Cialis (tadalafil)

Cialis is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat the following in men:

• erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition in which you can’t get or keep an erection
• symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a prostate condition that may cause problems with urination
• ED and symptoms of BPH together

Cialis comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s available in four strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg. Depending on your situation and what condition Cialis is treating, you’ll take the drug either before sexual activity or once a day.

Cialis contains the active drug ingredient tadalafil and belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. For ED, Cialis relaxes the blood vessels leading to the penis so that more blood can flow into it. For BPH symptoms, Cialis relaxes muscles in your bladder, allowing you to urinate more easily.

Cialis is available only by prescription. It’s not available over the counter.