Daily Cialis: is a daily Cialis pill right for you?

While erectile dysfunction (ED) is incredibly common, many people may not be aware of all the available treatment options—one of which is Cialis (tadalafil). What makes Cialis so popular is that while you can take it right before sex, you can also take a low-dose version every day.

Rather than using Cialis as needed (when the mood strikes), taking a low-dose daily Cialis pill can keep you ready for spontaneous sex whenever you are aroused. But how do you know which option is better for you?

Whether you're sexually active multiple times a week or prefer to plan ahead, this article covers what you should know about daily Cialis to help you make the best choice for your situation.

Cialis (tadalafil) can be taken daily or as needed. The decision to take Cialis daily or only when needed comes down to your lifestyle, preferences, and health status.

While both options can help with ED, each has its pros and cons—and determining which one may be a fit for you is something you should do with a healthcare provider. 

How often are you having sex?

• Three+ times a week: Daily Cialis can be a good option if you’re sexually active several times per week. It provides a low, consistent dose that can keep you ready without having to plan ahead.

• Once or twice a week: If you’re having sex somewhat predictably—for example, you tend to have sex a few times a week, mostly over the weekend—taking Cialis as needed might make more sense. This approach frees you from having to take medication every day and typically allows you to get a larger dose of the drug.

Is spontaneity important?

Daily Cialis ensures that you’re ready for sex at all times. If you prefer spontaneous sex without needing to time a pill beforehand, this option might be ideal.

• Pros of daily use: With a daily dose, Cialis stays active in your system, so you can engage in sex whenever the moment feels right.

• Pros of as-needed use: If you plan ahead or only occasionally want to be ready on demand, the non-daily version of Cialis can still provide flexibility with its 36-hour effectiveness window.

Have you had side effects with Cialis in the past?

Daily Cialis is typically prescribed at lower doses, usually 2.5 mg or 5 mg. And this can be good news for some folks, as a lower dose of the medication may come with a lower risk of certain side effects; it may also reduce the intensity of them, too.

Basically, if you’ve had an issue with side effects in the past, daily Cialis may offer some relief while still delivering the perks of the ED treatment. That said, some symptoms can last longer if Cialis is always in your system, which is the case when you take the daily version of the drug. Since these effects can vary from person to person, it’s important to try different options and figure out the one that works best for you by continuing to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Do you drink alcohol often?

Drinking alcohol while on Cialis may cause blood pressure to drop, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.

• Heavy drinking: If you drink large amounts (8 or more standard drinks per week for women and 15 or more per week for men), daily Cialis may not be the best option, as in some cases it can interact with alcohol to cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

• Moderate drinking: Consuming one or two standard drinks weekly is usually fine, but always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance based on your specific health situation.

A standard drink equals:

• One 12-ounce regular beer (5% alcohol)

• One 5-ounce glass of wine (12% alcohol)

• One 1.5-ounce shot of liquor/spirits (40% alcohol)

Are you on other medications?

Certain drugs can interact with Cialis and can cause reactions. If you’re taking any of the following medications, be especially sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting Cialis:

• Nitrate medications

• Blood pressure medications (e.g. Hytrin, Flomax, or Cardura)

• Antifungal drugs (e.g. erythromycin, ketoconazole, or itraconazole)

• HIV medications

Remember that this list is not exhaustive and you should share all the medications you are taking with your healthcare provider. 

Consider how much it may cost

A daily Cialis prescription typically costs between $12.99 to $29.99 per month, according to GoodRx. That said, prices can vary based on factors such as your location, preferred pharmacy, and insurance coverage (if any). Checking with your local pharmacy and insurance provider is the best way to determine the price of both versions of the drug and then compare costs.

Other things to keep in mind

Daily Cialis takes about 3–5 days to reach peak concentration in your bloodstream. This means you’ll likely have to give the medication some time before assessing its full effectiveness. As-needed Cialis, on the other hand, gets to work right away (well, in about 30–60 minutes—but more on that later). And while taking a daily, lower-dose pill could lessen side effects, it might also slightly lower its effectiveness for some people who might need a higher dose of medication to benefit from its effects. The only way to know how the medication will work for you is by trying it out in different dosing strategies while continuing close communication with your healthcare provider.

