Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Tadalafil
- Drug class
- Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Tadalafil 10MG · Tadalafil 2.5MG **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons** · Tadalafil 20MG · Tadalafil 5MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- pulmonary hypertension, vasculogenic impotence
- Manufacturer
- Lilly
- Half-life
- about 17.5 hours (how long it stays in your system)
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$4.43 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA021368
What is Cialis?
From the FDA label:CIALIS (tadalafil) is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Tadalafil has the empirical formula C 22 H 19 N 3 O 4 representing a molecular weight of 389.41. The structural formula is: The chemical designation is pyrazino[1´,2´:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indole-1,4-dione, 6-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2,3,6,7,12,12a-hexahydro-2-methyl-, (6R,12aR)-. It is a crystalline solid that is practically insoluble in water and very slightly soluble in ethanol. CIALIS is available as almond-shaped tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains 5, 10, or 20 mg of tadalafil and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, iron oxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. Chemical Structure
How to use
Do not split CIALIS tablets; entire dose should be taken. CIALIS for use as needed: ED: Starting dose: 10 mg as needed prior to sexual activity. Increase to 20 mg or decrease to 5 mg based upon efficacy/tolerability. Improves erectile function compared to placebo up to 36 hours post dose. Not to be taken more than once per day ( 2.1 ). CIALIS for once daily use: ED: 2.5 mg taken once daily, without regard to timing of sexual activity. May increase to 5 mg based upon efficacy and tolerability ( 2.2 ). BPH: 5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day ( 2.3 ) ED and BPH: 5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day ( 2.3 , 2.4 ) CIALIS may be taken without regard to food ( 2.5 ). 2.1 CIALIS for Use as Needed for Erectile Dysfunction The recommended starting dose of CIALIS for use as needed in most patients is 10 mg, taken prior to anticipated sexual activity. The dose may be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day in most patients. CIALIS for use as needed was shown to improve erectile function compared to placebo up to 36 hours following dosing. Therefore, when advising patients on optimal use of CIALIS, this should be taken into consideration. 2.2 CIALIS for Once Daily Use for Erectile Dysfunction The recommended starting dose of CIALIS for once daily use is…
Side effects
Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasal congestion, flushing, and pain in limb ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Tadalafil was administered to over 9000 men during clinical trials worldwide. In trials of CIALIS for once daily use, a total of 1434, 905, and 115 were treated for at least 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. For CIALIS for use as needed, over 1300 and 1000 subjects were treated for at least 6 months and 1 year, respectively. CIALIS for Use as Needed for ED In eight primary placebo-controlled clinical studies of 12 weeks duration, mean age was 59 years (range 22 to 88) and the discontinuation rate due to adverse events in patients treated with tadalafil 10 or 20 mg was 3.1%, compared to 1.4% in placebo treated patients. When taken as recommended in the placebo-controlled clinical trials, the following adverse reactions were reported ( see Table 1 ) for CIALIS for use as needed: Table 1:…
Warnings
Important safety information
Evaluation of erectile dysfunction and BPH should include an appropriate medical assessment to identify potential underlying causes, as well as treatment options. Before prescribing CIALIS, it is important to note the following: Patients should not use CIALIS if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status ( 5.1 ). Use of CIALIS with alpha-blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to hypotension ( 5.6 , 5.9 ). CIALIS is not recommended in combination with alpha-blockers for the treatment of BPH because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering. Caution is advised when CIALIS is used as a treatment for ED in men taking alpha-blockers. ( 2.7 , 5.6 , 7.1 , 12.2 ) Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours. Use CIALIS with caution in patients predisposed to priapism ( 5.3 ). Patients should stop CIALIS and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). CIALIS should be used with caution, and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks, in patients with a history of NAION. Patients with a "crowded" optic disc may also be at an increased risk of NAION ( 5.4 , 6.2 ). Patients should stop CIALIS and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing ( 5.5 ). Prior to initiating treatment with CIALIS for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms ( 5.14 ). 5.1 Cardiovascular Physicians should consider the cardiovascular status of their patients, since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity. Therefore, treatments for erectile dysfunction, including CIALIS, should not be used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable as a result of their underlying cardiovascular status. Patients who experience symptoms upon initiation of sexual activity should be advised to refrain from further sexual activity and seek immediate medical attention. Physicians should discuss with patients the appropriate action in the event that they experience anginal chest pain requiring nitroglycerin following intake of CIALIS. In such a patient, who has taken CIALIS, where nitrate administration is deemed medically necessary for a life-threatening situation, at least 48 hours should have elapsed after the last dose of CIALIS before nitrate administration is considered. In such circumstances, nitrates should still only be administered under close medical supervision with appropriate hemodynamic monitoring. Therefore, patients who experience anginal chest pain after taking CIALIS should seek immediate medical attention. [see Contraindications ( 4.1 ) and Patient Counseling Information ( 17.1 )] . Patients with left ventricular outflow obstruction, (e.g., aortic stenosis and idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis) can be sensitive to the action of vasodilators, including PDE5 inhibitors. The following groups of patients with cardiovascular disease were not included in clinical safety and efficacy trials for CIALIS, and therefore until further information is available, CIALIS is not recommended for the following groups of patients: myocardial infarction within the last 90 days unstable angina or angina occurring during sexual intercourse New York Heart Association Class 2 or greater heart failure in the last 6 months uncontrolled arrhythmias, hypotension (<90/50 mm Hg), or uncontrolled hypertension stroke within the last 6 months. As with other PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil has mild systemic vasodilatory properties that may result in transient decreases in blood pressure. In a clinical pharmacology study, tadalafil 20 mg resulted in a mean maximal decrease in supine blood pressure, relative to placebo, of 1.6/0.8 mm Hg in healthy subjects [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . While this effect should not be of consequence in most patients, prior to prescribing CIALIS, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by such vasodilatory effects. Patients with severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure may be particularly sensitive to the actions of vasodilators, including PDE5 inhibitors. 5.2 Potential for Drug Interactions When Taking CIALIS for Once Daily Use Physicians should be aware that CIALIS for once daily use provides continuous plasma tadalafil levels and should consider this when evaluating the potential for interactions with medications (e.g., nitrates, alpha-blockers, anti-hypertensives and potent inhibitors of CYP3A4) and with substantial consumption of alcohol [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3 )] . 5.3 Prolonged Erection There have been rare reports of prolonged erections greater than 4 hours and priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) for this class of compounds. Priapism, if not treated promptly, can result in irreversible damage to the erectile tissue. Patients who have an erection lasting greater than 4 hours, whether painful or not, should seek emergency medical attention. CIALIS should be used with caution in patients who have conditions that might predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia), or in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease). 5.4 Effects on the Eye Physicians should advise patients to stop use of all phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including CIALIS, and seek medical attention in the event of a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Such an event may be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition and a cause of decreased vision, including permanent loss of vision, that has been reported rarely postmarketing in temporal association with the use of all PDE5 inhibitors. Based on published literature, the annual incidence of NAION is 2.5-11.8 cases per 100,000 in males aged ≥50. An observational case-crossover study evaluated the risk of NAION when PDE5 inhibitor use, as a class, occurred immediately before NAION onset (within 5 half-lives), compared to PDE5 inhibitor use in a prior time period. The results suggest an approximate 2-fold increase in the risk of NAION, with a risk estimate of 2.15 (95% CI 1.06, 4.34). A similar study reported a consistent result, with a risk estimate of 2.27 (95% CI 0.99, 5.20). Other risk factors for NAION, such as the presence of "crowded" optic disc, may have contributed to the occurrence of NAION in these studies. Neither the rare postmarketing reports, nor the association of PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION in the observational studies, substantiate a causal relationship between PDE5 inhibitor use and NAION [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Physicians should consider whether their patients with underlying NAION risk factors could be adversely affected by use of PDE5 inhibitors. Individuals who have already experienced NAION are at increased risk of NAION recurrence. Therefore, PDE5 inhibitors, including CIALIS, should be used with caution in these patients and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks. Individuals with "crowded" optic disc are also considered at greater risk for NAION compared to the general population; however, evidence is insufficient to support screening of prospective users of PDE5 inhibitors, including CIALIS, for this uncommon condition. Patients with known hereditary degenerative retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, were not included in the clinical trials, and use in these patients is not recommended. 5.5 Sudden Hearing Loss Physicians should advise patients to stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including CIALIS, and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing. These events, which may be…
Who should not take Cialis
Administration of CIALIS to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated. CIALIS was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effect of nitrates ( 4.1 ). History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to CIALIS or ADCIRCA ® ( 4.2 ). Administration with guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators, such as riociguat ( 4.3 ). 4.1 Nitrates Administration of CIALIS to patients who are using any form of organic nitrate, either regularly and/or intermittently, is contraindicated. In clinical pharmacology studies, CIALIS was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effect of nitrates [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . 4.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions CIALIS is contraindicated in patients with a known serious hypersensitivity to tadalafil (CIALIS or ADCIRCA ® ). Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and exfoliative dermatitis [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . 4.3 Concomitant Guanylate Cyclase (GC) Stimulators Do not use CIALIS in patients who are using a GC stimulator, such as riociguat. PDE5 inhibitors, including CIALIS, may potentiate the hypotensive effects of GC stimulators.
