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Key facts at a glance
- Labeled role
- Starting dose for once-daily ED treatment; may be increased to 5 mgCialis (tadalafil) label §2.2
- Brand vs generic
- Brand Cialis 2.5 mg: listed as discontinued, with an FDA determination that withdrawal was not for safety or effectiveness reasonsDrugs@FDA: Cialis (tadalafil) status
- Time to steady level
- Steady-state blood levels within 5 days of once-daily dosingCialis (tadalafil) label §12.3
- 24-week trial
- Mean successful-attempt rate at endpoint: 50% with 2.5 mg, 57% with 5 mg, 31% with placeboCialis (tadalafil) label Table 17
- Compounded status
- The Mendoxa compounded tablet is not FDA-approvedFDA compounding Q&A
Who tadalafil 2.5 mg is for
For ED, 2.5 mg is the daily starting dose. Section 2.2 of the Cialis (tadalafil) label states: “The recommended starting dose of CIALIS for once daily use is 2.5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day, without regard to timing of sexual activity.” It adds: “The CIALIS dose for once daily use may be increased to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability.”
Starting dose does not always mean room to increase. With potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, 2.5 mg is the maximum daily dose; for BPH or ED with BPH and creatinine clearance of 30–50 mL/min, it is a starting dose (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §§2.6–2.7). The alpha-blocker rule is to be stable on that medicine first and start tadalafil at the lowest recommended dose; it does not specify one universal strength for every regimen (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §2.7).
Use our daily tadalafil guide for the broader daily routine and tadalafil guide for the drug overview. For dose decisions, use the Cialis (tadalafil) label and your prescriber’s instructions.
Tadalafil dose by situation: what the label says
Your situation, not the tablet strength alone, decides the dose. Every row below is taken from the current Cialis (tadalafil) label; confirm your own dose with your prescriber.
| Situation | Labeled tadalafil dose | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Once-daily use for ED | Start 2.5 mg at about the same time every day; may increase to 5 mg based on efficacy and tolerability | Cialis (tadalafil) label §2.2 |
| As-needed use for ED | Start 10 mg before sexual activity; may increase to 20 mg or decrease to 5 mg; maximum once per day in most patients | Cialis (tadalafil) label §2.1 |
| BPH, or ED plus BPH, once daily | 5 mg at about the same time every day | Cialis (tadalafil) label §2.3, §2.4 |
| Kidney function: creatinine clearance 30–50 mL/min | Once daily for BPH or ED/BPH: start 2.5 mg, increase to 5 mg may be considered. As needed: start 5 mg no more than once per day, maximum 10 mg no more than once every 48 hours | Cialis (tadalafil) label §2.6 |
| Kidney function: creatinine clearance under 30 mL/min or hemodialysis | Once-daily use not recommended. As needed: maximum 5 mg no more than once every 72 hours | Cialis (tadalafil) label §2.6 |
| Liver: mild or moderate impairment (Child Pugh A or B) | Once daily: not extensively evaluated, caution advised. As needed: do not exceed 10 mg once per day | Cialis (tadalafil) label §2.6 |
| Liver: severe impairment (Child Pugh C) | Not recommended | Cialis (tadalafil) label §2.6 |
| Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example ketoconazole or ritonavir) | Once daily: maximum 2.5 mg. As needed: maximum 10 mg, not more than once every 72 hours | Cialis (tadalafil) label §2.7 |
| Alpha-blockers | For ED: be stable on the alpha-blocker first, then start tadalafil at the lowest recommended dose. For BPH: combination not recommended | Cialis (tadalafil) label §2.7 |
| Organic nitrates in any form, or riociguat | Contraindicated | Cialis (tadalafil) label §4 |
Source: Cialis (tadalafil) label, sections 2.1–2.7 and 4 (DailyMed updated June 2026). Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
Check whether your limit is a starting dose or a ceiling before discussing a change (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §§2.6–2.7). Bring questions from our guides to tamsulosin and ED and ED medication and nitrates.