Asking yourself these questions can help you determine if daily Cialis may be right for you:

• How often do I want to be ready for sex?

• How much do I value spontaneity?

• Am I okay with taking daily medication, or would I prefer using it only when I need it?

• Do I get side effects that would be better managed with a lower dose?

• Do I regularly drink alcohol or take other medications that could interact with Cialis?

Making the choice between daily and nondaily Cialis is about finding what aligns best with your lifestyle and health needs. Your healthcare provider can help you make the safest, most effective choice.

When considering a new medication, it’s only natural to wonder about how long the drug takes to work and how long you can safely stay on it. Here’s what you can expect when taking daily Cialis regularly.

Cialis 5 mg daily: how long before it works?

Generally, daily Cialis (5 mg) reaches steady levels in your system within five days of consistent use. This differs from as-needed Cialis, which reaches its maximum concentration between 30 minutes and six hours after taking it (typically around two hours).

The daily option maintains consistent medication levels without the need to plan doses around sexual activity.

How long can you stay on daily Cialis?

As long as the medication remains effective and safe under the guidance of your healthcare provider, you should be able to continue taking 5 mg of Cialis daily indefinitely. Some people use daily Cialis to manage both erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged and can cause urinary problems.

Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider can help ensure that the medication continues to work well and doesn’t cause unwanted side effects over time.

Can I stop taking daily Cialis and switch to as-needed?

Yes, you can switch from daily Cialis to an as-needed dose if it better suits your lifestyle or sexual activity frequency. To ensure a smooth transition, be sure to consult your healthcare provider for the green light and guidance on the proper dosage for as-needed use, typically 10 mg or 20 mg.

If you’re still on the fence, there are a few benefits to choosing between daily and as-needed Cialis that involve more than just managing ED symptoms. Daily Cialis, taken at a consistently low dose (2.5 mg or 5 mg), offers additional benefits–it can support better overall sexual health while providing greater convenience and spontaneity.

1. Increased spontaneity

One of the biggest challenges with as-needed ED medication is timing. 

Many people find timing their medication around sex adds an unwanted layer of complexity: carrying pills with them on dates, remembering to take them in advance, or worrying about whether they took them too early or too late. 

Daily Cialis can help eliminate these concerns. Once Cialis builds up in your system, you're ready for sex whenever the moment feels right.

This means that with daily Cialis, you don’t need to worry about timing or calculating how long the medication will take to work. There's no need to wait 30–60 minutes for it to kick in, and you’re not limited to specific timeframes for sex. It also gives you the flexibility to have sex multiple times a day if you want.

2. Treating additional health conditions

Daily Cialis can offer benefits beyond treating erectile dysfunction. The medication's ability to improve blood flow and relax certain muscles can make it effective for several health conditions when taken daily, potentially treating multiple issues with a single medication.

BPH and urinary symptoms

As mentioned above, BPH is a common condition where the prostate becomes enlarged. When this happens, it can put pressure on the urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder), causing urinary problems.

Research shows that more than 70% of people with BPH symptoms also experience ED––likely because both conditions involve blood flow and muscle function in the same area. Daily Cialis can help by relaxing muscles in both the prostate and bladder, effectively treating both conditions at once. 

Not only is Cialis approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ED, but when taken at a low dose daily, it’s also approved to improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH. These include:

• Frequent urination

• Incomplete bladder emptying

• Weak urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Nighttime bathroom trips

Cardiovascular and blood flow benefits

The same enzyme-blocking action that helps improve blood flow for erections also relaxes blood vessels in the lungs and other tissues. This is why medications like Cialis can treat both erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure in the lungs, as well as help with prostate and urinary symptoms. In fact, the FDA has approved tadalafil (under the brand name Adcirca) specifically for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a type of high blood pressure that affects the lungs. (Remember: Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis.)

Research shows daily tadalafil can:

• Lower the risk of major cardiac events

• Improve overall blood circulation

• Enhance blood flow to various tissues 

• Help manage blood pressure in the lungs (PAH)

Raynaud's syndrome 

Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe daily Cialis "off-label" for Raynaud's syndrome, a circulation condition that affects the fingers and toes.

