Dr Simran Deo Medical Editor

Last reviewed: 10 Jan 2025

Choosing the right Cialis dose for erectile dysfunction is all about finding what works best for you and your needs. The right dosage isn't just about the figure on the box; it's about your own personal experience with the medication. It comes in four different strengths, and the optimal dosage varies significantly based on how frequently you plan to use it, your overall health, and how your body uniquely responds to the treatment. This response can indeed be different for every individual.

Next, we will dive into the details about how to choose the right strength of Cialis for you and what the recommendations are for how often you can safely take it. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about your treatment and enhancing your sexual health.

What's on this page?

  • 1. What Cialis dosages are available?
  • 2. About Cialis 10mg
  • 3. About Cialis 20mg
  • 4. About Cialis Daily 2.5mg and 5mg
  • 5. How often can you take a dose of Cialis?
  • 6. What if my current dose isn’t working?
  • 7. How do Cialis doses compare with Viagra ones?
Two boxes of Cialis tablets; 1 x 20 mg and 1 x 10 mg on a green background

What Cialis dosages are available?

In the UK, you can get Cialis in four distinct doses:

  • 2.5mg: small white pills clearly marked with ‘2.5mg’
  • 5mg: small light orange pills with ‘5mg’ printed on them
  • 10mg: larger light orange pills labeled ‘10mg’
  • 20mg: larger dark orange pills clearly stating ‘20mg’

The dose of Cialis refers to how much of the active ingredient, tadalafil, is present in each tablet. The lower doses (2.5mg and 5mg) are generally prescribed for daily use to provide a more consistent level of medication, while the higher doses (10mg and 20mg) are meant to be used as needed, also known as on-demand use. This means you take them at least 30 minutes before you anticipate engaging in sexual activity, rather than taking them at the same time every day.

The standard dose for Cialis Daily is 5mg, while 10mg tends to be the recommended starting dose for on-demand use.

The maximum recommended dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction in the UK is 20mg. It's important to note that higher doses can increase the likelihood of side effects as they may affect your blood pressure and allow tadalafil levels to accumulate in your system over time. In some specific medical situations, a dose of 40mg of tadalafil is utilized to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, but this should only be done under the strict supervision of a healthcare provider due to the associated risks.

"Cialis is available in four dosages. While the lower doses of 2.5mg and 5mg can be taken daily, the 10mg and 20mg doses are intended for use when needed."

dr zenon andreou medical director

About Cialis 10mg

If you find that you are sexually active up to three times a week and this is your first experience with Cialis, the 10mg dose is typically recommended as the starting point. This dosage is often regarded as the ‘standard dose’:

  • Cialis 10mg is taken on an as-needed basis (on demand), ideally at least half an hour before anticipated sexual activity.
  • The effects of this dosage can last for as long as 36 hours, making it a popular option for many.
  • Most individuals who try this dosage find that it works effectively for them and report a lower risk of side effects compared to higher strengths.
  • This dose is available in packing options of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 28 tablets. You can purchase it from Superdrug Online Doctor.

About Cialis 20mg

If you've previously tried the 10mg dose of Cialis and did not achieve the desired outcome, but also didn't encounter any adverse side effects, you can consider increasing your dose to 20mg for potentially more effective results.

  • Similar to the 10mg dose, 20mg Cialis is taken as needed (on demand), at least half an hour before sexual activity.
  • This dosage can last just as long as the 10mg option, providing effects for up to 36 hours.
  • While this increased dose can benefit those who felt the 10mg was insufficient, it may also carry a higher likelihood of side effects.
  • This dose is likewise available in pack sizes of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 28 tablets through Superdrug Online Doctor.

About Cialis Daily 2.5mg and 5mg

If your sexual activity occurs on more than three days each week, opting for Cialis Daily could be a beneficial option for you. This treatment comes in two doses similar to on-demand Cialis, but the 5mg dose is considered the standard choice for daily use.

  • The 5mg dose should be consumed once daily, preferably at the same time every day for consistent results.
  • Provided that you adhere to the daily regimen, you should continuously experience the effects.
  • If the 5mg dose is effective but leads to side effects, then switching to 2.5mg could be a wise choice, offering similar benefits but with a lower risk of adverse reactions.
  • Both dosages are available in pack sizes of 28 tablets from Superdrug Online Doctor.

Explore Cialis doses

Front package of Cialis 2.5mg, erectile dysfunction tablets that contain tadalafil

CIALIS DAILY®

Daily erection treatment so you’re always ready

In stock

from £72.00

How often can you take a dose of Cialis?

All doses of Cialis can be taken up to once a day. It is critical to never exceed one Cialis tablet within a 24-hour period to avoid potential complications and adverse effects.

Consider transitioning to Cialis Daily if you find yourself reaching for the higher on-demand doses (10mg or 20mg) on more than three different occasions in a week. This ensures you maintain a safe and effective level of medication in your system.

  • If your on-demand doses (10mg and 20mg) are used within a 24-hour period, it can result in overlapping medications which may lead to higher concentrations of the drug in your bloodstream, thereby increasing the risk of side effects.
  • If you notice the effectiveness of Cialis diminishes before the 24 hours after taking it, and you wish to be sexually active again, switching to a daily regimen might suit your needs better.

What if my current dose isn’t working?

  • If you are currently using 2.5mg or 10mg and have not experienced any significant side effects, you might consider increasing the dose to assess whether a higher pill could offer more substantial benefits. It's imperative to discuss any adjustments with your healthcare provider first.
  • If your current daily dose is 5mg, exploring the possibility of a higher on-demand dosage could also be beneficial, but this should also be discussed with your doctor beforehand.

If 20mg of Cialis doesn’t work for you, you may need to explore different medications. Combination therapy using Cialis with other treatments like lifestyle changes, counseling, or vacuum devices might be options worth considering. However, it's crucial to avoid mixing Cialis with any other erectile dysfunction medications and never exceed the prescribed daily dosage to ensure your safety.

How do Cialis doses compare with Viagra ones?

Cialis and Viagra are both medications designed to treat erectile dysfunction, yet they contain different active ingredients and work differently in the body. Therefore, the doses of Cialis and Viagra cannot be directly compared. For instance, taking 20mg of Viagra does not equate to 20mg of Cialis regarding effectiveness or safety.

Sources

  • Cialis (2019) RxList Ltd [accessed 1 April 2020]

Patient Reviews

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Further Reading on Erectile Dysfunction

  • Alprostadil Cream and Injection
  • How To Get And Stay Hard
  • What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
  • NHS Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
  • Herbal and Illegal ED Treatments
  • How To Fix Erectile Dysfunction In 5 Steps
  • How To Get An Erection
  • Is Penis Enlargement Possible?
  • What Causes Penis Pain?
  • What is Peyronie's Disease?