Cialis in the Philippines: Price, Availability & Complete Guide
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Why Cialis Became "The Weekend Pill"
The nickname comes from its duration. Take a single 20mg Cialis tablet on Friday evening, and its effects can last through Sunday morning. That 36-hour window is roughly 9 times longer than Viagra's 4-hour window.
This matters because it changes the entire experience of using ED medication. With Viagra, you need to think: "We might have sex in the next hour, let me take a pill." With Cialis, you take it well ahead of time and simply go about your weekend. No watching the clock. No rushing.
For many men, this shift from "timed medication" to "background support" is the main reason they prefer Cialis over Viagra, even when Viagra's faster onset (30-60 minutes vs Cialis's 30 minutes to 2 hours) might seem like an advantage.
Daily Cialis: The Always-Ready Option
This is the feature that sets Cialis apart from every other ED medication on the market.
How it works: Take one 5mg Cialis tablet at the same time every day. After 4 to 5 days, the drug reaches a steady state in your bloodstream, meaning there is always enough tadalafil in your system to support erectile function when you are aroused.
Who it is for: - Men who are sexually active 3 or more times per week - Men who dislike the idea of timing a pill around sex - Men who want their ED treatment to feel invisible, like a daily vitamin rather than a situational medication - Men who also have BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) symptoms, since daily tadalafil 5mg is also FDA-approved for urinary symptoms of enlarged prostate
Cost consideration: Daily Cialis is more expensive per month than taking as-needed Viagra once or twice a week. But for men who would otherwise be taking as-needed doses 3+ times per week, the per-dose economics often favor daily use. Through NowExpress, branded Cialis 5mg x 28 tablets (one month supply) is P10,290.
Cialis Pricing in the Philippines (2026)
Branded Cialis (Eli Lilly) through NowExpress: - 20mg x 2 tablets: P4,639 (as-needed use) - 5mg x 28 tablets: P10,290 (daily use, one-month supply)
Retail pharmacies (Mercury Drug, Watsons, etc.): Branded Cialis pricing varies by location, typically P2,000 to P2,500+ per tablet for 20mg. A prescription is required.
Generic tadalafil: Available at significantly lower prices. Generic tadalafil contains the same active ingredient at the same dose. Ask during your NowExpress consultation for current generic options and pricing.
Thafil ODF (tadalafil dissolving film): A unique tadalafil product in oral dissolving film format, available exclusively through NowExpress. Place on your tongue, dissolves in seconds. Same active ingredient as Cialis, different delivery format.
Price Comparison: Cialis vs Viagra in the Philippines
| Product | Price (NowExpress) | Per Tablet | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic Sildenafil 50mg x 4 | P839 | ~P210 | Up to 4 hours |
| Generic Sildenafil 100mg x 4 | P889 | ~P222 | Up to 4 hours |
| Pfizer Viagra 50mg x 4 | P6,139 | ~P1,535 | Up to 4 hours |
| Cialis 20mg x 2 | P4,639 | ~P2,320 | Up to 36 hours |
| Cialis 5mg x 28 (daily) | P10,290 | ~P368/day | Continuous |
The math depends on frequency. A man who has sex once a week might spend P210/week on generic sildenafil or P2,320/week on Cialis. But a man who has sex 4 times a week might prefer daily Cialis at P368/day rather than taking 4 separate sildenafil tablets.
How to Get Cialis in the Philippines
Cialis (tadalafil) is a prescription medication. You need a licensed doctor to evaluate your health before you can obtain it.
In-Person
Visit a urologist, internist, or general practitioner. They will review your medical history, screen for contraindications (nitrate medications, cardiovascular conditions, alpha-blockers), and write a prescription if appropriate. Take it to any licensed pharmacy.
Online Through NowExpress
- Complete the health assessment (about 5 minutes). It covers medical history, current medications, cardiovascular health, and ED symptoms.
- Free doctor review. A licensed Philippine doctor evaluates your profile. If tadalafil is safe and appropriate, they prescribe it. If not, they explain why. No charge unless approved.
- Choose your product. Branded Cialis, Thafil ODF strips, or generic tadalafil. As-needed or daily dosing.
- Discreet delivery. Plain, unmarked packaging. Free shipping.
NowExpress holds an FDA License to Operate and sources Cialis from Eli Lilly and other verified pharmaceutical partners.
Where NOT to Buy Cialis
The same warnings that apply to Viagra apply here. Avoid Shopee, Lazada, Facebook Marketplace, and any seller who does not require a prescription. Counterfeit tadalafil exists, and purchasing without medical screening is both illegal and dangerous. The nitrate interaction warning is especially critical with tadalafil because the drug stays active for up to 36 hours, meaning the interaction window is much longer than with Viagra.
