A doctor discusses tadalafil treatment with an older man during a medical consultation.

Key Takeaways

  • In an integrated analysis of five placebo-controlled trials, 81% of men taking tadalafil 20 mg reported improved erections, compared with 35% on placebo.
  • On-demand tadalafil, typically started at 10 mg, can improve erectile function for up to 36 hours; 5 mg once daily may be considered for greater spontaneity.
  • Before prescribing generic tadalafil or original Cialis, a doctor reviews your symptoms, cardiovascular history, current medications, and previous erectile dysfunction treatment.
  • Never combine tadalafil with nitrates such as nitroglycerin, and seek urgent medical attention for an erection lasting more than four hours or sudden vision or hearing loss.

Tadalafil is a well-established oral treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). It is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Cialis and is available as both generic tadalafil and original branded Cialis.

Like sildenafil, tadalafil belongs to the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class. The main difference is its longer duration of action. Tadalafil can improve erectile function for up to 36 hours after an on-demand dose, giving patients a wider window for sexual activity.

At H.U.M. Clinic, tadalafil is considered as part of a doctor-supervised ED assessment. Depending on lifestyle and frequency of sexual activity, patients may choose between on-demand tadalafil or a lower-dose daily treatment.

Patients can visit H.U.M. Clinic in Bangkok or arrange an online consultation when appropriate. Prescription treatment is provided following medical assessment.

Tadalafil is the active ingredient, while Cialis is the original branded tadalafil product.

Approved generic tadalafil contains the same active medicine, although the manufacturer, inactive ingredients, packaging, and price may differ.

H.U.M. Clinic offers several options depending on physician assessment and availability:

  • Tadalafil (Talafil) 10 mg, 4 tablets: THB 1,100
  • Tadalafil (Talafil) 20 mg, 4 tablets: THB 1,600
  • Tadalafil (Talafil) 5 mg daily, 30 tablets: THB 2,750
  • Cialis 20 mg, 4 tablets: THB 2,650
  • Cialis 5 mg daily, 30 tablets: THB 4,690

Prices and availability may change. Medication choice should be based on medical suitability, frequency of sexual activity, response, and patient preference rather than price alone.

Sexual stimulation increases nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in penile tissue. cGMP relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow into the penis.

PDE5 normally breaks down cGMP. Tadalafil inhibits PDE5, allowing the erectile signaling pathway to remain active longer.

Tadalafil does not automatically cause an erection and does not directly increase testosterone or libido. Sexual stimulation is still required.

In a pivotal integrated analysis by Brock and colleagues, 1,112 men with mild to severe erectile dysfunction participated in five randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

Among men receiving tadalafil 20 mg, 75% of intercourse attempts were successfully completed, and 81% reported improved erections, compared with 35% in the placebo group.

An important randomized controlled trial also evaluated the longer treatment window of tadalafil. Porst and colleagues randomized 348 men to tadalafil 20 mg or placebo. Successful intercourse occurred in 52.9% of attempts approximately 24 hours after tadalafil versus 29.1% with placebo, and 59.2% versus 28.3% approximately 36 hours after dosing.

Daily tadalafil has also been studied. In a randomized trial of 268 men, tadalafil 5 mg once daily significantly improved erectile function and successful intercourse compared with placebo. At study completion, 84.5% of men receiving tadalafil 5 mg reported improved erections versus 28.3% with placebo.

Both medicines are PDE5 inhibitors with strong evidence for treating ED, but their practical characteristics differ.

FeatureTadalafilSildenafil
Common on-demand dose10 to 20 mg50 to 100 mg
Treatment windowUp to 36 hoursUsually several hours
Half-lifeAbout 17.5 hoursAbout 4 hours
Food effectMinimalHigh-fat meals may delay absorption
Daily optionYes, 5 mg dailyUsually used on demand for ED
BPH indicationYes, tadalafil 5 mg dailyNo
Best suited forFlexibility/spontaneityShorter planned treatment window

Tadalafil reaches peak blood levels at a median of approximately two hours and has an average half-life of about 17.5 hours. Food does not meaningfully affect its absorption. Sildenafil has a shorter half-life of approximately four hours, and a high-fat meal can delay absorption.

