Tadalafil (Cialis)
Key facts
- Tadalafil (Cialis) is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, also called impotence) and problems with urination caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH).
- Tadalafil works by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the penis, and causing an erection.
- For erectile dysfunction, tadalafil can be taken on an as-needed basis or daily, if you expect to need it more than twice a week.
- If you plan to use tadalafil only as needed, you should take it 30 to 60 minutes before planned sexual activity.
- Tadalafil is a prescription medicine, and not suitable for people with certain medical conditions — ask your doctor before taking this medicine.
What is tadalafil (Cialis)?
Tadalafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, also called impotence) and problems with urination caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). It is sometimes known by its generic name tadalafil, and sometimes known by its trade name, Cialis. There are also other brands of this medicine available.
How does tadalafil work?
Tadalafil works by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow more easily into the penis. If you have erectile dysfunction, this can make it easier to get an erection. If you have BPH, this can improve your urinary symptoms.
Tadalafil doesn’t cause erections on its own — sexual stimulation is still needed.
Tadalafil does not:
- cure erectile dysfunction (ED)
- increase your sexual desire
- protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- serve as contraception
How do I take tadalafil?
If you plan to use tadalafil, you should take it 30 to 60 minutes before planned sexual activity. An erection is possible for up to 36 hours after taking it — meaning the ability to have an erection may last this long, but the actual erections will only last for a normal period of time.
It can also be taken as a daily low dose pill. Your doctor may recommend the daily pill if you have erectile dysfunction and expect to engage in sexual activity more than twice a week. If you take tadalafil for BPH, you will need to take tadalafil daily to experience an improvement in your urinary symptoms.
You should not take any more than one tadalafil tablet in 24 hours. You shouldn’t take it together with other ED medicines.
Does tadalafil have side effects?
The most common side effects of tadalafil include:
These side effects usually go away after a few hours.
Very occasionally, tadalafil can cause a painful erection or an erection that won’t go away (priapism).
If you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, you should go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Prolonged erections can be dangerous.
Who shouldn’t take tadalafil?
Tadalafil may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, including people who have had a stroke, have coronary heart disease or retinitis pigmentosa (an eye disease).
It can also interact with many medicines, particularly nitrates (used in some types of heart disease) and blood pressure medicines. If you take nitrates in any form, or are on treatment for pulmonary hypertension, you should not take tadalafil.
If you are thinking about using tadalafil please discuss it with your doctor.
How can I buy tadalafil?
You need a prescription from a doctor to buy tadalafil. You can buy it from a store-based pharmacy or reputable online pharmacy with a prescription.
Some people buy tadalafil online without a prescription. This isn’t a good idea, as you can’t be sure whether these pills contain the medicine or are counterfeit. Counterfeit medicines can be very dangerous.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
What alternatives can I use for erectile dysfunction?
There are many other treatments for erectile dysfunction.
If you are having problems with your sexual function, see your doctor for a diagnosis and to make sure there’s nothing else going on with your health. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment plan for you.
Resources and support
- See the Healthy Male website for more information about erectile dysfunction and its treatment.
- Read more on male sexual health on the Sexual Health Australia website.
- Check the healthdirect's medicines section for more information about tadalafil.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: March 2023
