Cialis is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and, in some cases, urinary symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. It contains tadalafil, a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors.
In Canada, Cialis is available as a brand-name tadalafil tablet, and generic tadalafil products are also available by prescription. Health Canada’s Drug Product Database lists Cialis as a marketed prescription tadalafil tablet product in Canada.
Cialis is known for its longer duration of action compared with some other ED medications. However, it is not right for everyone. A healthcare provider should review your symptoms, health history, medications, blood pressure, and heart health before prescribing it.
Topics covered in this article:
What Is Cialis?
Cialis is a prescription medication that contains tadalafil and is used to help men with erectile dysfunction get and maintain erections with sexual stimulation. It is the brand-name version of tadalafil, while generic tadalafil contains the same active ingredient.
Cialis belongs to a group of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. These medications help improve blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, which can make it easier to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual activity.
Cialis comes as an oral tablet and is available only by prescription in Canada. It may be prescribed as needed before sexual activity or as a lower-dose once-daily option, depending on the person’s health, symptoms, and treatment goals.
Cialis is not an aphrodisiac and does not automatically cause an erection. Sexual arousal is still needed for it to work. It also does not directly increase sexual desire or treat every possible cause of ED.
What Is Cialis Used For?
Cialis is mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction, but it may also be prescribed for urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, weak urine flow, or difficulty starting urination.
In some cases, Cialis may be prescribed for men who have both ED and BPH symptoms. A healthcare provider can determine whether this option is appropriate based on symptoms, medical history, medication use, and safety considerations.
Cialis should not be used recreationally or without a prescription. It should only be taken as directed by a prescriber, and men should not change the dose, combine it with other ED medications, or use it with certain heart-related medications unless a healthcare provider says it is safe.
How Does Cialis Work?
Cialis works by helping blood vessels in the penis relax, allowing more blood to flow in during sexual stimulation. Its active ingredient, tadalafil, belongs to a group of medications called PDE5 inhibitors.
During sexual arousal, the body releases signals that help relax smooth muscle and increase blood flow to the penis. Cialis supports this natural process, which can make it easier to get and maintain an erection.
Cialis does not cause an automatic erection. Sexual stimulation is still required for it to work. It also does not directly increase libido or sexual desire.
How Long Does Cialis Take to Work?
Cialis may start working within about 30 minutes for some men, but the timing can vary from person to person. Some men may need more time before they notice the full effect.
Sexual stimulation is still needed for Cialis to help produce an erection. Taking the medication by itself will not automatically cause one.
Cialis can be taken with or without food. Unlike some ED medications, its absorption is not significantly affected by meals, which can make timing more flexible.
How Long Does Cialis Last?
Cialis can remain effective for up to 36 hours in some men, which is why it is often described as a longer-lasting ED medication. This does not mean an erection lasts for 36 hours. It means the medication may help support erections in response to sexual stimulation during that window.
Canadian consumer information for Cialis states that sexual activity may be possible from about 30 minutes after taking an on-demand dose and up to 36 hours later.
The exact duration can vary depending on the individual, dose, health conditions, other medications, and how the body processes tadalafil.
Cialis Dosage Options
Cialis is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. The right dose depends on whether it is taken as needed or once daily, as well as your health history, response to treatment, side effects, and other medications.
For erectile dysfunction, Cialis may be prescribed:
- As needed: commonly using 10 mg or 20 mg strengths, depending on the prescriber’s recommendation and individual response
- Once daily: commonly using lower 2.5 mg or 5 mg strengths
Some men may need a lower dose because of other health conditions or medication interactions. The dose should be prescribed individually rather than chosen based only on how strong the tablet is.
Do not take more Cialis than prescribed, change your dose on your own, or combine it with another ED medication unless a healthcare provider specifically tells you to.
Cialis Side Effects
Cialis can cause side effects, although many are mild to moderate and temporary. Commonly reported side effects include:
- headache
- indigestion or upset stomach
- back pain
- muscle aches
- nasal congestion
- facial flushing
- dizziness
More serious reactions are uncommon, but they require prompt medical attention. Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
- chest pain during or after sexual activity
- a severe allergic reaction, including swelling or difficulty breathing
- sudden decrease or loss of vision
- sudden decrease or loss of hearing
- an erection lasting more than 4 hours
- fainting, severe dizziness, or symptoms of dangerously low blood pressure
If chest pain occurs after taking Cialis, do not take nitrate medication to treat it. Seek immediate medical help instead.
