Cialis Daily vs As Needed: What’s The Difference?

Cialis Daily vs As Needed: What’s The Difference?

Table of Contents

I. How Does Cialis Work?

II. Cialis As Needed

i. Cialis As Needed: Dosages

III. Cialis Daily

i. Cialis Daily: Dosages

IV. Cialis Daily vs As Needed: Benefits

i. Benefits of Cialis As Needed

ii. Benefits of Cialis Daily

V. Cialis Daily vs As Needed: Which One Should You Choose?

VI. Conclusion

Cialis offers two dosing options for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment: daily or as needed. But which one is the best choice for you? Choosing between Cialis Daily vs as needed largely depends on your lifestyle, frequency of sexual activity, and personal preferences.

This article discusses the differences, dosing options, and benefits of Cialis Daily vs as needed so you can decide which option best fits your needs.

How Does Cialis Work?

Before we discuss the pros and cons of Cialis Daily vs as needed, let’s take a closer look at how the medication works.

Cialis, known generically as tadalafil, belongs to a group of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. These drugs work by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, which increases blood flow when you're sexually stimulated. 1

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it works:

  1. Sexual arousal triggers the release of nitric oxide, a chemical that stimulates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase.
  1. Guanylate cyclase increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which causes the blood vessels in the penis to expand.
  2. This enhanced blood flow leads to an erection.
  3. An enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) works to break down cGMP, ending the erection. 1

Cialis blocks PDE5, keeping cGMP levels high so you can maintain an erection longer. However, sexual arousal is still required — Cialis alone doesn’t cause an erection. 1

Cialis As Needed

a man sitting in bed and holding up a Cialis pill

Cialis as needed is designed for men who prefer to take the medication only when they plan to engage in sexual activity. Typically, you would take a higher dose of Cialis (usually 10 or 20 mg) 30 minutes to an hour before you anticipate having sex. 1

Cialis As Needed: Dosages

The recommended starting dose for Cialis as needed is 10 mg, taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Depending on how your body responds, your doctor may adjust this dose to either 20 mg or 5 mg. The medication can last for up to 36 hours, meaning that within this period, you could achieve an erection when sexually aroused without the need for another pill. 1

For men who don’t have frequent sexual activity, the as-needed version offers flexibility and less frequent medication use. However, it does require more planning, as you'll need to time it before sexual activity.

Cialis Daily

Cialis Daily is a low-dose form of tadalafil that you take once a day, regardless of whether you plan to engage in sexual activity. This version of Cialis maintains a constant level of the drug in your system, allowing you to be ready for sexual activity at any time without needing to plan around it. 1

Cialis Daily: Dosages

The most common starting dose for Cialis Daily is 2.5 mg per day. If this dosage is not sufficient, your doctor may increase it to 5 mg daily. Because the medication is taken every day, these lower doses are enough to maintain the drug in your bloodstream consistently. 1

Cialis Daily is great for men who prefer spontaneity, as it eliminates the need to time the medication before sex. It also has the advantage of fewer side effects compared to the higher doses used in the as-needed version. 1

Cialis Daily vs As Needed: Benefits

When comparing Cialis Daily vs as needed, it’s important to consider the benefits each option provides. One option may be better suited to your lifestyle than the other.

Benefits of Cialis As Needed

  • Flexibility: You only take the pill when you plan to engage in sexual activity, which can be ideal if your sexual activity is infrequent.
  • Cost-effective: Since you only take the medication when needed, it might be more affordable in the long run, particularly if you're not sexually active on a daily basis.
  • Avoid drug interactions: If you're taking other medications like nitrates or blood pressure pills, the as-needed version allows more control to avoid potential interactions. 1

Benefits of Cialis Daily

  • Consistency: With Cialis Daily, you’re always ready for sexual activity without needing to time the medication. This is ideal for men who plan on engaging in frequent intimacy.
  • Lower side effects: The daily regimen involves a lower dose (2.5 mg or 5 mg), which may reduce the likelihood of experiencing side effects.
  • Convenience: Since you take Cialis Daily every day, there’s no need to think about taking the pill right before sex. 1

Cialis Daily vs As Needed: Which One Should You Choose?

a man consulting a doctor

The choice between Cialis Daily vs as needed comes down to your lifestyle, how often you engage in sexual activity, and your comfort with taking daily medication. Here are some points to think about when making your decision:

  • How often do you plan on intimacy? If you’re someone who likes to be ready for intimacy at any time without needing to plan, Cialis Daily could be your best option. Since you take it every day, it’s always in your system, so you’re good to go whenever the mood strikes. On the other hand, if your sexual activity is less frequent, Cialis as needed might be more practical because you only take it when you actually need it.
  • Do higher doses give you side effects? Some men experience side effects with the higher doses used in Cialis as needed (typically 10 mg or 20 mg). If that’s the case, Cialis Daily could be a better fit since it’s a lower dose (2.5 mg or 5 mg), which can reduce the chances of side effects.
  • Which medication regimen do you prefer? If you don’t like the idea of having to time your medication around sex, Cialis Daily is a great option since it’s taken consistently every day. However, if you prefer only taking medication when you know you’re going to be intimate, Cialis as needed offers the flexibility of planning around your needs.
  • Are you taking other medications? If you’re taking other medications like nitrates, blood pressure pills, or alpha-blockers, these can interact with Cialis. In that case, Cialis as needed might give you better control, allowing you to avoid any unwanted interactions by taking the pill when it's safe. Talk to your doctor to find the best option for you. 1

Conclusion

Deciding between Cialis Daily vs as needed comes down to what suits your personal routine and sexual activity. If you’re someone who prefers not to think about when to take a pill and would rather always be ready, Cialis Daily offers the convenience of spontaneity. It keeps the medication in your system consistently, so you're good to go whenever the moment feels right. On the other hand, if you don’t engage in sexual activity as frequently and like having control over when you take the medication, then Cialis as needed might be the better fit.

Both options—Cialis Daily vs as needed—have their advantages. The daily version allows you to maintain spontaneity without worrying about timing, while the as-needed version offers the benefit of taking the pill only when required, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. It all comes down to your personal preferences and routine.

Ultimately, the decision between Cialis Daily vs as needed is best made with the help of your doctor. They can evaluate your overall health, any medications you’re taking, and your lifestyle to help guide you to the right option.

References

  1. FDA Cialis