain, or symptoms resembling a heart attack, seek immediate medical assistance.

While many men may contend that a prolonged erection is a desirable outcome, this perspective often disregards the potential risks of priapism, a painful condition occurring when an erection lasts longer than four hours, which can damage the spongy tissues of the corpora cavernosa and potentially lead to permanent injury. Priapism requires immediate medical intervention.

In general, you should refrain from using any of these medications in conjunction with nitrates, alpha-blockers, antifungals, or grapefruit juice, all of which can influence the efficacy of Cialis and compound potential side effects.

Once again, we urge you to communicate with your healthcare provider about any health conditions before embarking on treatment with this medication.

How long does Cialis persist in your system? And regarding generic tadalafil — how long can you expect it to last? Up to 36 hours, though individual experiences may vary significantly.

If you find yourself reading this, you may feel less than satisfied with your recent sexual performance. However, there is no reason for shame or embarrassment.

Consider the following points:

  • ED is characterized as the inability to attain or maintain sufficient erection for successful sexual intercourse. Medications such as Cialis represent just one of many treatment options that can alleviate this challenge.

  • Your choice of medication and its frequency of use should match your personal circumstances and lifestyle. Consult with a medical professional for tailored advice, regardless of whether you're considering supplements or prescriptions.

  • Tadalafil is effective for treating ED; therefore, if you are encountering intermittent or unsatisfactory erections, it’s worthwhile to discuss a potential tadalafil prescription with your healthcare provider.

  • Additional treatment options exist. Other ED medications such as Stendra, Levitra, and Viagra can also provide relief, although they are typically recommended for use on an as-needed basis.

  • When properly utilized, these medications can help mitigate the physical aspects of ED, allowing you to approach intimate situations with renewed confidence.

  • Using more than the recommended dose will not enhance your sexual performance. This is akin to fueling your vehicle with premium gas when it requires regular, hoping for an upgrade in performance that simply won’t happen.

  • If your ED stems from psychological issues, self-esteem concerns, or similar factors, a more comprehensive approach may be required rather than merely addressing the physical aspects. Seeking support from a mental health professional may prove beneficial.

When you’re ready to address ED, we’re here to assist. Our platform provides accessible ED medications, and you can acquire a prescription for Cialis following an online consultation.

5 Sources

  1. CIALIS (tadalafil) tablets, for oral use . accessdata.fda.gov. (n.d.). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021368s20s21lbl.pdf.
  2. Coward, R. M., & Carson, C. C. (2008). Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2643112/
  3. Evans, J. D., & Hill, S. R. (2015). A comparison of the available phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a focus on avanafil. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4542406/
  4. Silberman M, et. al. (2023) Priapism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459178/
  5. Sooriyamoorthy T, et. al. (2023) Erectile Dysfunction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/
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