Neither drug is universally “better.” Sildenafil may suit patients who prefer occasional, planned use, while tadalafil may suit patients who want a longer period of responsiveness or a daily option.

For on-demand ED treatment, 10 mg before anticipated sexual activity is a standard starting dose. Depending on effectiveness and tolerability, treatment may be adjusted to 20 mg.

Tadalafil should generally not be taken more than once per day.

For patients who prefer greater spontaneity, tadalafil 5 mg once daily may be considered. Daily tadalafil is taken at approximately the same time each day rather than specifically before sexual activity. Tadalafil may be taken with or without food.

A man sets a 09:00 medication reminder on his smartphone, illustrating daily tadalafil taken at the same time each day.

Tadalafil 5 mg daily is also used for symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), making it potentially useful for selected men who have both ED and urinary symptoms.

Patients who cannot conveniently visit H.U.M. Clinic may contact the clinic regarding online consultation and medication delivery within Thailand.

The process is:

New or existing patients may arrange an appointment online.

The doctor reviews ED symptoms, cardiovascular history, current medications, previous ED treatment, and preferred treatment pattern.

Depending on suitability, options may include tadalafil 10 mg or 20 mg on demand, tadalafil 5 mg daily, or original Cialis.

Eligible prescribed medication can be arranged for domestic or local delivery after consultation and prescription.

Patients can book a consultation with our doctor through the H.U.M. Clinic appointment system. H.U.M. Clinic lists both Cialis and generic tadalafil among its physician-supervised PDE5 inhibitor options.

Tadalafil must not be combined with nitrate medications, such as nitroglycerin, because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure. It is also contraindicated with guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat.

A clinician reviews a patient information form on a clipboard, with medicine bottles on the desk.

Common side effects include headache, indigestion, flushing, nasal congestion, back pain, and muscle aches.

Seek urgent medical attention for an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden significant vision or hearing loss, fainting, or severe chest symptoms.

How long does tadalafil last?

Tadalafil may improve erectile responsiveness for up to 36 hours after an on-demand dose. This does not mean an erection lasts continuously for 36 hours.

Is tadalafil better than sildenafil?

Neither is universally better. Tadalafil offers a longer treatment window, minimal food interaction, and a daily option. Sildenafil has a shorter duration and may suit patients who prefer planned, occasional use.

Can tadalafil be taken every day?

Yes. Tadalafil 5 mg once daily is an established treatment option for selected patients with ED and can also be used in men with BPH symptoms.

How much does tadalafil cost at H.U.M. Clinic?

Generic tadalafil (Talafil) starts at THB 1,100 for four 10 mg tablets, and 5 mg daily is THB 2,750 for 30 tablets. Original Cialis starts at THB 2,650 for four 20 mg tablets. Prices may change.

Can I get tadalafil delivered in Thailand?

Yes. After a doctor reviews your suitability, in person or through an online consultation, eligible prescribed tadalafil can be arranged for delivery within Thailand.

This article is for general medical information only and does not replace consultation with a licensed physician. Tadalafil suitability, dosage, frequency, medication interactions, and treatment duration should be determined after medical evaluation. Tadalafil must not be combined with nitrate medications.

Brock GB, McMahon CG, Chen KK, et al. Efficacy and safety of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: results of integrated analyses. Journal of Urology. 2002;168(4 Pt 1):1332-1336. doi:10.1016/S0022-5347(05)64442-4.

Porst H, Padma-Nathan H, Giuliano F, Anglin G, Varanese L, Rosen R. Efficacy of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction at 24 and 36 hours after dosing: a randomized controlled trial. Urology. 2003;62(1):121-125. doi:10.1016/S0090-4295(03)00359-5.

Porst H, Giuliano F, Glina S, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of once-a-day dosing of tadalafil 5 mg and 10 mg in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. European Urology. 2006;50(2):351-359. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2006.02.052. PMID: 16766116.

Eli Lilly and Company. CIALIS (tadalafil) tablets, for oral use: prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Revised March 2026.

Viatris Specialty LLC. VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) tablets, for oral use: prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Revised November 2023.

Waset Thongrak, M.D. (Dr.Don)

Provides diverse medical services, specializing in male hormone treatment, sexual health, and general practice care. He is dedicated to delivering comprehensive care for international patients, addressing physical, emotional, and mental health needs.