What's the Best Cialis Dosage? Cialis Dosages Explained

Last reviewed: 10 Jan 2025

• 1. Cialis Dosages Overview
• 2. Understanding Cialis 10mg
• 3. Understanding Cialis 20mg
• 4. Cialis Daily 2.5mg and 5mg Options
• 5. Recommended Frequency of Cialis Usage
• 6. What to do if your current dosage is ineffective
• 7. Comparison of Cialis and Viagra Dosages

Cialis offers four distinct dosages available in the market:

• 2.5mg: small white pills marked with '2.5mg'
• 5mg: small light orange pills marked with '5mg'
• 10mg: larger light orange pills marked with '10mg'
• 20mg: larger dark orange pills marked with '20mg'

The dosage directly reflects the quantity of tadalafil, the active ingredient. The lower doses of 2.5mg and 5mg are typically intended for daily use, while the 10mg and 20mg strengths are designed for on-demand use, generally recommended to be taken around 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity.

For daily use, the standard dosage of Cialis Daily is typically 5mg, whereas a common on-demand dosage starts at 10mg. The maximum allowable prescription for erectile dysfunction treatment is capped at 20mg, which, if exceeded, may increase the risk of side effects, particularly concerning blood pressure.

Dr. Zenon Andreou Medical Director

The 10mg dosage is often the first-line recommendation for patients engaging in sexual activity up to three times weekly. This dosage is referred to as the ‘standard dose’:

• Cialis 10mg is intended for on-demand use, to be taken at least half an hour prior to anticipated sexual activity.
• Effects may last for up to 36 hours, making it convenient for spontaneous intimate encounters.
• This dosage presents a favorable efficacy profile and a lower risk of adverse effects for many users compared to higher doses.
• Available for purchase in packs of 4, 8, 12, 16, and up to 28 tablets.

For individuals who have previously tried the 10mg dosage without achieving satisfactory results, increasing to 20mg could provide enhanced benefits.

• Similar to the 10mg variant, Cialis 20mg is taken as needed, at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
• This dosage also offers effects lasting up to 36 hours.
• While it may yield more effective results for individuals unsatisfied with the 10mg option, it also carries a higher likelihood of side effects.
• Available in comparable packaging sizes as the 10mg version.

If you engage in sexual activity more than three times per week, opting for Cialis Daily could be the ideal solution for you. This option is provided in two strengths, with 5mg being the standard recommendation.

• The 5mg dosage is to be taken once daily, ideally at the same time each day for consistent therapeutic benefits.
• When taken regularly, you should experience ongoing effects without the need for acute dosing.
• Should you experience adverse effects with the 5mg dose, switching to 2.5mg can help mitigate those effects while still being effective.
• Both dosage options come in packs containing 28 tablets.

All versions of Cialis should not exceed one dosage per day. It is essential to avoid consuming more than one tablet in any 24-hour timeframe. You might want to consider switching to Cialis Daily if:

• You find yourself taking the higher on-demand doses (10mg or 20mg) more than three times a week.
• The effects diminish before the 24-hour mark, leading you to seek additional doses.

• If you are currently taking 2.5mg or 10mg without experiencing side effects, discuss the potential for an increase with your healthcare provider.
• If you find that 5mg is effective but results in side effects, adjusting to 2.5mg may be advisable.
• If the 20mg Cialis dosage does not yield the desired results, it may be necessary to explore alternative therapies or incorporate lifestyle changes alongside your treatment.

While both Cialis and Viagra are utilized for the management of erectile dysfunction, they contain unique active ingredients. Thus, their dosages aren’t directly interchangeable; a 20mg dosage of Viagra cannot be considered equivalent to a 20mg dosage of Cialis.

• Sildenafil
• Viagra
• Cialis
• Viagra Connect
• Avanafil
• Levitra
• Tadalafil

• Spedra (Avanafil)
• Vardenafil
• Vitaros Cream
• Erectile Dysfunction Test Kit
• Penis Pump
• Eroxon Gel