If you're looking to buy Cialis tablets online, Cialis 2.5 mg is a low-dose, daily version of the erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment Tadalafil. It's designed for men, or people assigned male at birth, who have sex regularly.
What is Cialis for daily use?
Cialis for daily use is a low-dose version of the ED treatment Tadalafil, taken once a day rather than only before sex. Instead of timing a tablet around each occasion, you take a small dose every day. This keeps a steady, low level of Tadalafil in your system.
It's prescribed for men who have sex regularly. To get the most from daily Cialis, take your usual dose at the same time each day. This makes it a habit, so you're less likely to forget.
Each pack contains enough tablets for 4 weeks of daily use. After around 5 days of consistent daily use, Tadalafil reaches a steady level in your body. This helps you get and keep an erection when you're sexually stimulated.
Cialis for daily use keeps working for as long as you keep taking it.
How it works
Cialis contains Tadalafil, a PDE-5 inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis. Taken daily, it keeps a low, steady level of Tadalafil in your system, so you don't need to time a dose around sex.
Directions for using Cialis
Cialis for daily use is available as a 5mg or 2.5mg tablet (find out more about Cialis 5mg for daily use). You'll be prescribed whichever strength suits you, based on your response to treatment. Take one tablet, once a day, at roughly the same time each day.
If 5mg doesn't suit you, your doctor might lower your dose to 2.5mg a day.
If you feel your dose isn't having the effect you'd like, don't take a second dose. Speak to your doctor instead. Only a healthcare professional can advise you on what to do next.
Side effects of Cialis
Most people rarely get side effects, and more severe side effects are even less common. Common side effects can include:
Headaches
Back pain
Muscle aches
Pain in arms and legs
Facial flushing
Nasal congestion
Indigestion
If you do get one or more of these mild side effects, they'll usually go away after a few days.
Stop taking Cialis and get urgent medical help if you have chest pain, sudden loss of vision, an allergic reaction or priapism. Priapism is an erection that doesn't go away for 4 hours or more. If it isn't treated promptly, it can lead to more serious health problems for the penis.
The patient information leaflet in every pack of Cialis has a fuller list of side effects that aren't mentioned here.
Is it safe to take Cialis for daily use?
Cialis for daily use is a licensed medicine, and it's safe when taken exactly as your prescriber advises. Like any medicine, it isn't suitable for everyone. That's why it's only available after a clinical review.
Cialis is a PDE-5 inhibitor, a type of medicine commonly used to treat ED. It contains the active ingredient Tadalafil, which helps you get an erection by temporarily boosting blood flow to the penis.
Cialis isn't an aphrodisiac and doesn't increase sexual desire. You still need sexual stimulation for it to work. With daily dosing, Tadalafil stays in your system at a steady, low level. This means you can respond to sexual stimulation without planning sex around a single dose.
Warnings when using Cialis
When taking Cialis, avoid drinking too much alcohol, as it can make it harder to keep a firm erection.
If you use nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate tablets) or nicorandil to treat angina, you should not take Cialis for daily use. If you take alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or tamsulosin), tell your doctor, as Cialis needs to be used with caution alongside them.
Always tell your doctor about any recreational drug use, as some recreational drugs can increase the risks when combined with Cialis.
What is the difference between Cialis for daily use and regular Cialis?
Cialis for daily use is taken once a day, keeping a consistent level of the medicine in your body. This means you can respond to sexual stimulation at any time, without planning sex around a dose, which makes spontaneous sex easier.
Cialis taken on an as-needed basis is used before you plan to have sex, typically at least 30 minutes before. Its effects can last up to 36 hours, giving you a longer window for sex without needing a daily dose.
Is Cialis for daily use right for you?
Daily Cialis (Tadalafil) may suit men who have sex often or would like more spontaneity. Taken at 2.5mg or 5mg a day, it keeps a consistent level of the medicine in your bloodstream. This helps you respond to sexual stimulation without planning around a dose.
Taking a low dose of Cialis every day will also reduce how severe any unpleasant side effects are, and how long they last.
If you'd prefer not to have Cialis in your body all the time, you may want to consider another ED medicine with a shorter-lasting effect. These include Viagra, Spedra and Levitra.
You can also take Cialis only occasionally, rather than every day.
If you'd like both daily and on-demand options, take a look at Cialis Together, which combines both doses in one pack.
Is Cialis effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy?
No. Cialis does not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases. It also isn't a contraceptive, so it won't prevent pregnancy.
Who should avoid taking Cialis?
People with some types of heart and circulation disease (cardiovascular disease) weren't included in clinical trials. This means Tadalafil must not be used if any of the following apply to you:
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) in the last 90 days
Unstable angina, or angina during sex
Heart failure rated New York Heart Association Class 2 or higher in the last 6 months
Uncontrolled irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Low blood pressure (hypotension) below 90/50mmHg
Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
A stroke in the last 6 months
You should also avoid Cialis if you take nitrates, or use recreational drugs containing alkyl nitrites (often known as "poppers"). Both can interact negatively with Cialis.
Are there any health risks associated with Cialis?
Some people may have a sudden drop in blood pressure when using Cialis. This is especially common in people who also take nitrates.
People with low blood pressure may become dizzy or faint, or have a stroke or heart attack.
What should my doctor know before prescribing me Cialis for daily use?
Tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
Heart problems
Abnormal blood pressure
A stroke
Liver problems
Kidney problems
Severe vision loss
Retinitis pigmentosa (a rare genetic eye disease)
Stomach ulcers
Bleeding problems
Any other similar medical condition
Is Cialis affected by other medications or foods?
Certain medicines can interact with Cialis if taken at the same time. That's why it's important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
You can take Cialis with or without food. Grapefruit juice may affect how well Cialis works, so take care if you drink it.
How to start your consultation
Complete a short online questionnaire about your health, ED and any medicines you take. Your answers are individually reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber to check whether Cialis 2.5 mg is suitable for you.
If approved, your treatment is dispensed by a GPhC-regulated UK pharmacy and delivered in discreet packaging to protect your privacy. Our UK-based clinical team also offers free, ongoing support if you have questions about your treatment.
Start your online consultation to find out whether daily Cialis is suitable for you.
Our Clinical Authors
This page has been written by a registered UK pharmacist and reviewed by our clinical team to ensure it is accurate, clear and reflects current clinical guidance.
Last medically reviewed: 05 November 2026
Last updated: 05 November 2026