In people with Raynaud's, small blood vessels constrict too much in response to cold or stress. Daily Cialis can help by improving blood flow to these areas, potentially reducing symptoms like:

• Cold or numb fingers and toes

• Color changes in affected areas

• Pain or discomfort in extremities

• Poor circulation during temperature changes

Remember, if you are experiencing concerning symptoms, be sure to seek emergency medical attention. 

3. A second line of treatment

It's a frustrating experience––taking a pill when you want to have sex, waiting for it to work, and still not getting or maintaining an erection.

Studies show up to 30% of people don't respond well to on-demand medication, leaving them looking for other options.

The challenge often lies in the intermittent nature of as-needed pills. Taking medication occasionally can cause fluctuating drug levels in your body, which may cause uncertainty about its effectiveness and reduced sexual confidence.

Daily Cialis can offer a proven alternative by maintaining steady medication levels in your system. Studies suggest there may be a significant improvement in erections for men who didn't respond to on-demand treatment after they start taking daily medication. This approach can help because:

• It can create consistent blood levels of the medication, avoiding the ups and downs of intermittent use.

• It can help maintain healthy erectile tissue through regular increased blood flow.

• It could address underlying circulation issues more effectively after taking the medication regularly.

• It can eliminate the anxiety of whether the medication is working.

This consistent approach can be particularly effective if you've tried as-needed medications without success. Many people find that switching to daily treatment provides the reliability and confidence they couldn't achieve with on-demand options.

4. Reduced risk of side effects

Like any medication, Cialis can cause side effects. But here's some good news: The daily version may cause fewer side effects than taking larger doses as needed. Instead of taking 10 mg or 20 mg at once, daily Cialis is typically prescribed at 2.5 mg or 5 mg per day.

Taking a lower dose every day keeps the medication's levels steady in your bloodstream, unlike the peaks and valleys that come with larger, occasional doses. Your body may handle this smaller, steady dose better than occasional larger ones.

Multiple studies involving over 1,000 people have shown that people taking Cialis daily reported fewer treatment-related side effects than those taking it as needed.

5. A consistent daily routine

Taking medication consistently can be easier than planning medication around when you’re going to have sex. Daily Cialis can become part of your regular routine without requiring extra thought or planning.

The daily approach simplifies your treatment plan:

• One pill at the same time each day

• No tracking when you took your last dose

• No calculating when to take your next one

People may prefer this straightforward approach because it can help them stay consistent with their ED treatment. It's one less thing to think about–just take your pill at the same time each day, as you would with any other daily medication.

Cialis is an oral tablet. Knowing about Cialis dosages helps you figure out what to expect from your treatment. Daily Cialis uses lower doses than the as-needed version because it maintains steady levels in your system over time rather than providing one larger dose.

Your healthcare provider is best equipped to determine the right medication and dosage for your specific needs, as they can take into account your complete medical history and current medications you might be taking, if any. 

Cialis 2.5 mg daily

• Typical starting dose for ED treatment

• To be taken at the same time every day

• Can be increased to 5 mg if needed

Cialis 5 mg daily

• Standard dose for treating both ED and BPH

• Recommended if 2.5 mg isn't providing desired results

• Prescribed for moderate ED symptoms

• Usually the maximum daily dose

Healthcare providers usually begin treatment with a low dose and adjust it gradually to find the most effective amount for you. In the end, they’ll aim to prescribe the lowest dose that achieves the desired results.

While daily Cialis is generally safe and effective, it's important to understand the potential risks before starting treatment. Daily Cialis may not be necessary if you don’t have frequent sexual activity. It typically takes a few days to reach full effectiveness, unlike as-needed doses that work faster.

While side effects are usually milder with daily use, they can be more persistent since the medication remains in your system continuously.

Do not take daily Cialis if you:

• Take nitrates for chest pain

• Use "poppers" or recreational nitrites

• Take alpha-blockers for blood pressure

• Experienced recent heart problems, including angina, irregular heartbeats, heart attack, or stroke

• Have stomach ulcers

• Have Retinitis pigmentosa (an eye condition)

• Have severe liver or kidney disease

• Drink excessive amounts of alcohol

Clinical trials show that less than 5% of people who take Cialis daily experience side effects, and many experience no side effects at all. 

