Cialis (tadalafil): What it Does and What to Watch For

Cialis is a brand name for tadalafil. People use it mainly for erectile dysfunction (ED) and for urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate (BPH). Unlike some pills that work for a few hours, tadalafil can help for up to 36 hours, so many users call it the "weekend pill." That long window is useful, but it also means you need to understand dosing, safety, and how to buy it without wasting money or risking bad meds.

How to take Cialis and common doses

There are two common ways to use Cialis: as-needed and daily. For as-needed use, typical doses are 10 mg or 20 mg taken at least 30–60 minutes before sex. For daily use, much lower doses like 2.5 mg or 5 mg are taken every day so you’re ready whenever. Your doctor will pick the right option based on your health, how often you have sex, and other meds you take.

Tadalafil starts working in about half an hour for some people, but it can take longer. Food doesn’t affect it much, so you don’t have to time it around meals. Alcohol in small amounts is okay, but heavy drinking can reduce effectiveness and increase side effects like dizziness.

Side effects, risks, and who should avoid it

Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, back or muscle pain, and indigestion. These usually pass in a few hours. Serious issues are rare but need immediate attention: chest pain, sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism). If any of these happen, get emergency care.

Don’t take Cialis with nitrates (meds for chest pain) — the combo can dangerously lower blood pressure. Be cautious if you use alpha-blockers for prostate problems, or if you have severe heart, liver, or kidney disease. Always tell your prescriber about all other medicines and health issues.

Generic tadalafil is widely available and cheaper than brand-name Cialis. Alternatives in the same class include sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra); they work similarly but differ in how long they last and side effects.

Buying online? Only use pharmacies that require a prescription, show a real address and phone number, and have clear return and privacy policies. Look for recent customer reviews and secure payment pages. If a site sells prescription drugs without asking for a prescription or prices look too good to be true, walk away — fake meds are a real risk.

Final tip: talk to a clinician before starting tadalafil. A quick chat will help pick the right dose, avoid dangerous interactions, and point you to reliable, affordable options. Cialis can make sex life better for many men, but using it smartly keeps you safe and saves money.