What's the Best Cialis Dosage? Cialis Dosages Explained

Last reviewed: 10 Jan 2025

• 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?

Cialis can be obtained in four different dosages within the UK:

• 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 of Cialis indicates the amount of the active ingredient, tadalafil, present in each tablet. Typically, the lower doses (2.5mg and 5mg) are recommended for ‘daily’ use, while the higher doses (10mg and 20mg) are designed for ‘on demand’ consumption. This means they should be taken at least 30 minutes prior to engaging in sexual activity, rather than on a daily routine.

The standard dosage for Cialis Daily is 5mg, while the usual dosage for on-demand use is 10mg.

In the UK, the maximum dose of tadalafil prescribed for erectile dysfunction is 20mg; higher dosages are only available in the United States. It’s important to be cautious with higher quantities of Cialis due to the increased potential for side effects, particularly as they can affect blood pressure and accumulate in the body if taken too frequently.

While 40mg of tadalafil is utilized in specific contexts for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, this is exclusively managed under specialized medical supervision due to associated risks.

dr zenon andreou medical director

If you are sexually active up to three times a week and have not previously tried Cialis, the 10mg strength is often the initial recommended dosage. This dosage is recognized as the ‘standard dose’:

• Cialis 10mg is intended for use as needed (on demand), and should be taken at least half an hour prior to sexual activity
• The effects can persist for up to 36 hours
• This dosage is effective for the majority of individuals who try it, and it carries a lower risk of adverse reactions compared to higher dosages
• This strength is available in various pack sizes such as 4, 8, 12, 16, and 28 tablets from Superdrug Online Doctor

In cases where the 10mg dosage of Cialis does not yield the desired effects, and no significant side effects are experienced, increasing the dosage to 20mg may be a viable option.

• Similar to the 10mg variant, 20mg Cialis is taken on demand, at least half an hour before planned sexual activity
• This dosage also lasts for a maximum of 36 hours
• It may offer improved efficacy for some individuals who find the 10mg dose insufficient, but it also presents a higher likelihood of side effects
• Available pack sizes mirror those of Cialis 10mg, including 4, 8, 12, 16, and 28 tablets from Superdrug Online Doctor

For those engaging in sexual activity more than three times weekly, opting for Cialis Daily may be beneficial. This option is available in two different doses, mirroring the on-demand Cialis, but the recommended higher dosage is 5mg.

• The 5mg dose is taken once daily at the same time each day
• If administered consistently, it guarantees reliable effects
• Should the 5mg dosage be effective yet lead to side effects, switching to the 2.5mg option is advisable, which similarly provides consistent results but with a reduced risk of adverse reactions
• Both strengths can be procured in packs of 28 tablets from Superdrug Online Doctor

All Cialis dosages are approved for intake up to once per day. It’s crucial to avoid taking more than one tablet within a 24-hour period.

Considering switching to Cialis Daily may be beneficial if:

• You frequently find yourself taking the higher on-demand dosages (10mg or 20mg) on more than three separate days weekly.
• You experience overlaps when topping up after 24 hours. Since on-demand doses (10mg and 20mg) can last up to 36 hours, overlapping doses can lead to elevated levels in your bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
• You notice that the effects of Cialis diminish before the 24-hour mark and you wish to engage in sexual activity again.

• If you’re on 2.5mg or 10mg and you haven’t encountered any side effects, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to explore a more effective impact. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any adjustments.
• If you’re using a daily dose of 5mg, it may be worthwhile to try a higher on-demand dosage, though this should be discussed with your physician first.

Should the 20mg dose of Cialis prove ineffective, consider discussing alternative medications with your doctor. Additionally, you might explore integrating Cialis with complementary treatments such as lifestyle modifications, counseling, or therapy. It’s critical never to mix Cialis with other erectile dysfunction medications or exceed the prescribed daily limits.