Cialis generic availability, cost, and dosage

In this article:

• Cialis generic
• What is Cialis used for?
• Brand-name vs. generic Cialis
• Cost
• How to switch
• Be aware of fake Cialis pills
• FAQs

In this article

• Cialis generic
• What is Cialis used for?
• Brand-name vs. generic Cialis
• Cost
• How to switch
• Be aware of fake Cialis pills
• FAQs

Cialis, also known by its generic name tadalafil, is a common prescription for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. As a phosphodiesterase-5 Enzyme (PDE-5) inhibitor, tadalafil boosts blood flow to help with erections and ease symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Originally approved in 2003, Cialis stands out as a long-lasting ED treatment, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. It’s also approved for daily use to treat BPH. Today, it’s widely available as both a brand-name and a more affordable generic option.

Is there a generic for Cialis?

Yes, there is a generic version of Cialis available called tadalafil. Generic Cialis became available in the United States after the exclusivity patent for Cialis, held by Eli Lilly, expired in 2018. As a generic medicine, tadalafil offers the same benefits and uses as Cialis but typically at a lower price. It may be an appealing choice for those seeking treatment for ED and BPH. 

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries was the first to release a generic Cialis tablet in 2018, followed by several other pharmaceutical manufacturers. Now that generic tadalafil is available, people with ED and BPH may have more options when it comes to managing their symptoms and finding relief.

What is Cialis used for?

Cialis is a prescription medication that should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider. The following are the common uses of Cialis.

Erectile Dysfunction

Cialis is FDA-approved for the treatment of ED and BPH. ED occurs when a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection that is sufficient for sexual activity. Cialis helps increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It is typically taken at a dosage of 5 to 20 mg as needed before sexual activity, with effects that can last for up to 36 hours.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Another FDA-approved use of Cialis is the treatment of BPH, which is characterized by an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of BPH may include frequent urination, difficulty in starting to urinate, and a weak flow of urine. Cialis works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, improving urine flow. It is approved for daily use for treating BPH and ED. 

Other uses

Tadalafil may be prescribed as a generic or under the brand names Adcirca or Tadliq for individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). An individual with PAH experiences high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. By widening blood vessels, tadalafil can lower blood pressure in the lungs and improve exercise capacity in people with PAH.

In addition, Cialis (tadalafil) may be used off-label to prevent altitude sickness, which can occur when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. Tadalafil may help improve oxygen supply and blood flow throughout the body. 

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Cialis?

Brand-name and generic Cialis are essentially the same medication, comprised of the same active ingredient. Although they share the same therapeutic effects and side effects, like priapism, they may have some differences. 

Appearance

One noticeable difference between brand-name Cialis and generic tadalafil is their appearance. Brand-name Cialis has an unmistakable yellow, almond-shaped design, while generic tadalafil may differ in color, size, or shape depending on the manufacturer. However, this difference in appearance does not affect the medication’s efficacy or safety.

Dosage forms

Both brand-name Cialis and generic tadalafil are available as oral tablets in identical strengths, such as 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Both generic and brand-name versions can be taken orally, either as needed before sexual activity or once daily, depending on the condition being treated.

Effectiveness

Regarding effectiveness, studies have shown that generic medications are just as effective as brand-name drugs. Both brand-name and generic Cialis work by increasing blood flow to the penis, resulting in a firmer and longer-lasting erection. Due to their similar active ingredients, both versions are effective for ED and BPH symptoms. They also carry the same drug interactions, including alpha blockers like tamsulosin, antifungals like ketoconazole and intraconazole, and antibiotics like erythromycin and rifampin, which may increase the side effects of tadalafil. However, a healthcare provider may recommend the brand-name version of the generic for any number of reasons, such as potential allergies to ingredients or their own beliefs about generic drugs. 

Cialis vs. tadalafil
Feature	Cialis	Tadalafil
Dosage forms	Tablets	Tablets
Effectiveness	60-70%	No difference
Onset of action	Within 1 hour	Within 1 hour
Availability	Widespread	Widespread
Cost	$440 for 30, 5 mg tablets	$1007 for 90, 5 mg tablets

Both the brand Cialis and the generic versions have the same active ingredients. However, their appearance and costs can vary. Therefore, you may want to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best option for you.