Who Should Not Take Cialis?
Cialis is not appropriate for everyone, and some medical conditions or medications can make it unsafe. A healthcare provider should review your heart health, blood pressure, medications, and medical history before prescribing tadalafil.
Cialis should not be taken by people who use nitrate-containing medications. Combining nitrates with tadalafil can cause a sudden and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
Cialis may also be unsuitable, or require additional medical assessment, for people who:
- have been advised to avoid sexual activity because of a heart condition
- have certain serious heart or blood pressure conditions
- have significant liver or kidney problems
- are allergic to tadalafil or any ingredient in the medication
- are already using another ED treatment unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider
The safest approach is to provide your prescriber with a complete list of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, supplements, and recreational substances before starting Cialis.
Can Cialis Interact With Other Medications?
Yes, Cialis can interact with certain medications, and some combinations can be unsafe. The most important interactions involve medicines that affect blood pressure or blood vessel function.
Cialis should not be taken with nitrate-containing medications because the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Some other heart-related or blood pressure medications may also increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, or low blood pressure when combined with tadalafil.
Certain medications used for prostate symptoms may also affect blood pressure, so a healthcare provider may need to review the combination carefully. Cialis should not be combined with another erectile dysfunction treatment unless a prescriber specifically recommends it.
Before starting Cialis, tell your healthcare provider about:
- prescription medications
- over-the-counter products
- vitamins and supplements
- herbal products
- recreational substances
A complete medication list helps reduce the risk of interactions and makes it easier to determine whether Cialis is appropriate.
Cialis vs Generic Tadalafil
Cialis is the brand name, while tadalafil is the active ingredient available in generic versions. Both brand-name Cialis and approved generic tadalafil products contain tadalafil and work through the same PDE5-inhibitor mechanism.
The main differences are usually related to the manufacturer, tablet appearance, inactive ingredients, packaging, and price. Approved generic products must meet regulatory standards for quality and performance.
Whether you use brand-name Cialis or generic tadalafil, the dose and safety considerations are the same. A healthcare provider should still determine which strength and dosing schedule are appropriate based on your health history, other medications, treatment response, and side effects.
Cialis vs Other ED Treatment Options
Cialis is one of several prescription options for erectile dysfunction, and its longer duration of action is one of its main differences. It can remain effective for up to 36 hours in some men, while some other ED medications have a shorter window of action.
Cialis also offers both as-needed and once-daily dosing options. This may provide more flexibility for men who prefer not to plan medication use around a specific sexual encounter.
However, a longer duration does not mean Cialis is automatically the best option for everyone. Side effects, medication interactions, heart health, kidney or liver function, timing preferences, frequency of sexual activity, and individual response can all affect which treatment is most suitable.
The best ED treatment is the one that is safe, effective, and appropriate for the individual. A healthcare provider can help compare the available options and recommend an approach based on your health and treatment goals.
How to Take Cialis Safely
Take Cialis exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The right dose and schedule depend on your health, other medications, treatment goals, and how you respond to tadalafil.
To use Cialis safely:
- follow the prescription instructions carefully
- do not take more than the prescribed dose
- do not combine Cialis with another ED medication unless a healthcare provider specifically tells you to
- discuss your heart health, blood pressure, and current medications before starting treatment
- tell your provider if you use nitrates, prostate medications, blood pressure medications, supplements, or recreational substances
Alcohol also deserves caution. Larger amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of dizziness, low blood pressure, and difficulty getting an erection. The Canadian Cialis product information notes that tadalafil can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effects of alcohol.
Seek urgent medical care if you develop chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, a severe allergic reaction, sudden vision or hearing changes, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours.
How to Store Cialis
Cialis should be stored according to the instructions on its packaging and kept away from conditions that could damage the medication.
