Tadalafil vs Cialis: What's the difference?

If you’ve been comparing tadalafil and Cialis, you’ve probably noticed something confusing. These medications are often listed as two distinct erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments, with widely varying prices. But they both contain the same active ingredient, tadalafil, it’s just that Cialis is a brand name and tadalafil is the generic medication name.

So when you take the same dose of either Cialis or generic tadalafil, they work in the same way.

Key takeaways

• Cialis and tadalafil contain the same active ingredient: tadalafil.
• Both can work for up to 36 hours, although this doesn’t mean you’ll have an erection for 36 hours.
• The main practical difference is brand and price, rather than effectiveness.
• Tadalafil is available in two main formulations: on-demand and lower-dose daily tablets.

Is tadalafil the same as Cialis?

Essentially, yes. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis.

Cialis is the branded version of tadalafil, originally developed by drug company Eli Lilly. But once medicines become available as generics, other manufacturers can produce versions containing the same active ingredient.

The inactive ingredients can differ between manufacturers and the tablets might look different, but the active ingredient in tadalafil is the same as Cialis.

Is generic tadalafil as good as Cialis?

Yes, generic tadalafil is as good as Cialis, provided you’re buying a properly licensed medicine.

In the UK, generic medicines must meet regulatory requirements including having the same active ingredient as the branded medicine. That means a licensed generic tadalafil tablet will be sufficiently equivalent to the branded product.

How do tadalafil and Cialis work?

Both Cialis and tadalafil work by blocking an enzyme called PDE5. This helps increase blood flow to your penis when you’re sexually aroused, so you can more easily get and maintain an erection.

Be aware, though, that no ED medicine will give you an automatic erection; you still need sexual stimulation for tadalafil to work.

Tadalafil is sometimes called the “weekend pill” because its effects can last much longer than those of sildenafil.

Tadalafil vs Cialis: price comparison

When it comes to tadalafil vs Cialis, price is where you’ll usually notice the biggest difference. Generic tadalafil is generally cheaper than branded Cialis. Prices can vary depending on the pharmacy, tablet strength, pack size and whether you’re ordering as part of a subscription.

How long do tadalafil and Cialis last?

There’s no meaningful difference. Because both medicines contain tadalafil, both can work for up to 36 hours after you’ve taken a dose. For more detail, check out our article on how long tadalafil lasts.

Tadalafil vs Cialis: dosage comparison

Tadalafil and Cialis have the same standard doses. For on-demand treatment of ED, the usual starting dose is 10mg, which you take at least 30 minutes before sex. A clinician might recommend a higher dose of 20mg in some circumstances.

If you have sex frequently, a lower daily dose might be the right approach. The usual dose for tadalafil daily is 5mg, which can be reduced to 2.5mg if necessary.

The maximum recommended frequency for on-demand tadalafil is once a day. Don’t take more than this.

Side effects of tadalafil vs Cialis

You’re unlikely to notice a difference in side effects between tadalafil and Cialis if you’re taking the same dose. That’s because both contain tadalafil.

Common tadalafil side effects are usually mild and manageable and include headaches, facial flushing, a stuffy or blocked nose, back pain, muscle aches and dizziness.

Tadalafil vs Cialis vs Viagra: What's the difference?

Cialis and tadalafil are essentially the same medicine. Viagra is a different branded medicine containing sildenafil. All of these medicines belong to the same category, called PDE5 inhibitors, which treat erectile dysfunction.

Tadalafil (and Cialis, which contains tadalafil) lasts longer than Viagra. That’s the main difference. So the choice between tadalafil and sildenafil usually comes down to factors such as how often you have sex, how much flexibility you want and how you respond to the treatment.

Which should you choose: tadalafil or Cialis?

If you’re choosing between Cialis vs generic tadalafil, just know that the active ingredient is the same. Generic tadalafil contains the same active ingredient and is expected to have the same therapeutic effect as Cialis, but it usually costs less.

That’s not to say that Cialis is the wrong choice. Some men simply prefer a particular brand or tablet. But don’t assume that the more expensive option will give a better erection.

Worried about erectile dysfunction? At Voy, a clinician can work out what treatment approach makes sense for your health, goals and lifestyle. And if you’re experiencing other symptoms, such as low energy, reduced strength and low libido, we can investigate if low testosterone could be at play. Take Voy’s sexual health quiz to get started.