Quick facts

  • Available strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg
  • Condition treated: Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
  • Active ingredient: Tadalafil

What is Cialis Soft and how does it work?

Cialis Soft contains tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor designed to improve erectile function. The Soft form is a chewable or sublingual tablet intended to dissolve in the mouth. When sexual stimulation is present, it can begin working in about 15 to 20 minutes for many people, and the effect may persist for up to 36 hours. During that window, multiple attempts at intercourse are possible.

Because the Soft formulation may be absorbed more rapidly through the mouth, some users perceive a quicker onset compared with standard film-coated tablets, although results vary by individual. For directions on timing and amounts, see How to take it. For medicines that should not be combined, visit Drug interactions.

How to take Cialis Soft

General guidance only. Follow the prescription from your licensed U.S. clinician.

  • Standard on-demand dose: 20 mg taken once before anticipated sexual activity.
  • Timing: Take at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to sexual activity; food does not significantly affect the Soft form.
  • Do not exceed one dose in 24 hours.
  • Some individuals may be instructed by a clinician to adjust dose based on tolerability and response. Do not self-increase to 40 mg without medical advice.

If you are interested in daily low-dose tadalafil (2.5 to 5 mg) rather than on-demand use, talk to your prescriber about whether that regimen suits you. For missed doses and daily regimens, see Missed dose.

Precautions and things to discuss with your clinician

Before starting Cialis Soft, tell your healthcare professional if any of the following apply to you:

  • Structural abnormalities of the penis such as Peyronie disease or congenital curvature.
  • Heart issues: coronary artery disease, angina, arrhythmias, prior heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or if your clinician has advised against sexual activity.
  • Blood pressure problems (high or low), bleeding disorders, or stomach/duodenal ulcers.
  • Diabetes, high lipids, sickle cell disease, liver impairment, or kidney impairment.
  • Eye or hearing concerns, especially a history of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) or retinitis pigmentosa.

Avoid heavy alcohol intake as it can increase dizziness or low blood pressure. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice because it can raise tadalafil levels. If you smoke tobacco, be aware that optic nerve problems like NAION have been reported rarely, and risk factors may include smoking. For absolute do-not-use situations, see Contraindications.

Contraindications (do not use)

  • Use of any nitrate medication (regular or intermittent), such as nitroglycerin in any form, isosorbide mononitrate, or isosorbide dinitrate.
  • Use of soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators (for example, riociguat).
  • Known hypersensitivity to tadalafil or any component of the formulation.
  • Situations where sexual activity is inadvisable due to severe cardiovascular disease.

Combining Cialis Soft with nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. For more details on interacting medicines, see Drug interactions.

Possible side effects

Most people tolerate tadalafil well, but side effects can occur. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe dizziness/fainting, sudden vision or hearing loss, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.

Common effects:

  • Flushing or warmth of the face
  • Headache
  • Indigestion, stomach upset, or diarrhea
  • Nasal congestion
  • Back or muscle aches
  • Nausea or flu-like feelings

Less common but more serious:

  • Low blood pressure, lightheadedness, or fainting
  • Blurred vision or color-vision changes (for example, a blue tinge)
  • Allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing
  • Abnormal ejaculation or prolonged/painful erection (priapism)

Heart-related complications have been reported in some patients with underlying cardiac disease who engage in sexual activity while using PDE5 inhibitors. If an erection persists beyond 4 hours, go to an emergency department immediately to prevent long-term injury.

For storage information, see Storage tips.

Drug interactions

Cialis Soft can interact with several prescription and nonprescription medicines. Notably dangerous combinations include nitrates and certain blood pressure drugs. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can raise tadalafil levels and side effect risk.

Avoid or use only with specific medical supervision:

  • Nitrates: nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, erythritol tetranitrate.
  • Alpha blockers and similar agents: doxazosin, terazosin, prazosin, bunazosin, urapidil, moxisylyte, phenoxybenzamine, phentolamine, trimazosin. If co-prescribed, careful dose separation and monitoring may be needed.
  • Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, indinavir, atazanavir, nelfinavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, nefazodone.
  • Other blood pressure medicines and alcohol: additive blood-pressure lowering effects are possible.

Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements you take. If you are unsure, ask before starting Cialis Soft. For who should not use it at all, see Contraindications.

Missed dose

On-demand use: Not applicable, as Cialis Soft is taken only when needed before sexual activity.

Daily regimen (if prescribed by your clinician): If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is near the time for the next dose. Do not double up.

Overdose

Too much tadalafil may intensify side effects such as headache, flushing, dizziness, low blood pressure, visual changes, or prolonged erection. Seek immediate medical help or contact Poison Control (in the U.S., 1-800-222-1222) if you suspect an overdose.

Storage tips

  • Keep in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
  • Do not store in a bathroom where humidity is high.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Retain in original packaging to protect from light and to reference labeling.

Alternative and similar medications

If Cialis Soft is not suitable or available, your prescriber may consider these options. Always use only with a valid U.S. prescription.

  • Generic tadalafil film-coated tablets (on-demand): Same active ingredient; onset typically 30 to 60 minutes; duration up to 36 hours.
  • Tadalafil daily (2.5 to 5 mg once daily): Suitable for frequent sexual activity; provides anytime readiness after steady-state is reached.
  • Sildenafil (Viagra and generics): Onset about 30 to 60 minutes; duration 4 to 6 hours; food may delay onset.
  • Vardenafil (Levitra/Staxyn): Similar to sildenafil; orally disintegrating forms exist; duration around 4 to 6 hours.
  • Avanafil (Stendra): Faster onset in some users (as soon as 15 minutes); duration up to 6 hours.

Choice depends on speed of onset, duration, side-effect profile, other medicines taken, and personal preference. For relative costs, see Typical prices in USD.

Typical prices in the USA (rough, cash-pay)

Prices vary widely by pharmacy, dosage, quantity, discounts, and insurance. The ranges below are rough estimates per tablet as of recent U.S. retail and reputable mail-order cash prices; your actual cost may differ substantially.

  • Cialis Soft (tadalafil chewable/ODT, where available): about $2 to $8 per 20 mg tablet from generic sources; branded/authorized products may cost more.
  • Generic tadalafil 20 mg (standard tablet): about $1 to $6 per tablet.
  • Brand Cialis 20 mg: commonly $50 to $70+ per tablet without insurance.
  • Tadalafil daily 5 mg (generic): roughly $0.30 to $2 per tablet depending on quantity.
  • Generic sildenafil 50-100 mg: around $1 to $5 per tablet.
  • Generic vardenafil 10-20 mg: typically $2 to $7 per tablet.
  • Avanafil (Stendra) 100-200 mg: often $20 to $50+ per tablet brand-only.

Use accredited pharmacies and compare prices using reputable tools. If a price looks too good to be true, it may indicate a risky or noncompliant source. For legal guidance on purchasing, see Legal status in the United States.

Additional use notes

Sexual arousal is required for Cialis Soft to work. If you experience chest pain during sex, stop and seek immediate medical help. Do not take with recreational nitrates (poppers) or after recent nitrate use. For more on safety, revisit Precautions and Drug interactions.

Disclaimer

This page offers general information and may not include every precaution, interaction, or direction. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional and the product labeling. The publisher is not responsible for any harm resulting from use of the information provided here or from self-treatment. For personalized guidance, consult your clinician or pharmacist.

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