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Single doses up to 500 mg have been given to healthy subjects, and multiple daily doses up to 100 mg have been given to patients. Adverse events were similar to those seen at lower doses. In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted as required. Hemodialysis contributes negligibly to tadalafil elimination.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
CIALIS can potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, alpha-blockers, antihypertensives or alcohol ( 7.1 ). CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, ritonavir) increase CIALIS exposure ( 2.7 , 5.10 , 7.2 ) requiring dose adjustment: CIALIS for use as needed: no more than 10 mg every 72 hours CIALIS for once daily use: dose not to exceed 2.5 mg CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampin) decrease CIALIS exposure ( 7.2 ). 7.1 Potential for Pharmacodynamic Interactions with CIALIS Nitrates — Administration of CIALIS to patients who are using any form of organic nitrate, is contraindicated. In clinical pharmacology studies, CIALIS was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effect of nitrates. In a patient who has taken CIALIS, where nitrate administration is deemed medically necessary in a life-threatening situation, at least 48 hours should elapse after the last dose of CIALIS before nitrate administration is considered. In such circumstances, nitrates should still only be administered under close medical supervision with appropriate hemodynamic monitoring [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 ), Contraindications ( 4.1 ), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Alpha-Blockers — Caution is advised when PDE5 inhibitors are coadministered with alpha-blockers. PDE5 inhibitors, including CIALIS, and alpha-adrenergic blocking agents are both vasodilators with blood-pressure-lowering effects. When vasodilators are used in combination, an additive effect on blood pressure may be anticipated. Clinical pharmacology studies have been conducted with coadministration of tadalafil with doxazosin, tamsulosin or alfuzosin. [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Antihypertensives — PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil, are mild systemic vasodilators. Clinical pharmacology studies were conducted to assess the effect of tadalafil on the potentiation of the blood-pressure-lowering effects of selected antihypertensive medications (amlodipine, angiotensin II receptor blockers, bendrofluazide, enalapril, and metoprolol). Small reductions in blood pressure occurred following coadministration of tadalafil with these agents compared with placebo. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Alcohol — Both alcohol and tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, act as mild vasodilators. When mild vasodilators are taken in combination, blood-pressure-lowering effects of each individual compound may be increased. Substantial consumption of alcohol (e.g., 5 units or greater) in combination with CIALIS can increase the potential for orthostatic signs and symptoms, including increase in heart rate, decrease in standing blood pressure, dizziness, and headache. Tadalafil did not affect alcohol plasma concentrations and alcohol did not affect tadalafil plasma concentrations. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . 7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect CIALIS [See Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] . Antacids — Simultaneous administration of an antacid (magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide) and tadalafil reduced the apparent rate of absorption of tadalafil without altering exposure (AUC) to tadalafil. H 2 Antagonists (e.g. Nizatidine) — An increase in gastric pH resulting from administration of nizatidine had no significant effect on pharmacokinetics. Cytochrome P450 Inhibitors — CIALIS is a substrate of and predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4. Studies have shown that drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 can increase tadalafil exposure. CYP3A4 (e.g., Ketoconazole) — Ketoconazole (400 mg daily), a selective and potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, increased tadalafil 20 mg single-dose exposure (AUC) by 312% and C max by 22%, relative to the values for tadalafil 20 mg alone. Ketoconazole (200 mg daily) increased tadalafil 10-mg single-dose exposure (AUC) by 107% and C max by 15%, relative to the values for tadalafil 10 mg alone [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 )] . Although specific interactions have not been studied, other CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as erythromycin, itraconazole, and grapefruit juice, would likely increase tadalafil exposure. HIV Protease inhibitor — Ritonavir (500 mg or 600 mg twice daily at steady state), an inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6, increased tadalafil 20-mg single-dose exposure (AUC) by 32% with a 30% reduction in C max , relative to the values for tadalafil 20 mg alone. Ritonavir (200 mg twice daily), increased tadalafil 20-mg single-dose exposure (AUC) by 124% with no change in C max , relative to the values for tadalafil 20 mg alone. Although specific interactions have not been studied, other HIV protease inhibitors would likely increase tadalafil exposure [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 )] . Cytochrome P450 Inducers — Studies have shown that drugs that induce CYP3A4 can decrease tadalafil exposure. CYP3A4 (e.g., Rifampin) — Rifampin (600 mg daily), a CYP3A4 inducer, reduced tadalafil 10-mg single-dose exposure (AUC) by 88% and C max by 46%, relative to the values for tadalafil 10 mg alone. Although specific interactions have not been studied, other CYP3A4 inducers, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital, would likely decrease tadalafil exposure. No dose adjustment is warranted. The reduced exposure of tadalafil with the coadministration of rifampin or other CYP3A4 inducers can be anticipated to decrease the efficacy of CIALIS for once daily use; the magnitude of decreased efficacy is unknown. 7.3 Potential for CIALIS to Affect Other Drugs Aspirin — Tadalafil did not potentiate the increase in bleeding time caused by aspirin. Cytochrome P450 Substrates — CIALIS is not expected to cause clinically significant inhibition or induction of the clearance of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms. Studies have shown that tadalafil does not inhibit or induce P450 isoforms CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1. CYP1A2 (e.g. Theophylline) — Tadalafil had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline. When tadalafil was administered to subjects taking theophylline, a small augmentation (3 beats per minute) of the increase in heart rate associated with theophylline was observed. CYP2C9 (e.g. Warfarin) — Tadalafil had no significant effect on exposure (AUC) to S-warfarin or R-warfarin, nor did tadalafil affect changes in prothrombin time induced by warfarin. CYP3A4 (e.g. Midazolam or Lovastatin) — Tadalafil had no significant effect on exposure (AUC) to midazolam or lovastatin. P-glycoprotein (e.g. Digoxin) — Coadministration of tadalafil (40 mg once per day) for 10 days did not have a significant effect on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of digoxin (0.25 mg/day) in healthy subjects.
How long does Tadalafil stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of tadalafil is about 17.5 hours — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. This is the elimination half-life of tadalafil itself. Its metabolites are not expected to be pharmacologically active, so none extends the drug's effect. The half-life and drug levels can be higher in older adults (about 25% higher exposure at 65+) and in people with reduced kidney or liver function.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: CIALIS (tadalafil) tablet, film coated — DailyMed FDA prescribing information.
Drug class
How this class works, per PDE5 Inhibitors - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Cialis ranks — best-rated phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor for:
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Cialis treat?
- Cialis (Tadalafil) may be used to treat pulmonary hypertension, vasculogenic impotence, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Cialis work?
- Cialis is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor. PDE5 inhibitors block the enzyme that breaks down cGMP, a signal that relaxes blood vessels. Letting cGMP build up widens vessels and boosts blood flow, which helps erectile dysfunction and eases pressure in the lung arteries.
- How much does Cialis cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $4.43 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Cialis?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cialis. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Cialis?
- Cialis is marketed by Lilly. You can see Lilly's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Cialis a brand-name or generic drug?
- Cialis is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Tadalafil. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Tadalafil are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Cialis available over the counter?
- No. Cialis is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Cialis come in?
- Cialis is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Cialis?
- Cialis is classified as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Cialis FDA-registered?
- Cialis is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021368. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Cialis safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Cialis. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Cialis?
- Cialis's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasal congestion, flushing, and pain in limb ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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