Cialis 20 mg

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Akanksha Kaushal

Dr. Akanksha, Pharm-D

Dr. Akansha is a licensed Clinical Pharmacologist with extensive expertise in pharmacovigilance, prescription analysis, drug information, and safety. She's a dedicated educator and avid learner. Dr. Akansha also reviews medical content on GoodRxMedicine, ensuring accurate pharmaceutical information is accessible to all.

Written by

Julian Carter

Julian Carter

Julian, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and impact with his contributions at GoodRxMedicine. His dedication and innovative spirit continue to shape a brighter future in pharmaceutical management.

What is Cialis 20 mg?

Cialis 20 mg is a medicine designed to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It contains 20 mg of Tadalafil, a Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. The active ingredient of the tablet directs more blood flow to the penile area during sexual stimulation, facilitating erections.

Eli Lilly and Company manufactures Cialis 20 mg. This higher-strength dosage provides an effective solution for men who have not adequately responded to lower doses.

Uses of Cialis 20 mg

Cialis 20 mg tablets are primarily prescribed for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction, helping men achieve and maintain erections satisfactory for sexual activity. Additionally, this medication is used for:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Reducing urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Improving exercise capacity by reducing blood pressure in lung arteries.
• Combined ED and BPH treatment: Addressing both conditions simultaneously with a single medication. 

Working and benefits of Tadalafil

Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis 20, works by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme that breaks down cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP). By preserving cGMP levels, Tadalafil promotes smooth muscle relaxation in blood vessels serving the penis, allowing increased blood flow during sexual arousal.

Unlike other ED medications, Tadalafil has a longer half-life of approximately 17.5 hours, giving it the nickname "weekend pill" for its extended duration of effectiveness. This means that rather than timing medication precisely before intimacy, users have a broader window of opportunity.

The Tadalafil 20 mg benefits include:

• Enhanced erectile function: Produces firmer, more sustainable erections when sexually stimulated.
• Extended effectiveness: Remains active for up to 36 hours, allowing for more spontaneous intimacy.
• Improved confidence: Reduces performance anxiety by providing reliable erectile support.
• Dual-action benefits: For those with both ED and BPH, it improves urinary symptoms while treating Erectile Dysfunction.
• Faster onset: In some men, it can begin working in as little as 16-30 minutes, though it typically takes 30-60 minutes.

With Cialis 20, users experience consistent effectiveness throughout the treatment window, making it an excellent choice for those seeking less planned sexual encounters.

Dosage and how to take Cialis 20 mg

Those using it daily for ED or BPH should take it at approximately the same time each day.

Consult a qualified healthcare expert for personalized dosing instructions based on your condition.

Here's how to take Cialis 20 safely and effectively:

• Take one T 20 pill Cialis approximately 30 minutes before anticipated sexual activity.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, split, or chew.
• It can be taken with or without food, though heavy or high-fat meals may slightly delay the onset of action.
• Do not take more than one Cialis 20 tablet within a 24-hour period.

Side effects

Though generally well-tolerated, Cialis may cause some side effects, including:

• Headache
• Back pain
• Muscle aches
• Facial flushing
• Indigestion
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness

Most Tadalafil side effects are mild, often resolving as your body adjusts to the medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience prolonged or severe side effects.

Interactions

Drug Interactions

Cialis 20 mg can interact with various medications, potentially causing dangerous effects. Be cautious with:

• Nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide)
• Alpha-blockers (e.g., Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• Antihypertensive medications
• Other PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Vardenafil)
• Certain antifungals (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole). 

Disease Interactions

Certain health conditions may affect how safely you can use Cialis:

• Cardiovascular disease: Men with unstable Angina, recent heart attack, stroke, or severe heart failure should avoid Tadalafil as it may increase cardiac risk.
• Liver or kidney impairment: Dosage adjustments may be necessary as these conditions affect how the body processes the medication.
• Priapism risk factors: Those with conditions predisposing to priapism (prolonged, painful erections), such as Sickle Cell Anemia, Multiple Myeloma, or Leukemia, require careful monitoring.
• Retinal disorders: Cialis may have potential vision effects, so it should be used cautiously in individuals with inherited eye disorders like Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Food Interactions

While Cialis can be taken with most foods, specific considerations apply:

• Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption may not significantly impair Cialis's effectiveness, but excessive drinking can increase side effects like dizziness and lower blood pressure.
• Grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase Tadalafil levels in the bloodstream, potentially enhancing both therapeutic effects and side effects.
• High-fat meals: May delay the onset of Cialis slightly but generally won't affect the overall effectiveness of the medication.

Precautions

When taking Cialis, keep these essential precautions in mind:

• Do not use Cialis if you take nitrate medications for chest pain or heart problems. Their combination can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Inform the doctor about all your medicines, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• If you experience sudden vision or hearing loss while taking Cialis, seek immediate medical help, as these may be serious side effects.
• Men with cardiovascular issues should discuss their heart health with a doctor before using Tadalafil.
• This medication is not indicated for women or children under 18.
• If an erection lasts longer than 4 hours (Priapism), seek emergency medical help to prevent permanent damage.
• Discuss any history of liver or kidney problems with your doctor, as dosage adjustments may be needed.

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FAQs

How long does it take for Cialis 20 mg to work?

Cialis 20 mg typically begins working within 30-60 minutes after taking it. However, some men report effects in as little as 16 minutes. For optimal results, take Cialis at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, though it remains effective for up to 36 hours.

Can I take Cialis 20 mg daily?

Yes, Cialis can be prescribed for daily use, typically at a lower dose (2.5-5 mg). The 20 mg dose is generally recommended for as-needed use rather than daily administration. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions.

Does Cialis 20 mg work better than Viagra?

Cialis and Viagra work similarly but have different durations of action. Cialis lasts up to 36 hours compared to Viagra's 4-6 hours, offering more spontaneity. However, effectiveness varies by individual, and some men respond better to one medication than the other.

Will Cialis 20 mg make me bigger?

No, Cialis does not increase penis size. It improves blood flow to existing erectile tissue, enabling better quality erections when sexually aroused, but does not permanently alter the physical dimensions of the penis.

Can I drink alcohol with Cialis 20 mg?

Moderate alcohol consumption is generally acceptable with Cialis. However, excessive drinking can increase side effects like headaches, dizziness, and blood pressure changes. Limiting alcohol while using Cialis is recommended for optimal safety and effectiveness.

How often can you take 20 mg of Cialis?

Cialis 20 mg should not be taken more than once every 24 hours. Taking multiple doses within this timeframe increases the risk of side effects without improving efficacy. For most men, a single dose provides effects lasting up to 36 hours.