Table of Contents
I. Remember: Your Doctor Knows Best
II. But in General, You Can Inform Yourself on Common Dosage Concerns
III. More Importantly, Stick to Your Prescribed Dose
IV. Use Cialis Safely to Get the Most Benefit
V. FAQ: What should you do if Cialis is not working?
Depending on what you take Cialis for, you may wonder how much you can take.
If you take Cialis for an enlarged prostate, this question may feel less urgent. That’s because it can take time to notice whether your doctor’s prescribed dose is helping your symptoms. Taking more on your own will not speed up the process, and it could increase your risk of side effects.
But if you take Cialis for erectile dysfunction (ED), the waiting period can feel a little different. Cialis On-Demand may start working in about 30 minutes for some people, but that does not mean you should take extra tablets if you do not notice results right away. [1]

It might seem harmless to think, “Maybe one more pill will help.” But with Cialis, more does not mean better. Taking too much Cialis can increase your risk of side effects, including low blood pressure, headache, dizziness, and, in rare cases, priapism, which is a painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. [2]
To help you avoid that risk, let’s break down how much Cialis you can take and what to do if your prescribed dose is not working.
Remember: Your Doctor Knows Best
Before we offer our own suggestions, talk to your doctor. It seems like an obvious step. But as shown previously, people can and do misuse their dosage. You can avoid this by letting your doctor know about your health-care concerns and needs.
Start off by considering the following questions:
- What, if any, medical history of yours does your doctor not know?
- How should you take your medication?
- Does the medication interact poorly with other substances?
- What dosage is acceptable?
- What dosage isn’t?
- How often can you take it?
Write these questions down. And add any other ones that you think are critical. Then, take them with you to your doctor’s clinic. The doctor should be able to answer you thoroughly or direct you to someone else who can.

But in General, You Can Inform Yourself on Common Dosage Concerns
Sometimes you may have to wait a good long while to see your doctor. You can ease your anxiety during this wait by getting some answers to the following common dosage concerns.
Can Cialis Be Taken Daily?
Unlike Viagra, Cialis gives you two dosing options for ED.
The first option is a lower daily dose (5 mg or 2.5 mg). This keeps the medication in your system consistently, so you do not have to plan as carefully around intercourse. [1]
The second option is an as-needed dose (typically starting at 10 mg, and adjustable to 5 mg or 20 mg depending on your response). If you do not want to take ED medication every day, your doctor may recommend taking a higher dose only when needed, usually at least 30 minutes before intercourse. [1] For more information on timing, read our article, “How Long Does It Take for Cialis to Start Working?”
Can You Break Cialis in Half?
Cialis (tadalafil) tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be split, crushed, broken, or separated in any way. Changing the tablet can affect the dose you actually receive, which means you may end up taking more or less than your doctor prescribed. [3]
What Is the Shelf Life of Cialis?
If you’re unsure whether your Cialis is still good to use, check the expiration date on the box or prescription label. This date tells you how long the medication is expected to remain safe and effective when stored properly. [1]

More Importantly, Stick to Your Prescribed Dose
It’s worth repeating: don’t crush, split, or otherwise tamper with Cialis tablets. Doing so can affect how you take the medication and may lead to an inconsistent dose.
Your doctor prescribed a specific type and dose of Cialis for a reason: to help manage your ED safely and effectively. If you’re running low, you can order brand-name Cialis or generic tadalafil online through a Canadian pharmacy like RxConnected. RxConnected offers Cialis in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses, so you can purchase the strength that matches your prescription.
Use Cialis Safely to Get the Most Benefit
In short, take Cialis exactly as your doctor prescribed. The good news is that Cialis offers some flexibility, since it can be taken either daily or as needed, depending on your prescription and health needs. For more guidance on timing, dosing, and getting the most from your treatment, read our article, “How to Take Cialis for the Best Results.” If your current routine is not working well for you, talk to your doctor instead of adjusting the dose on your own.
FAQ: What should you do if Cialis is not working?
If Cialis is not working the way you expected, do not take extra tablets or change your dose on your own. Taking more Cialis does not guarantee better results, and it can increase your risk of side effects like low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, and, in rare cases, priapism, which is a painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours.
Instead, talk to your doctor about whether your current Cialis dose, timing, or dosing schedule is right for you. Cialis can be taken either daily at a lower dose or as needed at a higher dose, depending on your prescription and health needs.
What to ask your doctor:
- Should I take Cialis daily or as needed?
- Is my current dose right for me?
- How long should I wait for Cialis to work?
- Could another medication or health issue be affecting my results?
DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
