What Is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor, the same class of medication as sildenafil. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Like sildenafil, it does not cause spontaneous erections. Arousal is still required.
Tadalafil was approved by the US FDA in 2003 and has been prescribed globally for over 20 years. It is available as branded Cialis (manufactured by Eli Lilly) and as generic tadalafil.
How Tadalafil Works
As-needed dosing (10mg or 20mg): Take the tablet 30 minutes to 2 hours before sexual activity. The medication stays effective for up to 36 hours. This does not mean you will have an erection for 36 hours. It means that during that window, your body can respond more effectively to sexual stimulation.
Daily dosing (5mg): Take one tablet at the same time every day, regardless of when you plan to be sexually active. After a few days of consistent use, the medication reaches a steady level in your system. You are effectively "always ready" without timing anything.
Food has minimal impact. Unlike sildenafil, which works best on an empty stomach, tadalafil can be taken with or without food. This is one of the practical advantages, especially for as-needed use around meals or evenings out.
Dosages and Products Available
Cialis (Eli Lilly)
-
20mg x 2 tablets: ₱4,639 (as-needed use)
-
5mg x 28 tablets: ₱10,290 (daily use, one month supply)
Thafil ODF (Orodispersible Film)
Thafil ODF is a tadalafil product in a unique format: a thin film that dissolves on your tongue. No water needed. No swallowing a tablet. It is discreet, fast-dissolving, and easy to carry. This format is exclusive to NowExpress in the Philippine market.
Generic Tadalafil
Available at lower price points. Ask during your consultation for current generic options and pricing.
As-Needed vs Daily: Which Approach Is Better?
This depends on how often you are sexually active and what matters most to you.
Choose as-needed (10mg or 20mg) if:
- You have sex once or twice a week
- You do not mind taking a tablet ahead of time (though the 36-hour window is very forgiving)
- You prefer to only take medication when you need it
Choose daily (5mg) if:
- You are sexually active 3 or more times per week
- You want to be ready at any time without thinking about it
- You dislike the idea of "planning" around a pill
- You have mild ED symptoms that benefit from continuous low-level support
Many men start with as-needed dosing and switch to daily if they find themselves taking it frequently. Your doctor can help you decide which approach fits your situation.
How to Buy Tadalafil Through NowExpress
-
Complete the health assessment on NowExpress. About 5 minutes. Covers medical history, current medications, and ED symptoms.
-
Free doctor review. A licensed Philippine doctor evaluates your profile. If tadalafil is safe and appropriate, they issue a prescription. If not, they explain why. No charge unless you are approved and choose to proceed.
-
Select your product. Choose between Cialis, Thafil ODF, or generic tadalafil. Select as-needed or daily dosing based on your doctor's recommendation.
-
Discreet delivery. Ships in plain, unmarked packaging. Free delivery.
NowExpress is FDA-licensed with a License to Operate. Medications are sourced from Eli Lilly and other verified pharmaceutical partners.
Who Should (and Should Not) Take Tadalafil
Tadalafil is suitable for most adult men with erectile dysfunction. The contraindications are the same as other PDE5 inhibitors.
Do not take tadalafil if you:
- Use nitrate medications for chest pain or heart conditions (nitroglycerin, isosorbide). The combination can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. This is the most important safety rule for any PDE5 inhibitor.
- Use recreational nitrites ("poppers")
- Have been advised to avoid sexual activity due to a heart condition
- Are allergic to tadalafil
Tell your doctor if you have:
- Heart disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, or irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Liver or kidney problems
- Peyronie's disease
- Conditions predisposing to priapism (sickle cell disease, leukemia, multiple myeloma)
Medication interactions: Alpha-blockers, certain antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, and some antibiotics may interact with tadalafil. The NowExpress health assessment is designed to identify these.
Side Effects
Tadalafil is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects are mild and tend to decrease with continued use:
- Headache
- Indigestion or stomach discomfort
- Back pain
- Muscle aches
- Facial flushing
- Nasal congestion
Back pain and muscle aches are more commonly reported with tadalafil than with sildenafil, likely due to its longer duration of action. These typically resolve within 48 hours.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience: an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, or chest pain.
Tadalafil vs Sildenafil: Quick Comparison
| Feature |
Tadalafil (Cialis) |
Sildenafil (Viagra) |
| Duration of effectiveness |
Up to 36 hours |
Up to 4 hours |
| Onset |
30 min to 2 hours |
30-60 minutes |
| Food sensitivity |
Minimal |
Works best on empty stomach |
| Daily use option |
Yes (5mg) |
No |
| Starting price (NowExpress) |
₱4,639 for 2 tablets (Cialis 20mg) |
₱839 for 4 tablets (generic) |
Tadalafil's longer window and food flexibility make it the preferred choice for men who want spontaneity. Sildenafil is more affordable per dose and works faster for planned use. Both are effective, safe, and well-studied.
For more detail on sildenafil options, visit our sildenafil page. For a full overview of all treatment options, see our ED treatment guide.
About Thafil ODF Strips
Thafil ODF is an orodispersible film containing 10mg of tadalafil. It is a thin strip that you place on your tongue, where it dissolves in seconds. No water, no tablet, no swallowing.
This format is practical for situations where taking a traditional tablet is inconvenient. It is also extremely discreet. The strips are small, flat, and easy to carry in a wallet or pocket.
Thafil ODF is available exclusively through NowExpress in the Philippine market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tadalafil really work for 36 hours?
The medication stays active in your system for up to 36 hours. During this window, you can achieve an erection more easily when sexually stimulated. It does not mean you will have an erection for 36 hours. The effect is "on demand" within that time frame, triggered by arousal.
Is Cialis better than Viagra?
Neither is objectively better. They work through the same mechanism but have different profiles. Tadalafil lasts longer and is less affected by food. Sildenafil works faster and is more affordable. Many men try both and decide based on personal experience. Your doctor can help you choose.
Can I take tadalafil every day?
Yes. The 5mg daily dose is specifically designed for daily use. It is FDA-approved for this purpose and has been studied extensively. After a few days of consistent use, you maintain a steady level of the medication, which means you are ready for sexual activity at any time.
Can I split a 20mg Cialis tablet for daily use?
This is not recommended without your doctor's guidance. The 5mg daily and 20mg as-needed formulations may differ in how they are manufactured. Your doctor can advise on whether splitting is appropriate for your situation.
What is Thafil ODF and how is it different?
Thafil ODF is tadalafil in a dissolving film format. You place it on your tongue and it dissolves in seconds. The active ingredient is the same as Cialis. The format is different: no tablet, no water needed. It is convenient, discreet, and available exclusively through NowExpress.
Does food affect tadalafil?
Unlike sildenafil, tadalafil has minimal food interaction. You can take it with or without meals. This is one of the practical advantages, especially for spontaneous use or when taking it around dinner.
How long before sex should I take tadalafil?
For as-needed use (10mg or 20mg), take it 30 minutes to 2 hours before sexual activity. The 36-hour window means exact timing is less critical than with sildenafil. For daily use (5mg), timing does not matter because the medication is always active.
Is it safe to buy tadalafil online?
Yes, from a properly licensed provider. NowExpress holds an FDA License to Operate, sources medication from verified partners including Eli Lilly, and requires a licensed doctor review before dispensing. Avoid platforms that sell without medical oversight or that disclaim being licensed pharmacies.
Is the delivery discreet?
Yes. Plain, unmarked packaging with no visible branding, product names, or indication of contents. Delivery is free.
Ready to get started? Start your free consultation and a licensed doctor will review your case privately. Choose between Cialis, Thafil ODF, or generic tadalafil, delivered discreetly to your door.
