Canadian Pharmacy Service

How Long Does it Take for Cialis to Start Working?

Thursday 16 December 2021
Cialis
4 minute(s) read
Dr.Sandra Bolanos

Medically reviewed by

Dr Sandra Bolanos, MD, PhD

on 31 October 2022


Table of Contents


I. Before Taking Cialis

II. How to take Cialis

III. How Long Does Cialis Take to Work?

IV. How Long Does Cialis Last?

V. How Long Does Cialis Stay in Your System?

VI. Maximizing the Benefits of Cialis


Erectile dysfunction (ED) can hold a man back from a fulfilling sex life, but ED medications like Cialis (tadalafil) can improve symptoms and help with erections. If you have a prescription, you can purchase Cialis online through Canadian Pharmacy Service. You may have questions concerning how quickly this drug works, how long its effect lasts, and how long it stays in your body. Read on to learn about taking Cialis safely and effectively.

orange pill packet on a blue background

Before Taking Cialis

Before you take ED medications, it is important to understand how Cialis works to ensure this medication is suitable for you. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to tadalafil or if you are using any drugs that may cause an interaction (such as blood pressure medications or nitrates). Additionally, make sure Cialis is safe for you by telling your doctor if you have or have ever had the following conditions:

  • Stomach ulcer
  • Priapism (erections that last longer than four hours)
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Leukemia
  • Vision loss
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Heart rhythm problems [1]

How to take Cialis

Swallow the tablet whole without breaking or splitting it. Cialis can be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor’s dosing directions and do not take more than you are prescribed. Overdosing on Cialis can lead to a dangerous complication known as priapism. This condition is characterized by a prolonged and painful erection lasting more than four hours. Priapism needs to be treated immediately to avoid permanent damage to the penis.

Cialis can be taken daily or as needed, but your dosage will differ based on the option you choose. Daily dosing is generally more convenient because you do not have to plan ahead. By taking Cialis daily, there is always enough tadalafil in your body to work when needed. However, some men prefer not to have tadalafil in their system constantly and choose as-needed dosing instead. Whichever option you pick, Cialis requires sexual stimulation to work and does not cause an erection on its own. [2]

a wrist-watch

How Long Does Cialis Take to Work?

If you take Cialis as needed, you will want to take it approximately two hours before sexual activity. Cialis may begin to work in as quickly as 30 minutes. However, tadalafil takes an average of two hours to reach its maximum potency.

If you take Cialis daily, you will always have tadalafil in your system, so you are ready for sexual activity at any time. Still, you should take Cialis at the same time each day to keep levels of tadalafil in your body consistent. [1]

How Long Does Cialis Last? 

The benefits of Cialis can last up to 36 hours. As mentioned above, Cialis will continue to work throughout the day if you take this medication daily. Although Cialis can work up to 36 hours after ingestion, men who take Cialis as needed should be aware that its effectiveness may fluctuate.

Some men begin to see benefits within 15 minutes, but most men feel the benefit of tadalafil after half an hour. Cialis reaches maximum concentration in the bloodstream around the two-hour mark. After that, Cialis may become less effective. Only a few men report that Cialis is still effective after 36 hours, although it can occur. [2]

a shirtless man facing away

How Long Does Cialis Stay in Your System?

According to a study published by the FDA, a single dose of Cialis at 20 mg stays in your system for up to 96 hours. [1] However, this may differ if you have a health condition that affects how well your body removes toxins and other foreign substances. If you have kidney disease, tadalafil may build up in your body, leading to serious side effects. Always inform your doctor of all your health conditions to prevent health complications.

Maximizing the Benefits of Cialis

There are several other steps you can take to maximize the effectiveness of Cialis. By eating a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you can improve your blood circulation, making erections easier to achieve. Regular physical activity also plays a big role in maintaining and improving your vascular health. Your doctor may also instruct you to hold off on heavy meals before sexual activity because foods high in fat may delay the effect of Cialis. 

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.