How much is generic Cialis?

Generic Cialis is usually a more affordable option than the brand name. The price of generic Cialis may vary depending on your location, insurance coverage, and the specific dosage needed. While Medicare and commercial insurance plans do not generally cover the brand-name version, some plans may cover the generic version. In many cases, insurance does not cover Cialis for ED, but only for BPH.

The price difference between branded and generic Cialis can be significant, and choosing the generic version could potentially save you money. Using a prescription discount card, such as SingleCare, may help reduce the retail cost of Cialis and other prescription drugs. 

Brand vs. generic Cialis prices
	Brand-name Cialis	Cialis generic (tadalafil)
Average cost without insurance	$440 for 30, 5 mg tablets of Cialis	$1007 for 90, 5 mg tablets of tadalafil
SingleCare’s lowest price	$17 for 90, 5 mg tablets of generic Cialis	$17 for 90, 5 mg tablets of tadalafil
Free coupons	Cialis coupons	Tadalafil coupons

Keep in mind that prices may vary based on factors such as pharmacy location, insurance plan, and availability of discounts or coupons. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and explore different pharmacies to find the best option for your individual needs.

How to switch from Cialis to tadalafil

Switching from the brand-name erectile dysfunction medication Cialis to its generic counterpart, tadalafil, should be done with guidance from your healthcare provider. In most cases, a pharmacist can dispense the generic version if the prescribing doctor does not indicate that the brand name is medically necessary. The following steps outline this process and offer helpful tips for a safe transition.

Transition process

• Start by consulting with your healthcare provider. They can provide medical advice, assess your health and symptoms, and determine the appropriate starting dose for tadalafil. The doses for Cialis and tadalafil are identical and should be based on individual needs and the provider’s prescription.
• To avoid disrupting your medication schedule, take the first dose of tadalafil at the same time you would typically take your Cialis dose, or as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• Both Cialis and tadalafil have the same active ingredient and similar side effects. During the transition, monitor for any serious side effects and report persistent or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Be aware of fake Cialis pills

The prevalence of counterfeit Cialis, particularly online, has become a major concern for consumers. Fake Cialis can pose serious health risks, as it may not contain the correct strength or proper ingredients, or it may be contaminated with toxic substances. That’s why it is often recommended to only buy genuine Cialis from reputable sources.

When ordering Cialis online, you may want to choose an accredited online pharmacy that requires a prescription. Avoid pharmacies that do not provide enough information about their products, as they may sell counterfeit or unsafe medications. You can also check for certifications and customer reviews on pharmacy sites before making a purchase. For added security, consider using mail-order pharmacies recommended by your insurance provider. 

Fake Cialis pills often have a different appearance from genuine Cialis. Authentic Cialis tablets should be yellow or orange-yellow, almond-shaped, stamped with the letter ‘C’, and sealed in a branded blister pack. Suspicious tablets may come in different colors or shapes and lack the proper dosage markings. By staying vigilant and staying up to date, you can reduce the risk of purchasing or consuming counterfeit Cialis.

FAQs

Does generic Cialis work the same as Cialis?

Generic and brand Cialis are the same compound, and therefore have the same mechanism of action. 

Is generic Cialis safe?

Generic Cialis is safe and effective, similar to its branded formulation. 

How long does tadalafil last?

Tadafil tablet effects will last up to 36 hours for erectile dysfunction, whether or not the generic or brand name is used. This sets tadalafil apart from other PDE-5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), which only last 4 to 5 hours.

Is it cheaper to buy Cialis online?

While you may find cheaper options for Cialis online, you have to be careful of fake Cialis pills that can either include inactive ingredients or even be contaminated with toxic ingredients. 

What’s the best Cialis dosage for beginners?

The dose of Cialis will depend on the indication, with initial doses ranging from as low as 2.5 mg once daily for erectile dysfunction up to 20 mg once daily for pulmonary hypertension. 

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 1/20/2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our Cialis coupon page for updated Cialis prices near you.