Tadalafil 2.5 mg vs 5 mg daily: trial data
Yes, 2.5 mg daily improved erectile function versus placebo in the label trials. The Cialis (tadalafil) label reports mean successful-attempt rates (SEP3) and changes in the IIEF erectile-function score (EF) below. SEP3 asks whether an erection lasted long enough for successful intercourse; these percentages are not the percentage of men helped (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §14.2).
| Trial | Placebo | Tadalafil 2.5 mg | Tadalafil 5 mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study H · US · 24 weeks (N=94 / 96 / 97) | EF score change 1.2 · successful intercourse (SEP3) at endpoint 31% | EF change 6.1 · SEP3 50% | EF change 7.0 · SEP3 57% |
| Diabetes study · 12 weeks (N=100 / 100 / 98) | EF change 1.3 · SEP3 28% | EF change 4.8 · SEP3 46% | EF change 4.5 · SEP3 41% |
Source: Cialis (tadalafil) label, section 14.2 Tables 17–18. All 2.5 mg and 5 mg EF changes in Tables 17–18 were statistically significant vs placebo (p<.001). Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
Side effects: 2.5 mg vs 5 mg
In the 12-week once-daily ED trials, several common side effects were reported less often on 2.5 mg than on 5 mg (Cialis (tadalafil) label, Table 2):
| Side effect | Placebo (N=248) | Tadalafil 2.5 mg (N=196) | Tadalafil 5 mg (N=304) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | 5% | 3% | 6% |
| Indigestion (dyspepsia) | 2% | 4% | 5% |
| Back pain | 1% | 3% | 3% |
| Flushing | 1% | 1% | 3% |
| Muscle pain (myalgia) | 1% | 2% | 2% |
| Nasal congestion | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Source: Cialis (tadalafil) label, section 6.1 Table 2 (selected rows). Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
Use these results to frame a follow-up, not to choose your own dose. Each dose was studied in a separate group; the label reports significance versus placebo, not proof that 5 mg is better than 2.5 mg for every person (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §14.2). Dose increases depend on effectiveness and tolerability (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §2.2). For the diabetes context, read ED and diabetes.
How to take tadalafil 2.5 mg daily
- Same time every day, with or without food (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §2.2 and §2.5).
- Give it time: steady-state blood levels are reached within 5 days of once-daily dosing; that describes drug levels, not a deadline for an individual response (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §12.3).
- Do not split tablets; the label says the entire dose should be taken (Cialis (tadalafil) label).
- Grapefruit juice would likely increase tadalafil exposure, while rifampin can reduce exposure (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §7.2).
- Alcohol: substantial drinking (about 5 units or more) with tadalafil can cause dizziness and a drop in standing blood pressure (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §5.9); see ED and alcohol.
Daily use keeps tadalafil in your blood continuously, so the label asks prescribers to keep that in mind when checking interactions with nitrates, alpha-blockers, blood-pressure medicines and potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §5.2). For how long a single dose lasts, read how long does Cialis last.
Is generic tadalafil 2.5 mg the same as Cialis 2.5 mg?
FDA-approved generic tadalafil is held to the same clinical standards as the brand. FDA requires matching active ingredient, strength, dosage form and route, plus bioequivalence (FDA generic drug facts). The Solco tadalafil label includes a 2.5 mg tablet.
Searching for “2.5mg Cialis” or “brand Cialis 2.5mg”? Drugs@FDA: Cialis (tadalafil) lists that brand strength as discontinued, with a determination that it was not withdrawn for safety or effectiveness reasons. That status does not mean generic tadalafil 2.5 mg is discontinued; see the Solco tadalafil label.
For brand vs generic Cialis at every strength, see generic Cialis.
Brand vs generic: what affects the price
Compare the exact prescription and what the quoted charge includes. FDA explains that generics tend to cost less because they do not repeat the original studies, and competition can lower prices (FDA generic drug facts). A quote for a single-ingredient tablet is a different product comparison from a compounded combination; FDA says compounded drugs are not FDA-approved.
| GoodRx listing | GoodRx listed quantity | GoodRx price as low as |
|---|---|---|
| GoodRx: tadalafil 2.5 mg | 30 tablets | $14.24 |
Source: GoodRx tadalafil listing, dosage pricing table; accessed Oct 31, 2026. This is the listed “as low as” quote, not a price promised to you. Strength reference: Solco tadalafil label.
