How Long Does Cialis Stay in Your System? Plus, 6 Other FAQs Answered
Key takeaways:
Cialis (tadalafil) is an oral medication for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Its effects last for up to 36 hours. After your last dose, Cialis typically stays in your system for about 3 to 4 days.
Viagra (sildenafil) is another medication that’s similar to Cialis. But you shouldn’t take Viagra and Cialis together without your prescriber’s OK. Talk to your prescriber if you aren’t getting the results you want from Cialis.
Cialis tablets should not be split or crushed. Instead, you should swallow the tablets whole. Otherwise, you may not absorb Cialis in the same way with each dose.
Cialis is widely available as a lower-cost generic. You can find it for as low as $18.90 at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount. And with GoodRx Care Direct, you can get generic Cialis delivered directly to your door starting at $21 per month.
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Table of contents
Cialis (tadalafil) is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It belongs to the same medication class as Viagra (sildenafil): phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. But it has a few unique properties that set it apart from other medications in its class.
For example, Cialis lasts the longest in the body. And depending on why you’re taking it, you may have a choice between taking Cialis as needed or every day. So, what else should you know about Cialis? Below, we answer seven frequently asked questions about the medication.
1. How long does Cialis stay in your system?
Cialis’ effects can last for up to 36 hours after taking it. But after your last dose, Cialis stays in your system for about 3 to 4 days. This may be longer for older adults and people with kidney problems.
Since Cialis can interact with other medications, it’s a good idea to be aware of how long it can stay in your system. Some interactions, such as nitrates, can be dangerous. So it’s recommended to wait at least 48 hours after your Cialis dose before taking a nitrate. But you should discuss this with your prescriber for specific instructions.
Daily vs. as needed: Read about the key differences between daily and as-needed Cialis to see if one may be a better fit for your lifestyle.
Pharmacist tips: If you’ve been prescribed Cialis, you may have questions about when and how to take it. Pharmacists discuss the best time to take Cialis and other tips to help you get the best results.
What to expect: Do you get headaches after taking Cialis? Learn more about Cialis side effects, why they happen, and what you can do to manage them.
2. Can you split Cialis pills in half?
No. Cialis tablets should not be cut in half. Take the entire tablet whole without splitting or crushing it. If you cut the tablets, you may not receive the right dose.
Cialis tablets come in doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 20 mg. Your prescriber will recommend a dosage based on these available doses. If you need to take a lower dose, they’ll write you a new prescription for that dose.
3. Does crushing Cialis make it work faster?
Crushing Cialis will not make it work faster or better. As mentioned above, the tablets should be swallowed whole.
If you want faster effects from Cialis to help with ED, you may be able to switch from taking Cialis as needed to taking a lower dose every day. That way, you won’t need to wait for Cialis to start working before having intercourse, allowing for more spontaneous sex. Talk to your prescriber to see if daily Cialis is an option for you.
4. Can Cialis and Viagra be taken together?
Cialis and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors used for ED. They work in similar ways and typically should not be taken together without your prescriber’s OK. Taking Cialis and Viagra together can increase the risk of side effects, such as low blood pressure and dizziness.
Cialis and Viagra can start working at different times. And how long their effects last is different, too. When taken together, this timing can be unpredictable. If you find that one medication isn’t working, contact your prescriber. They may prescribe a higher dosage or recommend a different medication.
5. Does Cialis help with premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation, or when ejaculation happens too quickly, is different from ED. But it’s not uncommon for men to have both premature ejaculation and ED. So, you may be wondering if Cialis can help with both issues.
Cialis won’t directly help with premature ejaculation alone. Its primary purpose is to improve blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain an erection. But if you have both ED and premature ejaculation, you may see a benefit. For example, treating your ED with Cialis may lessen feelings of anxiety about engaging in sexual activity, which could improve premature ejaculation.
If you’re experiencing premature ejaculation, talk to your healthcare team about techniques and medication options that could help.
6. Is Cialis available over the counter?
In the U.S., Cialis currently requires a prescription. But in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, you can get Cialis over the counter (OTC) after a discussion with a pharmacist. The manufacturer is also looking to bring OTC Cialis to the U.S. However, the exact timeline for when OTC Cialis may be available isn’t known.
Keep in mind that buying Cialis from internet pharmacies that don’t require a prescription can be dangerous. The FDA has issued numerous warning letters to internet pharmacies about offering medications without a prescription. There’s also a risk of receiving counterfeit Cialis pills if you don’t purchase them from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription.
7. Can you drink alcohol with Cialis?
It’s best to avoid or minimize alcohol with ED medications like Cialis. Alcohol may worsen certain Cialis side effects, such as headaches, flushing, and dizziness. Alcohol can also make it more difficult to get an erection and is one of the most common causes of premature ejaculation.
If you’re thinking about drinking alcohol, remember that Cialis sticks around in your body for a few days after you take it. So, these effects are possible even if you don’t mix alcohol and Cialis at the same time. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about drinking alcohol with Cialis.
How to save on Cialis
There are ways to save on Cialis, which is available as both a generic- and brand-name medication.
Save with GoodRx: GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Cialis’ price at certain pharmacies is as low as $18.90 for 30 tablets with a free GoodRx discount. An equivalent dose of the brand-name product may cost as little as $845.46 with a free GoodRx discount.
Save with GoodRx Care Direct: Get generic Cialis delivered directly to your door starting at $21 per month.
Save with a patient assistance program: If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Cialis’ patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of charge.
The bottom line
Cialis (tadalafil) is an oral medication used for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Its effects last for up to 36 hours, but it takes about 3 to 4 days to clear Cialis from your system after the last dose. This can take longer for older adults and people with kidney problems.
Don’t cut or crush Cialis tablets. Instead, you should swallow them whole. Crushing the pills won’t make them work faster or boost effectiveness. If Cialis isn’t working fast enough for you for ED, talk to your prescriber about switching to a lower dose that’s taken daily.
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References
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2023). Tadalafil- tadalafil tablet [package insert].
Dhaliwal, A., et al. (2023). PDE5 inhibitors. StatPearls.
El-Hamd, M. A., et al. (2019). Premature ejaculation: An update on definition and pathophysiology. Asian Journal of Andrology.
Huang, S. A., et al. (2013). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the management of erectile dysfunction. Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2023). MHRA reclassifies Cialis Together tablets to a pharmacy medicine.
Sanofi. (2022). Press release: Update on Cialis Rx-to-OTC switch actual use trial.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2015). Counterfeit versions of Cialis tablets identified entering the United States.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Internet pharmacy warning letters.
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