Keep Cialis:
- at room temperature
- away from excessive heat and moisture
- in its original labelled container or packaging
- out of reach of children and pets
Avoid storing it in places that regularly become hot or humid, such as a bathroom cabinet or a vehicle.
Do not use Cialis after its expiry date. If you have expired or unused medication, ask a pharmacist how to dispose of it safely rather than throwing it into household plumbing.
How to Get Cialis in Canada
Cialis and generic tadalafil are prescription medications in Canada. Health Canada lists Cialis as a marketed prescription tadalafil tablet, and marketed generic tadalafil products are also available.
Before prescribing Cialis, a healthcare provider may review:
- your erectile dysfunction symptoms
- current prescription and non-prescription medications
- blood pressure
- heart and cardiovascular health
- kidney or liver health
- other medical conditions
- previous ED treatments and side effects
This assessment helps determine whether tadalafil is appropriate and which dose or dosing schedule may be safest.
Depending on the province or territory and the provider, an assessment for ED may be available online through a licensed Canadian healthcare professional. Any prescription medication obtained online should come from a legitimate licensed pharmacy. Health Canada advises Canadians to use authorized products and notes that prescription drugs should be prescribed by an appropriately registered healthcare provider and sold by a licensed pharmacy.
Key Takeaways
- Cialis contains tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction.
- It may also be prescribed for urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Cialis can remain effective for up to 36 hours in some men, although sexual stimulation is still required for an erection.
- Cialis is available as the brand-name medication, while generic tadalafil contains the same active ingredient.
- Cialis can interact with some medications, especially nitrate-containing drugs, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- A medical assessment is important before starting Cialis to review heart health, blood pressure, medications, medical history, and the most appropriate dose.
FAQ
1. What is Cialis used for?
Cialis is mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction. It may also be prescribed for urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, or for men who have both ED and BPH symptoms.
2. Is Cialis the same as tadalafil?
Cialis is the brand name for tadalafil. Generic tadalafil contains the same active ingredient and works through the same PDE5-inhibitor mechanism.
Brand and generic versions may differ in manufacturer, appearance, packaging, inactive ingredients, and price.
3. How long does Cialis take to work?
Cialis may start working within about 30 minutes for some men, although timing varies. Some men may need more time before noticing the full effect.
Sexual stimulation is still required. Cialis does not create an automatic erection.
4. How long does Cialis last?
Cialis can remain effective for up to 36 hours in some men. This refers to the period during which tadalafil may help support an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
It does not mean an erection will last for 36 hours.
5. Can you take Cialis every day?
Yes, Cialis may be prescribed as a once-daily treatment for some men. Daily tadalafil commonly uses lower doses than as-needed treatment.
Whether daily use is appropriate depends on your health, symptoms, other medications, side effects, and prescriber recommendation.
6. What are common Cialis side effects?
Common Cialis side effects can include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, nasal congestion, flushing, and dizziness.
Seek urgent medical attention for serious symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, sudden vision or hearing changes, a severe allergic reaction, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours.
7. Who should not take Cialis?
Cialis is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used with nitrate-containing medications because the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
It may also be unsuitable for people with certain serious heart, blood pressure, liver, or kidney conditions, or for those who have been advised to avoid sexual activity for medical reasons.
A healthcare provider should review your medical history before prescribing tadalafil.
8. Can Cialis lower blood pressure?
Yes, Cialis can cause a small decrease in blood pressure because tadalafil relaxes blood vessels. For many people this effect is mild, but it can become more significant when Cialis is combined with certain medications or larger amounts of alcohol.
The combination of Cialis and nitrate-containing medications can cause a potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure.
9. Can you drink alcohol with Cialis?
Alcohol should be used cautiously while taking Cialis. Larger amounts can increase the risk of dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, and difficulty getting an erection.
If you drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider what amount is appropriate based on your health and medications.
10. Do you need a prescription for Cialis in Canada?
Yes, Cialis and generic tadalafil require a prescription in Canada. A healthcare provider must assess whether tadalafil is appropriate and determine the safest dose and dosing schedule.
Depending on where you live and the provider, this assessment may be available in person or through a licensed Canadian online healthcare service.
