How long does Cialis work and last?
The Cialis label reports better erections than placebo for up to 36 hours after a dose. Tadalafil peaks 30 minutes to 6 hours after a dose (median 2 hours) and has a mean half-life of 17.5 hours. In one label study, some men had results within 30 minutes. Mendoxa's 3-in-1 tablet starts at $129.
Start your ED visit From $129/month. If prescribed · Cancel anytime · Available in 49 states (not California).
Cialis timing on the label
| Question | What the Cialis label says |
|---|---|
| How long to kick in? | In a stopwatch study, successful erections at or before 30 minutes: 35% placebo, 38% on 10 mg, 52% on 20 mg |
| Peak level | 30 minutes to 6 hours after a dose (median 2 hours) |
| How long it works | Better than placebo up to 36 hours after a dose |
| At 24 hours (22–26 h) | 61% on 20 mg vs 37% on placebo had at least 1 successful intercourse |
| At 36 hours (33–39 h) | 64% on 20 mg vs 37% on placebo |
| Half-life | 17.5 hours (mean, healthy subjects) |
| Daily use | Steady state within 5 days; exposure about 1.6 times a single dose |
How does Cialis work?
Like sildenafil, tadalafil blocks PDE5 so the nitric oxide signal released during sexual stimulation lasts longer. The label says some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to happen with Cialis.
Mendoxa ED plans and prices
The Mendoxa ED tablet is a compounded rapid-dissolve tablet with sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) and apomorphine. It dissolves under the tongue. The Mendoxa ED page lists a maximum of 1 dose per 24 hours. A licensed clinician decides if it fits you and selects the strength. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved.
| Plan | 1-month plan | Per tablet | 3-month plan | Per tablet (3 months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 tablets / month | $129 | $21.50 | $329 | $18.28 |
| 10 tablets / month | $149 | $14.90 | $379 | $12.63 |
| 20 tablets / month | $179 | $8.95 | $449 | $7.48 |
If prescribed · Cancel anytime · Available in 49 states (not California). Prices from the Mendoxa intake at try.mendoxa.co/f/ed on Oct 17, 2026. The intake always shows the current price.
How long does tadalafil 20 mg last?
The 24- and 36-hour results above come from 20 mg doses (and 10 mg in a second study). The 17.5-hour half-life applies across doses. A long window does not mean a 36-hour erection; an erection that lasts more than 4 hours is an emergency.
Nitrates and the 48-hour rule
If a nitrate is ever medically necessary in an emergency, the Cialis label says at least 48 hours should pass after the last dose, under close medical supervision.
The Viagra and Cialis labels list the same hard stops. Do not use them with organic nitrates in any form, or with a guanylate cyclase stimulator such as riociguat. Do not use them if sex is inadvisable because of your heart. Get emergency care for an erection that lasts more than 4 hours. Stop and get care for a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or a sudden decrease or loss of hearing.
Side effects
Most common side effects (2% or more) on the Viagra label: headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness and rash. On the Cialis label: headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasal congestion, flushing and pain in limb.
Back pain or muscle aches usually started 12 to 24 hours after a dose and typically resolved within 48 hours.
FAQ
How long does Cialis last?
The Cialis label shows better erections than placebo up to 36 hours after a dose. The mean half-life is 17.5 hours.
How long does it take Cialis to work?
Peak levels come 30 minutes to 6 hours after a dose (median 2 hours). In one label study, 52% on 20 mg had a successful erection at or before 30 minutes, versus 35% on placebo.
How long does tadalafil 20 mg last?
In label studies of 20 mg, 61% versus 37% on placebo succeeded at 24 hours and 64% versus 37% at 36 hours.
When can I take a nitrate after Cialis?
Only in an emergency, and the label says at least 48 hours after the last dose, under close medical supervision.
Is there a Cialis-based option with Mendoxa?
Mendoxa's compounded tablet combines tadalafil with sildenafil and apomorphine, from $129 a month, or about $7.48 per tablet on 3 months, if prescribed.
Start your ED visit: plans and prices
The Mendoxa ED tablet is a compounded rapid-dissolve tablet with sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) and apomorphine. It dissolves under the tongue. The Mendoxa ED page lists a maximum of 1 dose per 24 hours. A licensed clinician decides if it fits you and selects the strength. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved.
| Plan | 1-month plan | Per tablet | 3-month plan | Per tablet (3 months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 tablets / month | $129 | $21.50 | $329 | $18.28 |
| 10 tablets / month | $149 | $14.90 | $379 | $12.63 |
| 20 tablets / month | $179 | $8.95 | $449 | $7.48 |
If prescribed · Cancel anytime · Available in 49 states (not California). Prices from the Mendoxa intake at try.mendoxa.co/f/ed on Oct 17, 2026. The intake always shows the current price.
References
- DailyMed: CIALIS (tadalafil) tablet, film coated, label revised 3/2026. Accessed Oct 17, 2026.
- FDA (Drugs@FDA): CIALIS prescribing information, NDA 021368. Accessed Oct 17, 2026.
- DailyMed: VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) tablet, film coated, label revised 12/2017. Accessed Oct 17, 2026.
- Mendoxa ED care (product, format, max 1 dose per 24 hours). Accessed Oct 17, 2026.
- Mendoxa ED intake: plan prices (term_options). Accessed Oct 17, 2026.
About Mendoxa
Mendoxa (mendoxa.co) is a US telehealth brand. Licensed clinicians in the LocumTele network review each online visit, and prescriptions are filled by Rush Pharmacy, a licensed US pharmacy. Available in 49 states (not California).
- A licensed clinician reviews every visit and can say no. A prescription is not automatic.
- A compounded medicine is not an FDA-approved finished product.
- Plans: 1 month or 3 months, from $129. If prescribed · Cancel anytime · Available in 49 states (not California).
Compounded medication prescribed only if a licensed U.S. clinician decides it is appropriate. Not FDA-approved as a finished product. Not available in California. This site is not for emergencies. Call 911 if you need urgent care.