If you are unsure, always speak with your doctor first. The recommended dosage of Cialis depends on how often you have sex, how serious your ED is, and the type of Cialis your doctor has prescribed you. If you have sex regularly (at least twice a week), most doctors will start you on the 2.5mg dosage for Cialis Daily. If you have sex more often than this, or you find it is not as effective as you hoped, your doctor might increase your dosage to Cialis 5mg. If you have sex less frequently than twice a week, your doctor will likely start you on 10mg of Cialis on demand. If the 10mg dosage of Cialis does not work as expected, your doctor might increase your dosage to 20mg instead. It also depends on your lifestyle and the spontaneity with which you want to enjoy sexual activity. For instance, the Once Daily tablet will allow you to participate in sexual activity any time any day. Rather than trying to gauge the dosage for yourself the best course of action is to speak to a qualified physician.

• Cialis 20mg is known by the generic name tadalafil.
• It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis.
• The medication improves blood flow for erection support.

The Independent Pharmacy provides a free consultation with a qualified UK GP before you buy Cialis from us. Cialis should be stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

How to use Cialis Tablet

If you have sex on a regular basis, then Cialis daily is a good option for you. Larger dosages of Cialis, on the other hand, such as the 10mg and 20mg oral tablets, are better for those who have sex less frequently (fewer than 2 - 3 times per week). To help you find the right dosage of Cialis for you, we’ve compiled this useful guide. It looks at the recommended dosage per person, how often you should take Cialis for best results, what happens if you take more than one tablet of Cialis, and more. Cialis may help with erectile dysfunction in four different strengths.

Benefits at 20mg

Daily doses (2.5mg and 5mg) suit those who have sex frequently. Larger doses (10mg and 20mg) last up to 36 hours when needed. Taking Cialis with alcohol may reduce its effectiveness. Never take more than one Cialis tablet within the recommended timeframe. A healthcare professional can help to determine the right dose for you.

Alternatives for ED and BPH

The smaller dosages of 2.5mg and 5mg are known as the Cialis Once Daily Tablet. These are prescribed to men who are looking to have spontaneous sex and do not wish to plan their intercourse. These tablets are taken once a day, every day. The 10mg and 20mg dosages of Cialis, on the other hand, are known as “the weekend pill”. They last for 36 hours and are prescribed to men who have sex less regularly. This ensures that your Cialis stays effective at treating your erectile dysfunction.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Cialis Generic	10mg	120 + 6 Pills	178.49€ 169.99€	Buy
Cialis Original	20mg	34 + 2 Pills	183.99€ 175.23€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	270 + 10 Pills	443.96€ 422.82€	Buy
Cialis Professional	20mg	270 + 6 Pills	623.07€ 593.40€	Buy
Cialis Super Active	20mg	270 + 30 Pills	661.49€ 629.99€	Buy
Cialis Professional	40mg	60 + 2 Pills	262.32€ 249.83€	Buy
Cialis Generic	5mg	30 + 4 Pills	53.56€ 51.01€	Buy
Cialis Soft Tabs	20mg	120 + 6 Pills	248.64€ 236.80€	Buy
Cialis Original	20mg	14 + 2 Pills	95.75€ 91.19€	Buy
Cialis Generic	5mg	270 + 10 Pills	205.81€ 196.01€	Buy
Cialis Black	80mg	180 + 10 Pills	356.64€ 339.66€	Buy
Cialis Original	20mg	76 + 4 Pills	319.19€ 303.99€	Buy
Cialis Generic	5mg	90 + 6 Pills	115.91€ 110.39€	Buy
Cialis Original	20mg	12 Pills	78.32€ 74.59€	Buy
Cialis Generic	40mg	60 + 6 Pills	130.98€ 124.74€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	120 + 8 Pills	240.18€ 228.74€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	360 + 10 Pills	570.52€ 543.35€	Buy

Always keep Cialis out of reach of children. Cialis and Viagra are both effective treatments for impotence.

17.8 Alcohol

Your doctor may change cialis chewable your prescription depending on the severity of your erectile dysfunction. Unlike Viagra or sildenafil, Cialis can be taken with or without food. It can be taken after a meal, or on an empty stomach. Some studies suggest that you should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Cialis unless approved by your doctor. This is because this may increase the risk of Cialis’ side effects occurring. However, each comes in different dosages and work in different ways. Whereas Cialis comes in 4 doses, Viagra comes in the following 3 dosages: The recommended dosage of Viagra is 50mg, at least one hour before sex. However, you can generally take Viagra anywhere between 30 minutes and four hours before sex. The effects of Viagra’s dosages last for around four hours, although this may vary depending on the user. For more information on the difference between Viagra and Cialis, read our Cialis vs Viagra comparison guide here. While you can drink while taking any dosage of Cialis, it is not recommended. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase your heart rate and reduce your blood pressure. This can increase the risk of experiencing Cialis’ side effects, such as dizziness or headaches. Drinking alcohol with any dosage of Cialis can also decrease its effectiveness, making it harder to achieve an erection. You should never take more than one Cialis tablet at a time.

