Highlights
- Cialis is available under the generic name erectile dysfunction (ED) drug tadalafil and can be taken by mouth daily or as needed.
- Taken daily, Cialis lowers blood pressure and relieves symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- The daily option may be a better option if you need long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction and ED.
- Talk to your doctor to see if tadalafil is the right ED medication for you.
If you have erectile dysfunction (ED), you’ve probably heard about Cialis for Daily Use, and you may be wondering how it’s different from on-demand Cialis. So, what happens when you take Cialis every day?
The only real difference between them is that you take Cialis for Daily Use in a much smaller dose. The magic that happens in your body is the same for both versions when it’s taken for ED.
However, if you have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), then Cialis for Daily Use may offer a bonus for you: help with urination problems.
Read on to learn more.
What Happens When You Take Cialis Every Day?
On-demand Cialis works in the same way as all other ED meds (like Viagra and Levitra), but what happens in the body when you take Cialis for daily use?
Cialis, like all ED meds, belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors (or PDE5i’s). PDE5i’s act as vasodilators to help improve blood flow to the penis.
What makes Cialis for Daily Use different is that you have the option of taking a low dose every day. That means you don’t have to think about taking a pill at least 30 minutes before you want to have sex. Instead, you’ll always be ready for intimacy.
If you take it every day, Cialis will:
- Improve blood flow to the penis. As with other ED medications, Cialis works by expanding blood vessels, which allows blood to flow freely into the penis to facilitate an erection.
- Relaxes the muscles of the bladder and urethra. People with BPH often feel like they have to urinate all the time or have a weak stream. Just as Cialis relaxes the blood vessels so blood flows to the penis, it can also relax the muscles of the bladder and prostate, which improves urination symptoms.
Cialis also differs from other ED medications because you don’t need to take it with food.
Can You Take Other ED Meds (Like Viagra) Every Day?
Even though Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis work the same way (by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme), Viagra or Levitra are not suitable for daily use.
Daily-use tadalafil lasts longer than other ED medications, remaining in your system for up to 36 hours (if taken as needed), compared to only five hours with Viagra.
What’s more, tadalafil for daily use comes in low-dose formulas designed to be taken every day. Other ED meds do not; taking them every day may lead to serious side effects, particularly for men who have elevated blood pressure.
How Should I Take Cialis (Tadalafil)?
Cialis (tadalafil) is available in several doses, from 2.5 milligrams up to 20 milligrams, depending on if you take it daily or as needed. For daily users, 5 milligrams is likely the highest dose you’ll take.
Cialis is long-lasting, with the effects of tadalafil as needed lasting up to 36 hours. No matter what dosage you’re prescribed, you will take it in a tablet form by mouth.
Can I Take Cialis for Daily Use with Viagra?
No. It is not safe to take any other ED medication with daily-use Cialis. It could result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure and increases your risk of other side effects. What’s more, you’re not likely to get a better outcome.
Who Should Not Take Cialis?
As with all drugs, certain people should not take Cialis (or other ED medications): They include:
- People who take nitrates
- People with bleeding disorders
- People who have ulcers
- People who are already taking PDE5 inhibitors
How Long Does Cialis Take to Work?
With Cialis for Daily Use, a small amount is released steadily over time, so you’re good to go whenever you want. When you first start taking it, however, it may take up to 5 days for the medication to have full effect.
For the as-needed version, a more concentrated amount of the chemical is released so that it works more quickly, typically between thirty minutes and two hours from use.
What Does the Research Say About Cialis for Daily Use vs. On-Demand Cialis?
Studies involving a total of 1035 participants found that daily use of Cialis outperformed the on-demand formula in terms of erectile function and in satisfaction with sexual encounters after 24 weeks.
At 12 weeks, the dosages were performing the same, but the daily dose of Cialis pulled ahead as time went on. This means that, for men who need long-term treatment for ED, Cialis for Daily Use might be a better option.
What Are the Side Effects of Cialis?
As with all medications, there are potential side effects associated with taking Cialis/tadalafil in either form:
Common side effects can include:
- Flu-like symptoms like headaches, upset stomach, muscle aches, and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Flushing (reddening of the skin)
- Low blood pressure
- Blurry vision or changes in color vision
You should talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of these side effects or if you have an erection that lasts for more than four hours.
What Else Should I Know About Cialis?
All drugs work differently for different people. While most men are satisfied with the results they get with Cialis, a few factors can affect how Cialis works for you. They include:
- Your age
- How healthy your liver and kidneys are
- If you’re taking any other medications
- Your overall health
- The dosage you take
Let’s Recap
Cialis (tadalafil) is an attractive medication option for men living with ED, especially if they also have BPH. Whether they take it daily or as needed, men can expect improved erectile function and a more satisfying sex life with this medication.
If you have sex two or three times a week, you may want to consider the daily-use formula so you can be ready when the mood strikes. Your doctor can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
How eDrugstore Can Help
eDrugstore.com makes it easy for men to talk to healthcare professionals and to get erectile dysfunction medications like Cialis. Take advantage of our free online consultation to get your prescription, or call us at 1-800-467-5146. Virtual health visits and shipping are always free.
Kwynn holds a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Her research examines the intersections of health, technology, and gender-based violence.