These are the more common side effects (affecting 3-6% of users):

• Headaches: Experienced by 3-6% of daily users, compared to 5% in those taking placebo

• Back pain: Typically mild and affected less than 5% of users

• Muscle aches: Might affect joints and various muscle groups

• Indigestion (dyspepsia): Includes heartburn and stomach discomfort

• Nasal congestion and cold-like symptoms (nasopharyngitis)

• Facial flushing: Warmth or redness in the face

Instead of taking Cialis every day, would it be better for you to take it as needed? Here's a detailed comparison summarizing what we went over to help you decide.

While daily Cialis provides continuous treatment through regular use, most other ED medications are designed for as-needed treatment. Here's how different ED medications compare in their timing and usage patterns:

1. If you want slightly longer-lasting effects without daily pills, consider vardenafil or avanafil for up to 6 hours of coverage.

2. If you need fast-acting results with fewer side effects, consider avanafil for effects in as little as 15 minutes.

3. If you have trouble swallowing pills or want discretion, you can try vardenafil as a dissolving tablet. If you want daily treatment without pills, try Daily Rise Gummies. They deliver the same active ingredient as Cialis. When taken daily, you’ll have steady medication levels in your system so that you're always ready for sex.

Let’s get into more detail about these Cialis alternatives:

Sildenafil

You can take Viagra (sildenafil) if you need reliable ED treatment for a planned sexual activity. It’s available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses, and it is taken as needed–about an hour prior.

It's generally well-studied and has decades of clinical use, making it a reliable option for people who prefer occasional treatment.

Vardenafil

If you’re looking for medication that lasts longer than Viagra but don't want daily pills, vardenafil can work for up to 6 hours. Vardenafil dosages depend on the type of tablet prescribed. The regular oral tablets, taken with water, are available in four strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The dissolvable (ODT) version, however, comes in only one strength: 10 mg.

While drug manufacturers recommend taking vardenafil around an hour before having sex, it can begin to have effects in as little as 10 minutes.

Many people find this duration to be between short-acting and daily options. It’s also available as orally disintegrating tablets that you can place under your tongue.

Avanafil

If you don’t want to plan too far ahead or want fewer side effects, avanafil starts working in as little as 15 minutes. 

Avanafil is available in dosages of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. The typical starting dose is 100 mg, but your healthcare provider will determine which dose is right for you.

As a newer medication, it's designed to be more targeted in the body, potentially reducing unwanted effects.

Daily Rise Gummies (tadalafil)

In cases where someone may want the benefits of daily Cialis without the hassle of pills, Daily Rise Gummies offer a more enjoyable way to treat ED.

These fruit-flavored gummies contain 7 mg of tadalafil which is the same active ingredient as Cialis.

Ro Sparks 

If you're looking for a fast-acting ED solution with extended coverage, Ro Sparks combines the active ingredients of Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) in a convenient tablet that dissolves under your tongue. Though this particular formulation is not FDA-approved, it is composed of active ingredients that have been FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction.

Each tablet contains the active ingredients in Viagra (sildenafil 55 mg) and Cialis (tadalafil 22 mg). This formulation can start working in about 15 minutes and can last up to 36 hours.

It’s well-suited for those who want the best of both worlds–a quicker response and long-lasting effects.

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Making some simple changes alongside your medication can help you feel your best and potentially improve your treatment outcomes.

Maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight affects both testosterone levels and blood vessel function. Research shows a connection between weight loss and improved erectile function. In a study, men who lost about 10% of their body weight over one year saw measurable improvements in their erectile function.

While 22% of men in the weight loss group reported better erectile function, only 8% experienced any decline–compared to 20% decline in the control group. 

This suggests that maintaining a healthy weight doesn't just help optimize blood flow and hormone balance, it can also protect against worsening erectile dysfunction.

Quit smoking

Any amount of tobacco exposure is a risk factor for ED. Every time you smoke, the chemicals in cigarettes can damage and constrict your blood vessels, making them less flexible and making it more difficult to circulate blood flow throughout your body.

Since getting and maintaining an erection depends entirely on good blood flow to your penis, smoking essentially works against your body's natural process.

