Cialis vs. Tadalafil

See how Cialis and Tadalafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Cialis and tadalafil are the same drug: Cialis is the brand name and tadalafil is the generic version of tadalafil.

  • Generic tadalafil carries an added FDA approval for pulmonary arterial hypertension that Cialis does not have under its own label.

  • Both cause similar side effects like headache and back pain, and both require caution with nitrates and certain blood pressure medications.

Cialis vs. Tadalafil Drug Summary

Cialis

Cialis is a brand-name phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, or both together. It comes as a tablet taken once daily at a low dose or as needed before sexual activity, with effects that can last up to 36 hours.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is the generic form of the same PDE5 inhibitor, approved for erectile dysfunction, BPH, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is available in strengths from 2.5 mg to 40 mg, taken daily or as needed depending on which condition is being treated.

Cialis vs. Tadalafil Side Effects

Cialis

Most common
headache (up to 15%)
dyspepsia (up to 10%)
back pain (up to 9%)
myalgia (up to 4%)

Tadalafil

Most common
headache (up to 15%)
dyspepsia (up to 10%)
back pain (up to 6%)
myalgia (up to 3%)

Cialis vs. Tadalafil Dosage

Cialis

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 2.5 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 20 mg as needed If needed
Dose changes 3 increases As tolerated

Tadalafil

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 2.5 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 40 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 5 increases As tolerated

Cialis vs. Tadalafil Indications

Cialis

Cialis treats erectile dysfunction and the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate, either separately or together. It works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow, and its long duration of action allows for either daily or as-needed dosing.

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms

  • Combined ED and BPH treatment

Tadalafil

Generic tadalafil carries the same core approvals for ED and BPH, plus an added FDA approval for pulmonary arterial hypertension to improve exercise capacity. Its dosing range extends higher than Cialis's, up to 40 mg daily for pulmonary hypertension.

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • BPH symptoms

  • Combined ED and BPH treatment

Cialis vs. Tadalafil Pros and Cons

Cialis

Cialis offers the same clinical effect as generic tadalafil but under a recognized brand name, which some patients find reassuring for consistency. It is approved for ED and BPH but not for pulmonary arterial hypertension, and insurance plans sometimes treat the brand differently than the generic.

Pros

  • Widely recognized brand name some patients trust for consistency

  • Single label covering both ED and BPH treatment

  • Roughly $310 to $1,000 per month without insurance, before savings programs, often lower than tadalafil's typical price

Cons

  • Not FDA-approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension under this label

  • Some insurance plans require prior authorization for the brand version

  • Fewer dose strengths than generic tadalafil, which goes up to 40 mg

Tadalafil

Generic tadalafil delivers the identical active ingredient as Cialis but with a broader FDA label that includes pulmonary arterial hypertension. It also offers more dose strengths, including a renal-impairment titration and a 40 mg option, which gives prescribers more flexibility.

Pros

  • FDA-approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension in addition to ED and BPH

  • More dose strengths, including a 40 mg option and renal-impairment titration

  • Usually preferred by insurance formularies as the generic choice

Cons

  • Roughly $935 to $1,000 per month without insurance, before savings programs, typically higher than Cialis's typical price

  • Lacks the brand recognition some patients associate with Cialis

  • More dosing options can make it harder to know which strength applies

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