Cialis vs Viagra: A Quick Comparison
This is the most common question men ask, so here is the straightforward answer.
| Feature | Cialis (Tadalafil) | Viagra (Sildenafil) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 36 hours | Up to 4 hours |
| Onset | 30 min to 2 hours | 30-60 minutes |
| Food interaction | Minimal | Significant (fatty meals reduce effectiveness) |
| Daily use option | Yes (5mg) | No |
| BPH treatment | Yes (5mg daily) | No |
| Common side effects | Headache, back pain, muscle aches | Headache, flushing, blue-tinted vision |
| Starting price (NowExpress) | P4,639 for 2 tablets | P839 for 4 tablets (generic) |
Neither is objectively better. Viagra works faster. Cialis lasts longer. Viagra is more affordable per dose (especially generic). Cialis offers daily dosing. Many men try both and settle on the one that fits their lifestyle.
For a deep dive, see our Cialis vs Viagra comparison.
Cialis for BPH (Enlarged Prostate)
Many men over 50 have both ED and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH causes urinary symptoms: frequent urination, urgency, weak stream, difficulty starting, and nighttime bathroom trips.
Daily Cialis 5mg is FDA-approved for both ED and BPH symptoms. It relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder in addition to the penile vasculature. Clinical studies show significant improvement in both erectile function and urinary symptoms with a single daily medication.
This is a meaningful advantage. Men who would otherwise need two separate medications (one for ED, one for BPH) can address both with daily tadalafil. Discuss this option with your doctor if you experience both conditions.
Safety and Contraindications
The safety profile is covered in detail in our tadalafil guide. The key points:
Do NOT take Cialis if you use nitrate medications (nitroglycerin, isosorbide, recreational nitrites). This is the most critical safety rule. The blood pressure drop can be fatal. Because Cialis stays active for up to 36 hours, the nitrate interaction window is much wider than with Viagra. If you need emergency cardiac care after taking Cialis, inform the medical team that you took tadalafil and when.
Do NOT take Cialis with riociguat (a pulmonary hypertension medication).
Use caution with alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, doxazosin) for blood pressure or prostate. Your doctor will likely start with a lower Cialis dose and monitor blood pressure.
Common side effects: Headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, nasal congestion. Back pain and muscle aches are more common with Cialis than with Viagra, likely due to the longer duration of action. They typically resolve within 48 hours.
Seek immediate medical attention for: erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, or chest pain.
Generic Cialis: What to Know
Since Eli Lilly's patent on tadalafil expired, generic versions have become available worldwide, including in the Philippines. Generic tadalafil contains the same active ingredient at the same dose and must meet the same regulatory standards for safety and efficacy.
Why consider generic? The price difference is substantial. Branded Cialis 20mg costs P2,320 per tablet through NowExpress. Generic tadalafil can be significantly less. For daily use, the monthly cost difference is even more meaningful.
Quality considerations: Not all generics are equal in terms of manufacturer reputation. Buy from a licensed pharmacy or platform that sources from reputable pharmaceutical companies. NowExpress offers both branded Cialis and vetted generic alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cialis cost in the Philippines?
Branded Cialis (Eli Lilly) through NowExpress: P4,639 for 2 tablets of 20mg, or P10,290 for 28 tablets of 5mg (daily supply). Retail pharmacy prices are typically P2,000 to P2,500+ per tablet. Generic tadalafil is available at lower prices.
Can I buy Cialis over the counter in the Philippines?
No. Cialis (tadalafil) is a prescription medication. A licensed doctor must evaluate your health and issue a prescription. Any seller offering it without a consultation is operating illegally.
Is daily Cialis safe for long-term use?
Yes. Daily tadalafil 5mg has been studied in clinical trials lasting over 2 years with a consistent safety profile. Many men use it for years. Your doctor should periodically review whether continued use is appropriate.
Can I take Cialis and Viagra together?
No. You should never combine PDE5 inhibitors. Taking Cialis and Viagra together doubles the mechanism of action without doubling the benefit, and significantly increases the risk of side effects including dangerous blood pressure drops.
How long does Cialis take to work?
For as-needed use (10mg or 20mg), take it 30 minutes to 2 hours before sexual activity. Some men respond within 30 minutes; others need closer to 2 hours. The 36-hour window means timing is far less critical than with Viagra. For daily use (5mg), allow 4 to 5 days of consistent use to reach full effect.
Is the "Weekend Pill" claim real?
Yes. Clinical studies confirm that a single dose of tadalafil maintains clinically meaningful improvement in erectile function for up to 36 hours. This does not mean a 36-hour erection. It means that during those 36 hours, your body responds more effectively to sexual stimulation.
Does food affect Cialis?
Unlike Viagra, Cialis is not significantly affected by food. You can take it with a meal, after a meal, or on an empty stomach. This is one of its practical advantages.
Is Cialis available at Mercury Drug?
Yes. Mercury Drug and other licensed pharmacies carry branded Cialis. You will need a valid doctor's prescription. Pricing is typically at or above the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
What is Thafil ODF?
Thafil ODF is a tadalafil product in oral dissolving film format. Same active ingredient as Cialis (tadalafil), but instead of a tablet, it is a thin film that dissolves on your tongue in seconds. No water needed. Discreet and portable. Available exclusively through NowExpress in the Philippine market.
Cialis is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly. This guide is for informational purposes. Tadalafil is a prescription medication. Consult a licensed doctor before use. Start a free consultation on NowExpress to find out if Cialis is right for you.