While daily Cialis can work to open up these vessels and improve blood flow, continuing to smoke means you're essentially fighting against your own treatment. 

When you quit smoking, your blood vessels begin to recover, becoming more flexible and efficient at carrying blood–which helps you get better erections. Quitting smoking can also have an overall beneficial effect on your entire health.

Cut down on alcohol

While having a drink or two likely won't cause serious issues, regular heavy drinking can work against you in several ways. Alcohol temporarily lowers your blood pressure, which when combined with Cialis (which also affects blood pressure), can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Over time, regular heavy drinking can also make it harder to get and maintain an erection, regardless of whether you're taking medication.

The key is moderation. You don't necessarily need to give up alcohol completely, but be mindful of how much you drink. If you're planning to have sex, you may choose to limit your alcohol intake that day especially if you are planning to take medication.

Exercise regularly

Combining regular physical activity with your daily Cialis may make a difference in treating erectile dysfunction.

In a study of men with ED, researchers found that after just three months of exercise and Cialis, participants saw notable improvements in their erectile function.

But what makes this combination work so well? When you exercise regularly and take Cialis daily, you're supporting your body's response to the medication. 

The exercise helps improve your blood flow, while the Cialis works to help maintain erections. The study showed improvements in both how well blood flowed to the penis and how quickly it got there.

What's particularly encouraging is that this combination approach helped men improve their erectile function even when they had other health factors that might typically make ED treatment more challenging.

You don't need an intense workout program. Regular aerobic activity like walking, swimming, or cycling, combined with your daily Cialis, can help you get better results from your treatment.

Cialis is a type of medication that can help treat erectile dysfunction; it belongs to a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors.

What makes Cialis unique is its long-lasting effects. While medications like Viagra work for 4-5 hours, a single dose of as-needed Cialis can work for up to 36 hours. This longer duration makes it particularly suitable for daily use at a lower dose.

Daily Cialis contains the same active ingredient (tadalafil) as regular Cialis but uses a lower dose taken every day. This can keep steady levels of the medication in your system so you can get an erection whenever you're aroused.

Cialis works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection. It can only work with sexual stimulation–you won't get unexpected erections.

The types of Cialis Ro provides

Ro Sparks

Ro Sparks combines the active ingredients of Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) in a sublingual tablet that dissolves under your tongue for faster absorption. It starts working in about 15 minutes and can support erections for up to 36 hours, making it ideal for those who want both a quick response and long-lasting effects. It’s priced as low as $12 per dose with a monthly subscription plan.

Daily Rise Gummies

Daily Rise Gummies contain 7 mg of tadalafil, the same active ingredient in Cialis, in a once-a-day gummy form. This daily option keeps you ready to achieve and maintain an erection anytime without needing to plan ahead. Starting at $69/month, it’s a convenient, pill-free option.

Cialis® (Branded)

Cialis® is the original branded version of tadalafil, a proven ED treatment. It starts working after 30 minutes and it’s known for its long-lasting effects, it can be taken daily for continuous support or as needed for flexibility. FDA-approved and trusted, you can connect with a Ro provider within 24 hours for a prescription. Cialis can start at $20 per pill.

Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)

Tadalafil is the generic, cost-effective version of Cialis®, containing the same active ingredient for ED treatment. You can take it daily or only when needed, making it a budget-friendly alternative with the same effectiveness as branded Cialis®. Tadalafil pricing can vary based on dosages, but starts at $11 for a 5 mg pill.

When choosing a treatment for ED, it usually comes down to your lifestyle and preferences. Daily treatment works particularly well if you have sex spontaneously or frequently, while as-needed medication might be better if you have sex less often.

You'll need a prescription for daily tadalafil (whether Cialis tablets or Daily Rise Gummies), which starts with a healthcare consultation. This visit helps identify any underlying health conditions and ensures you get the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

Remember that ED is common and treatable, and there are several effective options available. Whether you choose daily treatment for ongoing readiness or prefer as-needed medication, finding the right solution can help you get back to enjoying a healthy sex life.

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Editorial Guidelines | Medical Review Process

Current version

December 01, 2024

Written by

Sonia Rebecca Menezes

Fact checked by

Raagini Yedidi, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.