Drug Category	Potential Interaction	Effect
Nitrates	Dangerous hypotension	Should not be combined
Alpha-blockers	Increased risk of hypotension	Use with caution
CYP3A4 inhibitors	Increased plasma levels of Tadalafil	Adjust dosage accordingly
Other PDE5 inhibitors	Increased side effects	Avoid concurrent use

The maximum recommended dose for 2.5mg and 5mg Cialis tablets is once per 24 hours, and once per 36 hours for 10mg and 20mg Cialis tablets. If you exceed the maximum recommended dose of Cialis, you put yourself at serious risk.

What alternatives can I use for erectile dysfunction?

This will help them make the best initial decision about your erectile dysfunction treatment. Once you begin treatment, keep an eye out for any side effects and let your prescriber know if they occur. Whilst it’s important you give your prescribed dose a few tries, it should ultimately offer you the results you want. If this isn’t the case, again, let your clinician know. Getting the best results when you take Cialis is the end goal.

Can Cialis be crushed, split, or chewed?

Always follow the instructions in the leaflet or on the pack and any specific guidance given to you by your doctor. If you’re taking Cialis as needed, remember to give it enough time to work. Results aren’t instant, so aim for no less than 30 minutes before sex — longer if possible. Avoiding mixing Cialis with nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate or GTN spray. These cause a drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous and never take double doses or split doses.

Tadalafil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

2004.The efficacy and safety of tadalafil: an update. Tadalafil administered once daily for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A dose finding study. The Journal of Urology, 180(4), 1228-1234 Coward, Robert M., Carson, Culley C. 2008. Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is more likely you will experience the more severe side effects of Cialis. As a result, you will require immediate medical attention. Visit this page for more information on Cialis side effects. To get the best results from your Cialis dosage of 10mg and 20mg tablets, it is recommended that you give it enough time to take effect.

• Cialis 20mg should be taken with water, with or without food.
• Never exceed one dose per day.
• Consult a doctor before use, especially if on other medications.

As the results of Cialis are not instant, you should take it no less than 30 minutes before sex, or even longer if possible. That said, you should also expect to take it slow. Don’t rush yourself into sex — let yourself become naturally aroused and take time getting into the mood.

About Generic Cialis 20mg Tablets

Regular Cialis is not taken every day. Instead, it is taken as required allowing you to participate in sexual activity at any point during a 36-hour period, hence its nickname “the weekend pill”. Each dosage of Cialis should be taken at least 30 minutes before sex, but it may take longer to take effect depending on the person. If you need more information on this treatment and how it works, then read our 'what is Cialis?' guide. The correct usage of Cialis depends on the type of Cialis you’re taking and the frequency with which you have sex.

Special dosage considerations

The 2.5mg and 5mg dosage tablets of Cialis should be taken once daily at the same time each day, one tablet per day. Avoid skipping doses of Cialis, and never take more than one tablet per day, even if you have missed a day. The 10mg and 20mg dosage tablets of Cialis should be taken as required, at least 30 minutes before sex. They can help to get a better erection for up to 36 hours, so you should not take more than one Cialis tablet in 36 hours. While Cialis can be taken with food, it should not be taken with excessive alcohol as this can make it less effective. Another way to get the best results from your dosage of Cialis is by avoiding alcohol. Alcohol makes it more difficult to get an erection and increases the risk of side effects occurring. Avoid mixing any dosage of Cialis with nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate or GTN spray.

Chronic Condition Articles

A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg in Japanese patients with severe erectile dysfunction. The journal of sexual medicine, 4(3), pp.745–752. This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer on Sep 03, 2025. Next review due on Sep 03, 2028. When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from.

Interactions with other medicines

And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. We couldn't find what you're looking for. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something. All of our reviews are collected from real patients after their treatment has been delivered. We publish reviews collected through independent platforms including Reviews.io and Trustpilot.

Prior authorization

Why this page was updated on Sep 19, 2025 Content checked and updated as part of our 3-yearly periodic review, to ensure accuracy and currentness. Cialis is a popular and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction that contains tadalafil. When taken at least 30 minutes before sex, it helps you achieve and keep a strong erection so you can have a normal, healthy sex life. But Cialis comes in a variety of different dosages. Smaller dosages of Cialis oral tablets, 2.5mg and 5mg, are perfect for daily use. These can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, which at best decreases the effectiveness of Cialis and at worst can cause serious health issues. For more general advice on erectile dysfunction, read our ED advice guides here. Cialis comes in a range of four dosages, each of which is prescribed according to your unique situation and requirements. If you need to get an erection at least twice a week, Cialis daily tablets of 2.5mg and 5mg are for you. If you have sex less regularly, then the higher dosages of 10mg and 20mg Cialis on demand are a better option. The advice above should give you a good idea of what Cialis dosage is right for you. If you feel like Cialis is the right option for your ED treatment, The Independent Pharmacy sells both Cialis Once Daily tablets and Cialis 10mg and 20mg tablets.

• 20mg tadalafil is not for daily use
• Daily 5mg is approved for BPH and ED combination
• 20mg can be split for 10mg dose if scored
• Not all tablets are scored; check packaging
• Splitting may affect absorption rate
• Use a pill cutter for accurate halves
• Crushing or chewing may alter effectiveness
• Sublingual versions absorb faster through mouth
• Orally disintegrating tablets dissolve on tongue
• Do not swallow orally disintegrating tablets whole
• Follow specific instructions for each formulation
• Ask pharmacist for guidance on your type

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