What is Cialis Professional?

Cialis Professional is a chewable form of tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to manage erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. By enhancing blood flow to penile tissue during sexual stimulation, it can help achieve and maintain an erection.

Because this version is designed to be chewed, some users report a quicker perceived onset (often around 15 to 20 minutes). Tadalafil is known for a long activity window, commonly up to 24 to 36 hours; some individuals report longer. Sexual stimulation is still required for an erection to occur.

Conditions addressed: Primarily erectile dysfunction. It is not intended for improving athletic performance or for recreational use in sport.

For details on purchasing rules in the United States, see US Legal Information. For potential medicine conflicts, jump to Interactions.

How should I use this medicine?

Chew a tablet about 15 to 20 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period. Always follow the dose advised by your prescriber. Although some product listings mention 20 mg and 40 mg, many men respond to lower doses; higher doses increase the risk of side effects and should only be used when specifically directed by a clinician.

Avoid heavy alcohol intake at the same time (for example, 5 or more drinks), as it can increase dizziness, lower blood pressure, and reduce erection quality.

Overdose: If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or seek emergency care immediately.

Do not share your medication with anyone else.

Note: This medicine helps with erectile function but does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Use appropriate protection if needed.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Inform your clinician about all medical conditions, medications, and supplements. In particular, mention if you have or have had:

  • Heart problems, including angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or a prior heart attack
  • Eye or vision disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, or any sudden vision changes in the past
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Kidney disease or liver disease
  • Prior stroke
  • Any allergy to tadalafil or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

Also disclose tobacco use, alcohol intake, and any recreational drug use, as these can affect safety with PDE5 inhibitors.

What may interact with this medicine?

Some combinations can be dangerous. Do not use tadalafil with nitrates or recreational nitrites due to the risk of a severe blood pressure drop.

  • Nitrates or nitrite products: nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, amyl nitrite
  • Grapefruit or grapefruit juice (may increase tadalafil levels)
  • Macrolide antibiotics: erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin
  • Medicines for prostate or urinary symptoms (including alpha blockers); discuss safe timing and dosing with your clinician
  • HIV medicines (certain protease inhibitors and boosters)
  • Antifungals: ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole
  • Rifamycins: rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine
  • Antiseizure drugs: carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
  • Blood pressure medications and other drugs that can lower blood pressure
  • Other ED therapies or penile injections for ED (do not combine without medical guidance)

This list is not complete. Provide your health care professional a full list of prescription medicines, OTC drugs, vitamins, and herbal products you use.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

If you develop chest pain, severe dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity, stop and seek medical advice promptly. Call your clinician immediately if an erection lasts more than 4 hours or becomes painful.

Vision changes require urgent evaluation. Stop the drug and get medical care right away if you notice sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Likewise, sudden hearing decrease or ringing in the ears should be assessed promptly.

Avoid excessive alcohol. Use caution when standing up quickly, as tadalafil can cause lightheadedness in some users.

Possible side effects

Serious effects that need immediate medical attention:

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
  • Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
  • Sudden decrease or loss of hearing
  • Sudden vision loss or other vision changes

Common effects that are usually mild and temporary (tell your clinician if they persist or bother you):

  • Indigestion or stomach upset
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headache
  • Flushing or warmth in the face
  • Back pain or muscle aches
  • Dizziness

This is not a complete list of side effects.

How to store your medicine

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature, ideally 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Discard any tablets that are past the expiration date or damaged.

Alternatives and similar medications

Several PDE5 inhibitors are available for ED. Your choice may depend on onset, duration, side effects, cost, and personal response. Options include:

  • Sildenafil (Viagra and generics): Often starts working within 30 to 60 minutes; duration about 4 to 6 hours.
  • Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn ODT, and generics): Similar to sildenafil; some formulations are orally disintegrating.
  • Avanafil (Stendra): Faster onset in some men (as early as 15 minutes); duration typically up to 6 hours.
  • Tadalafil daily dosing (2.5 mg to 5 mg): For men who prefer spontaneity or who also have urinary symptoms due to BPH.

All of these require sexual stimulation to work. If you are considering switching, speak with your clinician to avoid interactions and duplications. For pricing, see Estimated Prices in USD.

Estimated prices in the USA (USD)

Prices vary widely by pharmacy, dose, quantity, and discount programs. As rough retail estimates:

  • Tadalafil generics (20 mg): about $1 to $3 per tablet with common discount programs; higher without discounts.
  • Cialis brand (20 mg): often $60 to $80+ per tablet.
  • Cialis Professional or other chewable tadalafil products: frequently marketed online between about $2 and $6 per 20 mg tablet; verify legitimacy and prescription requirements.
  • Sildenafil generics (50 to 100 mg): roughly $1 to $5 per tablet.
  • Vardenafil generics (10 to 20 mg): commonly $2 to $6 per tablet.
  • Avanafil (Stendra) brand (100 to 200 mg): about $20 to $35 per tablet; generic availability is limited and pricing varies.
  • Daily tadalafil (5 mg): often in the $0.60 to $1.50 per tablet range with discounts.

These are ballpark figures for comparison only and are not offers. Check multiple US-licensed pharmacies or telehealth services for current pricing.

US legal information for purchase and use

  • Prescription status: In the United States, tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine. A valid prescription from a US-licensed clinician is required for dispensing.
  • Telemedicine: It is legal to obtain a prescription through US-licensed telehealth providers after an appropriate evaluation.
  • Online pharmacies: Use only US-licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Be cautious of websites selling without a prescription; products may be counterfeit or unsafe.
  • Importation: Personal importation of prescription drugs from abroad is generally not permitted. While the FDA may use enforcement discretion in limited cases, ordering from foreign sellers can violate federal and state laws and risks receiving substandard products.
  • Age and use: For adults only. Use exactly as prescribed. Combining tadalafil with nitrates is contraindicated due to risk of severe hypotension.
  • Athletics: As of the latest guidance at the time of writing, PDE5 inhibitors such as tadalafil are not on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. Athletes should still confirm current rules with their sport governing body.
  • Insurance: Some plans cover generic tadalafil; brand coverage varies. Prior authorization may be required.

If you have questions about lawful access to treatment, consult your prescriber or pharmacist.