Short answer: generic Cialis contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Cialis, tadalafil, at the same strength, and it works in the body the same way. What can differ is the manufacturer, the inactive ingredients, the look of the tablet, the price and which regulator has approved that particular product.
What is exactly the same
- Active ingredient: tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.
- Strengths: the same milligram amounts, such as 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg.
- How it is used: at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, no more than once in 24 hours, with or without food.
- Safety rules: the same warnings apply. Tadalafil must never be combined with nitrates for chest pain.
What can be different
| Point | Brand Cialis | Generic tadalafil brands |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Many companies, for example Centurion (Vidalista) or Fortune Healthcare (Tadalista) |
| Inactive ingredients | Fixed formula | Fillers, colours and coatings vary by maker |
| Tablet look | Yellow, almond-shaped | Shape and colour vary |
| Forms | Standard tablet | Standard, chewable, sublingual and oral jelly forms exist |
| Price | Highest | Usually far lower per tablet |
| Regulatory approval | FDA-approved | Depends on the product. See below. |
An honest note about approval
“Generic” is used in two ways. In the United States, an FDA-approved generic tadalafil has been tested to show it delivers the same amount of medicine as Cialis. Many internationally made tadalafil brands, including several sold online, are approved by the regulator in the country where they are made but are not FDA-approved products. The active ingredient is the same; the approval behind the specific brand is not. If this matters to you, ask your pharmacist or doctor about the brand you are considering.
Why is generic tadalafil so much cheaper?
The original maker paid for the research and marketing and held a patent. Once the patent ended, other manufacturers could produce tadalafil without those costs, and competition between them pushed prices down.
How to choose a generic tadalafil brand
- Get a prescription and confirm the strength with your doctor. Most men are prescribed 10 mg or 20 mg as needed, or 5 mg daily.
- Check the manufacturer name and the active ingredient on the pack.
- Compare by price per tablet, not by pack price. Our Tadalafil 20 mg comparison and Tadalafil 10 mg comparison list every brand side by side.
- Pick the form that suits you: a standard tablet is the usual choice; chewable or jelly forms are for men who dislike swallowing tablets.
For a full overview of brands and strengths, see our generic Cialis guide. If you are deciding between medicines, read tadalafil vs sildenafil.
Frequently asked questions
Does generic Cialis work as well as Cialis?
It contains the same active ingredient at the same dose, so it is expected to work the same way. Individual response varies, and quality depends on the manufacturer, which is why the maker’s name matters.
How long does generic Cialis last?
Tadalafil can help with erections for up to 36 hours after a dose. That does not mean a 36-hour erection; sexual stimulation is still needed.
Is generic Cialis safe?
Tadalafil has the same side effects and warnings whatever the brand: headache, indigestion, flushing and back or muscle pain are the common ones. Do not take it with nitrates, and talk to your doctor first if you have heart, blood pressure, liver or kidney problems.
Do I need a prescription for generic Cialis?
Yes. Tadalafil is a prescription medicine. ERXCart checks a valid prescription before any order ships.
References
- Tadalafil – MedlinePlus Drug Information (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Erection problems – MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
General information only, not medical advice. A valid prescription is required. Talk to your doctor before using any ED medicine, especially if you take nitrates or have heart problems.