The long-term and short-term impact of Cialis

How long does Cialis last?

Cialis - 10mg and 20mg

The effects of Cialis can last up to 36 hours, but it has been known to last longer in some cases. 

Cialis 10mg and Cialis 20mg can be taken as needed, but no more than once every 24 hours.

Cialis’s intended use is for men with erectile dysfunction who have sex less frequently, it is not recommended for continuous daily use.

Cialis Daily - 2.5 and 5mg

If you want to engage in regular spontaneous sex, Cialis Daily is an option. 

Cialis Daily tablets come in 2.5mg and 5mg for continuous daily use, so you should be able to achieve and maintain erections frequently and without prior planning.

Read our article Cialis Dosage Guide: What to Expect for more information on Cialis Dosages.

How long before Cialis works?

Cialis 10mg and 20mg

Cialis works after 30 minutes of taking it. It will only help you to achieve and maintain an erection if there is sexual stimulation.

We recommend that you take Cialis at least 30 minutes before you plan to engage in sex.

Some people may not respond the first time they take Cialis. This is especially true if there are underlying health conditions. It is recommended to try Cialis on several separate occasions - never more than once a day - before deciding whether it works for you.

For more information on how to use Cialis, read our article The Complete Guide to Cialis: Usage, Side Effects and Beyond.

Cialis Daily - 2.5 and 5mg

When you take Cialis Daily, it may take a few days to a week of consistent daily use before the medication builds up to effective levels. In some cases, 4-5 days or longer may be needed to experience the full effect.

After that, it will keep working for as long as you keep taking it.

How many years can you take Cialis?

There is no time limit or maximum amount of years you can take Cialis.

Cialis is an available treatment for erectile dysfunction for as many years as needed. Taking Cialis long-term will also not reduce its effectiveness at helping you to achieve and maintain an erection.

What is Cialis's half-life?

Cialis stays in your body for a while after you take it. One way this is measured is by something called its half-life - that just means how long it takes for half of the medicine to leave your body. For Cialis, this is around 17.5 hours, so it can take a few days before it’s mostly gone.

This is important to know if you are sensitive to side effects - if you do experience any, they might last until the medicine has reduced enough in your system.

Other erectile dysfunction medications have a shorter half-life, such as Viagra (4-hour half-life) and Vardenafil (4-6 hour half-life).

If you’re prone to side effects, your GP can discuss the best course of action for you.

The long-term impact of Cialis

Cialis is generally safe to use long-term and doesn’t have any known lasting health risks. Many people take it for years without any issues. However, it’s still recommended to check in with your prescriber regularly to make sure it’s still the right option for you.

As with any medication, side effects can occur, which vary from common to rare. 

Our article Tadalafil Side Effects - From Common to Rare provides a detailed overview of the side effects associated with Tadalafil.

It discusses the most common side effects, which may affect up to 10% of men, such as headaches.

It also covers the rare side effects, which may impact up to 0.10% of men, including fainting and seizures.

The short-term impact of Cialis

Cialis will only work for as long as you take it.

Your body does not build a tolerance or dependence on Cialis or Cialis Daily and so there will be no withdrawal effects if you stop taking it. It can be used for as long or as little time as needed.

If you experience any mild or common side effects from short-term Cialis use, you should speak to your GP if they are unmanageable. 

You must seek urgent medical attention if you experience any severe or rare side effects.

Can Cialis cure ED permanently?

Cialis can not cure erectile dysfunction permanently.

Whilst Cialis can’t cure erectile dysfunction. It is a solution that can be used long-term to help support the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

No erectile dysfunction medication can currently cure erectile dysfunction permanently.  

erectile dysfunction can occur for a variety of physical and mental reasons, which, if addressed, could enable men to achieve and maintain regular erections.

Addressing and treating any underlying causes of erectile dysfunction, such as depression, stress, underlying health conditions, and alcohol or illicit drug abuse, may be able to resolve your erectile dysfunction permanently.

Am I eligible for Cialis?

If you’re a male over the age of 18 with erectile dysfunction, and you're exploring Cialis as a potential treatment option. You may be wondering if you’re eligible and how you can access Cialis. 

The best way to find out is through a consultation with your GP or pharmacist, who will assess your eligibility by reviewing your medical history and personal profile.

You can also speak to one of our clinicians to start a free online consultation.

Advice and information to help erectile dysfunction