These prices can also depend on where you buy the medication, your insurance, and several other factors. Deciding which generic Cialis is the best usually comes down to which generic Cialis is the most accessible and affordable for you.
Country
Average Price (per pill)
Cheapest Price
Most Expensive Price
Notes
USA
$10 - $20
$8
$25
Brand vs generic
UK
£8 - £15
£6
£18
Prescription required
India
$1 - $3
$0.5
$5
Generic options available
Australia
AUD 15 - AUD 25
AUD 12
AUD 30
Higher regulation prices
Find answers to frequently asked questions about tadalafil and Cialis below.
Start your treatment journey
Tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours in the body, while Viagra can last up to 5 hours. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may better suit you than others. Talk with your doctor about other options that may work for you. Tadalafil and sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio) are very alike in terms of the conditions they treat.
Related Disease Conditions
Both drugs can treat ED and PAH; however, tadalafil can also treat BPH. Sildenafil typically lasts between 2 and 5 hours, while tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. The downside to the longer-lasting effects of tadalafil can also mean that side effects of the drug can also last longer. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Other Interactions
Be ready for sex whenever you're in the mood Dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) can be, well, hard — just ask the 30 million affected men in the United States. But choosing the right treatment can be even harder, which brings us to tadalafil versus Cialis®. If you’ve been exploring ED medications, you’ve likely come across Cialis and the generic drug tadalafil. Both are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and routinely prescribed for ED. Tadalafil is the generic version and active ingredient in Cialis. They work the same in terms of treating erectile dysfunction, and tadalafil is considered just as good as Cialis. In most cases, tadalafil will take 30 minutes to an hour to kick in after taking the tablet.
Product
Dosage
Quantity + Bonus
Price
Cialis Generic 40mg 120 + 8 Pills 206.98€ 197.12€Buy Cialis Generic 60mg 30 + 2 Pills 85.33€ 81.27€Buy Cialis Generic 2.5mg 60 + 4 Pills 83.43€ 79.46€Buy Cialis Generic 60mg 20 Pills 65.61€ 62.49€Buy Cialis Generic 10mg 60 + 6 Pills 105.81€ 100.77€Buy Cialis Generic 5mg 120 + 6 Pills 132.92€ 126.59€Buy Cialis Generic 40mg 90 + 6 Pills 171.35€ 163.19€Buy Cialis Generic 40mg 360 + 10 Pills 477.87€ 455.11€Buy Cialis Generic 2.5mg 180 + 10 Pills 154.86€ 147.49€Buy Cialis Generic 10mg 20 Pills 48.23€ 45.93€Buy Cialis Generic 2.5mg 90 + 6 Pills 112.43€ 107.08€Buy Cialis Generic 2.5mg 20 Pills 40.73€ 38.79€Buy
But that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be hard once it takes effect — you still have to be sexually stimulated (mentally or physically) to get an erection.
Before taking this medicine
If you’re taking these medications for ED, you may want to be on the lookout for the common side effects of Cialis: And while a prolonged erection may sound like a dream come true, no erection should last more than four hours. If your erection is sticking around past this timeline (a condition called priapism), seek medical advice from a healthcare professional immediately. You should also be aware of potential drug interactions between tadalafil and other medications, supplements, or even some foods. These can increase your risk of experiencing serious side effects or affect how well the medication works. Besides their names (and the boxes they come in), another big difference between the two is the price.
US Brand Name
Generic medicines typically cost less than brand-name drugs because generic versions don’t have to repeat the costly studies required to prove safety and efficacy. The cost of tadalafil can vary depending on the dosage you use. But the average price for a 5-milligram tablet is $1 to $8, while a 10-milligram tablet may be anywhere from $1 to $25, sometimes more. If you’re taking the brand name, the price of Cialis can range from $12 to upwards of $70 per tablet, depending on the specific dosage. Monthly costs range from $380 to $1,000 or more. The effects of Cialis stick around for up to 36 hours, whereas Viagra only lasts four to six hours.
Tadalafil improves sexual function by increasing blood flow during arousal. It is contraindicated in patients with severe heart disease without medical advice. The drug may cause side effects that usually resolve within a few hours. Men over 65 should discuss potential risks of tadalafil with their doctor. Patients should report any allergic reactions, including rash or swelling. Tadalafil can be used in combination with some other ED medications, if approved. Regular exercise and healthy lifestyle may enhance tadalafil's effectiveness. Discontinue use and seek medical help if chest pain occurs during use. Inform your doctor of all medications to avoid dangerous interactions.
