Thanks to its long-lasting effects, Cialis (tadalafil) is one of the most popular medications for erectile dysfunction. 

Unlike other ED medications, such as Viagra® (sildenafil) and Levitra® (vardenafil), a single dose of Cialis can last for 24 to 36 hours, earning Cialis a reputation as the “weekend” pill for treating erectile dysfunction and enhancing sexual performance.  

Cialis is available in a range of dosages. Although most people are familiar with the original 10 and 20mg Cialis tablets, far fewer are aware that Cialis is also sold as a lower-dosage tablet for daily use.

Below, we’ve explained how daily use of Cialis works. We’ve also looked at the advantages and disadvantages of using Cialis every day, from its effects on your sexual performance to its range of side effects, convenience and more.

What is Cialis (Tadalafil)?

Before we get into the finer details of daily-use Cialis, it’s worth covering the basics to explain how Cialis differs from other erectile dysfunction medications.

Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor. It works by blocking the effects of an enzyme called cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). PDE5 is responsible for regulating blood flow to and from certain parts of your body, including the erectile tissue of your penis.

By blocking PDE5, Cialis allows blood to flow more easily into your penis when you’re sexually aroused, helping you to get hard and stay hard for longer.

The basics of Cialis are the same as for the other popular erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Levitra (vardenafil). 

However, Cialis differs in that it’s much longer lasting than other ED medications. While Viagra works for three to five hours and Levitra for four to six (on average, in most cases), a typical dose of Cialis keeps working for 24 to 36 hours in your body. 

This long half-life — and as such, long-lasting effects — makes Cialis a great option for everyday relief from erectile dysfunction. 

How Daily Cialis Works

Cialis, as well as generic medications containing its active ingredient tadalafil, is commonly available in different dosages for use in two different ways — as-needed and daily. 

For as-needed use, which means you take the medication as you need it, Cialis commonly comes in two different dosages — 10mg and 20mg. This is usually prescribed for patients who have sex once or twice a week.

For daily use, it comes in both 2.5mg and 5mg doses which, as the name suggests, is prescribed to be taken every day for those who have sex more than a couple times per week.

However, it’s important to note that, depending on your need and tolerability of the drug, your healthcare provider may prescribe the 5mg dose as a daily treatment.

Advantages of Daily Cialis

There are several advantages of daily-use Cialis, from ease of use to being able to have sex at any time. We’ve listed these advantages below:

• A simple, once-per-day dosage. When you use Cialis daily, adding it to your routine may be easier. Instead of needing to remember to use Cialis before going out on a date or spending time with your partner, you can simply take it every morning or at the same convenient time every day.
  
  
• Easier spontaneous sex. Using Cialis daily means you’ll be fully prepared for sex when the right moment strikes, not just after you take your medication. This makes it easier to enjoy spontaneous, unplanned sex with your partner without worrying about ED.
  
  
• Fewer side effects. Because daily-use Cialis is taken at a lower dosage, you may have a reduced risk of experiencing certain side effects. Some doctors may prescribe Cialis at an even lower daily-use dosage of 2.5mg per day to further limit side effects. 

Disadvantages of Daily Cialis

• It’s always “on.” Daily-use Cialis’ biggest advantage — that it always works — may also be its biggest downside. If you only have sex once or twice a week and know when you’ll spend time with your partner, using Cialis every day may not be totally necessary.
  
  If this is the case and you only need occasional relief from ED, another medication, such as sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) might be more suitable for you.
  
  
• It takes three to five days to start working. Unlike as-needed Cialis, which is designed to start working immediately, daily-use Cialis typically takes five days to reach its full concentration in your bloodstream and provide the strongest effects.

• Side effects. Although the lower dose of Cialis may reduce the severity of side effects, it can also mean that you’ll face them more often. Daily use might not be ideal for you if you’re prone to headaches, heartburn, flushing, or other side effects from Cialis. 

Is Daily Cialis Right for You?

Can’t decide between daily-use Cialis and as-needed Cialis, or Viagra, Levitra, or another ED medication? Try asking yourself the following questions:

• Do you have sex often? If you have sex more than twice a week, using Cialis daily will usually be more convenient than taking it as needed since there’s no need to take your pill an hour ahead of time.
  
  
• Do you often have spontaneous sex? If you often have sex without planning ahead of time, or don’t want to wait for Cialis to start working, daily use of Cialis means you’ll not be prepared when the right moment arises.

• Do you use other medications? Cialis can interact with other medications, meaning it might not be the best choice for you to use it daily. If you use other medications, it’s best to talk to your doctor before considering daily-use Cialis.

• Do you drink alcohol often? Although it’s okay to drink a small amount of alcohol while using Cialis, drinking excessive amounts (>5 units) can lead to orthostatic hypotension — a significant drop in your blood pressure that can lead to dizziness, headaches and even fainting.
  If you’re a heavy or frequent drinker, this could be a problem if you use Cialis daily. As always, it’s best to talk to your doctor about your safest option.

• Do you get side effects from Cialis? If you get side effects after taking Cialis at a 10 or 20mg dosage, switching to a lower 5mg daily dosage may be helpful. On the other hand, you may still experience certain side effects at a lower Cialis dosage. 
• How effective is Cialis for you? If you sometimes get ED after using Cialis at a 10mg or 20mg dosage, switching to a lower dosage for daily use might make Cialis work less effectively. As always, this is something to discuss with your doctor.

In Conclusion

Daily-use Cialis offers a range of benefits and a few minor downsides. If you have sex more than twice a week or prefer the simplicity of a one-per-day tablet to taking Cialis as needed, using Cialis every day could be a good option for you.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.