Ask for the total for your prescription, whether the visit has a separate charge, and any coverage requirements. For broader context, see Cialis cost and generic Cialis.
What each path includes
Decide what you want assessed before choosing a visit. Use the table to prepare your questions. For Mendoxa’s compounded option, start an online ED visit; Independent licensed providers assess suitability. Prescription required.
| Your priority | Starting point | What to discuss |
|---|---|---|
| I want low-dose daily tadalafil | In-person clinician or online visit; generic tadalafil filled at a pharmacy | Whether once-daily use fits, starting at 2.5 mg per the Cialis (tadalafil) label. Prescription required. |
| I prefer to take a tablet only before sex | In-person clinician or online visit | As-needed tadalafil starts at a different dose (Cialis (tadalafil) label); sildenafil is another option (Viagra (sildenafil) label). |
| I also have urinary symptoms (BPH) | Clinician who can assess urinary symptoms | The labeled daily dose for BPH or ED plus BPH is 5 mg, and alpha-blocker use changes the plan (Cialis (tadalafil) label). |
| I have kidney or liver disease, or take ritonavir or ketoconazole | Your prescribing clinician | Dose limits or avoidance listed in the Cialis (tadalafil) label. |
| I want to know whether Mendoxa fits | Mendoxa online ED visit | Independent licensed providers assess suitability; the compounded tablet is not FDA-approved. |
Sources: Cialis (tadalafil) label; Viagra (sildenafil) label; FDA generic drug facts; FDA compounding Q&A; Mendoxa care information. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
Before your visit: bring your medicine list and kidney or liver history so the provider can check the dose limits and interactions in the Cialis (tadalafil) label. Write down what you have tried and what you want to change; our online ED prescription guide explains the visit process.
Safety checks before ED medication
- Sildenafil and tadalafil are contraindicated with organic nitrates or riociguat (Viagra (sildenafil) label; Cialis (tadalafil) label).
- An erection lasting more than 4 hours needs immediate medical care (Viagra (sildenafil) label; Cialis (tadalafil) label).
- Stop and seek care for sudden vision loss or sudden decrease or loss of hearing (Viagra (sildenafil) label; Cialis (tadalafil) label).
- Common adverse effects include headache and flushing with sildenafil, and headache, indigestion and back pain with tadalafil (Viagra (sildenafil) label; Cialis (tadalafil) label).
- The APOKYN (apomorphine) label contraindicates use with 5HT3 antagonists such as ondansetron and warns about nausea and fainting.
Do not add another ED medicine to a daily tadalafil routine on your own: the Cialis (tadalafil) label says combinations with other PDE5 inhibitors or ED therapies have not been studied and tells patients not to take Cialis with other PDE5 inhibitors. See ED medication and nitrates and priapism for more detail.
Could Mendoxa ED care fit you?
Online ED visit · Prescription required · Independent licensed providers · Not available in California
Ask whether Mendoxa fits your ED care
Ready to discuss treatment? Start the Mendoxa online ED visit with your history and current medicines. Independent licensed providers assess suitability. Prescription required.
Mendoxa offers a compounded 3-in-1 tablet containing sildenafil, tadalafil and apomorphine; it is not FDA-approved, not an FDA-approved generic tadalafil tablet or a tadalafil 2.5 mg tablet. The separate ingredient labels—Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) label and APOKYN (apomorphine)—do not establish this combination’s safety or effectiveness.
Read about the combination ED tablet before the visit. The table below shows the available quantities and costs.
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 (APOKYN label). It dissolves under the tongue. A licensed clinician decides if it fits you and selects the strength. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved.
| Tablets per month | 1-month total | Per tablet (1 month) | 3-month total | 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 |
The 3-month total covers three months at the monthly tablet quantity shown.