So if you want to take just one ED pill and not have to time the dose with planned sexual activity, Cialis (or generic tadalafil) might be the better option. In a world full of choices, you want to make sure you’re making the best ones, especially when it comes to your health. For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, you’re lucky to have several choices, including tadalafil and Cialis. While you may not want to bargain shop for certain purchases like new tires or a mattress, there are no differences in quality between generic tadalafil and brand-name Cialis. Here’s what to remember about tadalafil versus Cialis: Tadalafil and Cialis are essentially the same drug. Tadalafil and Cialis are the same in efficacy, side effects, and duration because they both contain tadalafil. Cialis is simply the brand name for tadalafil. Tadalafil and Cialis are essentially the same drug. Apart from their names and packaging, the main difference between Cialis and tadalafil is price. Choosing between them is a personal choice. Both tadalafil and Cialis are great choices for ED and can be taken either daily or as needed before sex. Choosing between them is a matter of preference. Generic works the same as the name brand. Some people stick with brand names because they’re familiar with the product (including how it looks or tastes) or because the generic isn’t available. Generic drugs may look different, but they’re equally effective. For instance, Hims ED hard mints contain compounded tadalafil that tastes, smells, and looks like a mint. Wondering how tadalafil and Cialis compare to other ED drugs? Read more about these medications and others in our guide to ED treatments. Talk to a healthcare professional today to see if it’s right for you. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the management of erectile dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
UK DOCTORS AND CLINICIANS
Here, we’ll answer all your questions about tadalafil versus Cialis, starting with: Is tadalafil the same as Cialis? Cialis and tadalafil are basically the same medication, as tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis. They’re equally effective in treating erectile dysfunction, last the same amount of time, and carry the same risk of side effects. The main difference is that Cialis is a brand name, which usually makes it more expensive than its generic version, tadalafil. Both tadalafil and Cialis belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), which were initially developed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Dosing Modifications
These drugs block the PDE5 enzyme, widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to the penis with sexual stimulation. This results in firmer, longer-lasting erections, no matter what’s causing ED symptoms. After all, many factors contribute to erectile dysfunction, including: Tadalafil and Cialis are ED pills that can be taken daily or just before sex to improve erectile function, regardless of whether your ED is mental or physical. Although tadalafil received FDA approval later than similar ED medications, its ability to be taken daily or on-demand quickly made it a popular choice. Another unique aspect is tadalafil’s duration.
Prevention & Wellness
The medication can support erections for up to 36 hours, much longer than other PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil citrate (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®), or avanafil (Stendra®). It can be prescribed for ED or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also known as enlarged prostate. Cialis and tadalafil are typically taken daily for BPH treatment or right before sexual activity for ED — but you can take them daily for ED as well. Daily Cialis and as-needed tadalafil before sex are similarly effective for treating ED, according to a 2017 review. If you’re wondering about differences in effectiveness between tadalafil and Cialis, there are none. Efficacy and safety of tadalafil once-a-day versus tadalafil on-demand in patients with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Dr.
Condition
Recommended Dose
Take With Food
Common Usage Scenarios
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
10-20 mg
Yes
30-60 minutes before activity
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
5 mg daily
Yes
Regular intake for symptom relief
Pulmonary Hypertension
40 mg divided in 2 doses
No
Under medical supervision
Daily Use (for ED)
2.5 to 5 mg
Yes
Once per day
Kelly Brown is a board certified Urologist and fellowship trained in Andrology.
Tadalafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It works by relaxing blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the penis. Tadalafil is commonly known by the brand name Cialis. The typical starting dose for erectile dysfunction is 10 mg before activity. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food; high-fat meals may delay absorption. The medication's effects can last up to 36 hours, offering a large window of benefit. Common side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and muscle pain. Tadalafil should be used cautiously with nitrates or certain blood pressure medications. It is important to follow the prescribing doctor's dosage instructions carefully.
She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research. Dr.
Tadalafil comes in various tablet strengths, typically 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. It is not intended for use recreationally or by individuals without ED or BPH. Tadalafil can sometimes cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, so monitoring is advised. Patients should inform their doctor of all health conditions before starting tadalafil. Tadalafil may be used daily or as needed, depending on medical advice. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of side effects when taking tadalafil. Overdose symptoms may include prolonged erection, chest pain, or dizziness. Tadalafil is available by prescription; do not buy it from unregulated sources. It is important to store tadalafil at room temperature, away from moisture.
Brown was previously Medical Director of a male fertility startup where she lead strategy and design of their digital health platform, an innovative education and telehealth model for delivering expert male fertility care. She completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science and a Minor in Chemistry.
How should I take tadalafil?
Since their chemical content is identical, any study on the efficacy of tadalafil can also be considered a study on Cialis. That’s because generic medications are required to be the same as their brand-name drugs in dosage, efficacy, strength, and safety, as well as how the medication is taken. Put simply, one of the biggest differences between Cialis and tadalafil is branding. Two names exist because Cialis is a trademark of the drug manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company. Though tadalafil was approved by the FDA in 2003 and sold exclusively as Cialis by Eli Lilly, the patent expired in 2018.
What Are the Side Effects of Cialis and Tadalafil?
This allowed other companies to begin selling the generic drug. As of 2024, neither tadalafil nor Cialis is available as an over-the-counter drug. Whether you take the brand-name medication or the generic version, your dosage will be the same. Treating ED and treating benign prostatic hyperplasia require different tadalafil dosages. For BPH, tadalafil is sublingual tadalafil prescribed at a daily lower dose of 5 milligrams (mg).
Effectiveness by condition:
A higher Cialis dosage — usually 10 milligrams — is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as needed before sex. A 20-milligram Cialis dose can also be used as needed for erectile dysfunction. A daily 5 milligram dose can be used for erectile dysfunction for guys with more frequent or more spontaneous needs. While generic drugs have the same benefits as their brand-name counterparts, they also have the same possible risks, drug interactions, and side effects. Any medication, brand name or generic, can cause side effects. She took a position at University of California Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist in the department of Interventional Cardiology, further solidifying her passion for medicine. She also pursued the unique opportunity to lead departmental design and operational development at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sparking her passion for the business of healthcare. Dr. Brown then went on to obtain her doctorate in medicine from the prestigious Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Management.
Tadalafil enhances erectile response by increasing nitric oxide effects in the corpus cavernosum. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of ED and BPH in men. The medication should be taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Tadalafil's pharmacokinetics allow for flexible timing of doses. Patients with liver or kidney issues should consult their doctor before use. Combining tadalafil with other PDE5 inhibitors is not recommended. Tadalafil may cause vision changes, such as blurred vision or color tingling. Women should not use tadalafil, as safety has not been established for them. Tadalafil therapy may improve quality of life and sexual confidence.
