Article
Scientific name and composition of cialis.
The scientific name of Cialis is tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor lasting up to 36 hours.
The scientific name of Cialis is tadalafil, which is its active ingredient. Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra, but it is chemically distinct and, above all, much longer-acting, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. This article explains the name, composition and what makes Cialis different.
It is a topic in our erectile dysfunction section.
Brand name and active ingredient
"Cialis" is the brand name from manufacturer Lilly; the active ingredient is tadalafil. As a generic, the same medicine is sold simply as tadalafil, at a much lower price and with identical effects.
What is in a tablet
A Cialis tablet contains tadalafil as the active ingredient, plus standard inactive excipients (such as lactose, cellulose and colourings) that give the tablet its form and stability. Only the tadalafil is pharmacologically active; the excipients do not affect how it works.
| Feature | Cialis (tadalafil) |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | tadalafil |
| Class | PDE5 inhibitor |
| Duration | up to 36 hours |
How tadalafil works
Like all PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil improves blood flow to the penis during arousal by slowing the breakdown of the messenger cGMP. The mechanism mirrors that of sildenafil; the main difference lies in how long it lasts.
What makes tadalafil distinct
The chemical structure of tadalafil gives it a much longer half-life than sildenafil. This is why the effect can last up to 36 hours, earning Cialis the "weekend pill" nickname and allowing more spontaneity than shorter-acting options.
Same safety rules
Despite its longer action, the same safety rules apply as for Viagra: never combine it with nitrates, take care with alpha-blockers and heart disease, and use it only with a prescription. For its main uses, see the main purpose of Cialis.
Purpose: main purpose of Cialis. Heartburn: heartburn from these drugs. Mechanism: does Viagra need stimulation?
Why knowing the name helps
Knowing that Cialis is simply tadalafil is practically useful: you can accept the cheaper generic with confidence, recognise the genuine active ingredient on a label, and avoid being misled by vaguely named 'herbal' products. A little clarity about the name protects against both overpaying for the brand and buying something that is not what it claims to be.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the scientific name of Cialis?
- Tadalafil; that is the active ingredient. "Cialis" is only the brand name.
- What is Cialis made of?
- The active ingredient tadalafil plus inactive excipients like lactose and cellulose.
- How does it differ from Viagra?
- Same mechanism, but a much longer duration of up to 36 hours.