If prescribed · Cancel anytime · Available in 49 states (not California). Prices from the Mendoxa intake at try.mendoxa.co/f/ed on Oct 31, 2026. The intake always shows the current price.
FAQ
Is tadalafil 2.5 mg safe for daily use?
It is a labeled starting dose for daily ED treatment, but suitability depends on your health and medicines (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §2.2). Tadalafil is contraindicated with nitrates or riociguat; once-daily use is not recommended with creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min or severe liver impairment (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §§2.6, 4).
How long does it take for tadalafil 20 mg to start working?
The label describes a trial that assessed successful erections at or before 30 minutes after dosing; that does not predict your personal onset (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §14.1). This is a different regimen from 2.5 mg daily, which reaches steady-state blood levels within 5 days (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §12.3).
What are people saying about tadalafil 2.5 mg in reviews?
For a treatment decision, use controlled trial results alongside your own experience rather than relying on individual reviews. In the 24-week study, the mean successful-attempt rate at endpoint was 50% with 2.5 mg, 57% with 5 mg and 31% with placebo (Cialis (tadalafil) label, Table 17). Those figures do not predict your response.
How should I take Cialis 20 mg?
Only as prescribed: 20 mg is an adjusted as-needed ED dose, while the usual starting as-needed dose is 10 mg before anticipated sexual activity; the maximum frequency is once per day in most patients (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §2.1). Kidney function and interacting medicines can require lower limits or longer intervals (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §§2.6–2.7). It is not the labeled daily ED regimen (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §2.2).
Is 2.5 mg Cialis effective, or is 5 mg better?
Both improved erectile function versus placebo in the label trials (Cialis (tadalafil) label, Tables 17–18). Results varied by study; the tables do not establish that 5 mg is better for every person. A prescriber may increase the daily dose from 2.5 mg to 5 mg based on effectiveness and tolerability (Cialis (tadalafil) label, §2.2).
Is generic tadalafil 2.5 mg the same as Cialis?
An FDA-approved generic must match the brand’s active ingredient, strength, dosage form and route and demonstrate bioequivalence (FDA generic drug facts). A generic 2.5 mg product is listed in the Solco tadalafil label; Mendoxa’s compounded combination is a different product and is not FDA-approved.
Ready to see if the Mendoxa ED tablet fits you?
From $129/month if prescribed · Cancel anytime · Available in 49 states (not California)
How we wrote this
Written by the Mendoxa editorial team · Sources: DailyMed/FDA. Medical facts on this page come from the FDA-approved labels on DailyMed and Drugs@FDA; each drug name links to its label. We checked the dose rules and trial tables against the Cialis (tadalafil) label, FDA generic guidance and Drugs@FDA on Oct 31, 2026. Results below describe approved tadalafil products; they do not establish the safety or effectiveness of Mendoxa’s compounded combination, which is not FDA-approved.
Updated Oct 31, 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice. A licensed clinician decides what fits you.
References
- DailyMed: VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) tablet, film coated, label revised 12/2017. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- DailyMed: CIALIS (tadalafil) tablet, film coated, label revised 3/2026. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- DailyMed: APOKYN (apomorphine hydrochloride) injection, label revised 6/2022. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- FDA (Drugs@FDA): VIAGRA (sildenafil) prescribing information, NDA 020895. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- FDA (Drugs@FDA): CIALIS (tadalafil) prescribing information, NDA 021368. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- FDA: Compounding and the FDA, questions and answers. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- Drugs@FDA: CIALIS (tadalafil), NDA 021368 — product and marketing status. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- DailyMed: Tadalafil tablets, Solco Healthcare (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg). Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- FDA: Generic Drug Facts. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- Mendoxa ED care (product, format, max 1 dose per 24 hours). Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- Mendoxa ED intake: plan prices (term_options). Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
About Mendoxa
Mendoxa (mendoxa.co) is a US telehealth brand. Independent licensed providers (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).
- Prescription required. 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 (FDA compounding Q&A).
- 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.