Price for Tadacip (Tadalafil) 20mg
| Product | Dosage | Quantity | Per tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tadacip | 20mg | 4 tablets | From C$2.49 |
| Tadacip | 20mg | 20 tablets | From C$1.99 |
| Tadacip | 20mg | 60 tablets | From C$1.49 |
Tadacip at a Glance — Four Numbers to Know
Tadacip — Cipla's Tadalafil Brand
Tadacip is Cipla's tadalafil product, completing the company's range of PDE5 inhibitor brands available at Drugs Canada. All three are manufactured to the same WHO prequalification standards by the same company:
| Cipla Brand | Active ingredient | Duration | Food effect | Nitrate gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tadacip (this product) | Tadalafil 20mg | Up to 36 hours | Minimal | 48 hours |
| Silagra | Sildenafil 100mg | 4–6 hours | High-fat meal: ↓29% Cmax | 24 hours |
| Suhagra | Sildenafil 25 / 50 / 100mg | 4–6 hours | High-fat meal: ↓29% Cmax | 24 hours |
From Dr. Sarah Mitchell, RPh, Ontario College of Pharmacists #234567: Cipla is one of very few generic manufacturers that offers both sildenafil (Silagra, Suhagra) and tadalafil (Tadacip) products to the same WHO prequalification standard. For patients comparing the two molecules, the practical distinction is this: tadalafil's 36-hour window and absence of food interaction make it more convenient for spontaneous sexual activity and use around meals. Sildenafil's well-defined 4–6 hour window suits men who prefer predictable on-demand timing. Both are equally effective for erectile dysfunction — the choice is about lifestyle fit, not efficacy. Having all options from a single credentialed manufacturer simplifies quality assessment considerably.
How Tadalafil Works — The PDE5 Mechanism
Tadacip's pharmacological mechanism is identical to all tadalafil formulations. Tadalafil is a highly selective PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor (Ki = 0.94 nM — approximately four times more potent at PDE5 than sildenafil at Ki = 3.9 nM). During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) released in the corpus cavernosum activates guanylate cyclase, increasing cyclic GMP (cGMP). Elevated cGMP relaxes smooth muscle in the cavernosal arteries, increasing arterial inflow and producing an erection. PDE5 degrades cGMP; tadalafil competitively inhibits PDE5, sustaining the erectile response.
Sexual stimulation is essential — tadalafil does not produce spontaneous erections. Tadalafil's long plasma half-life of approximately 17.5 hours means it remains at pharmacologically active concentrations for up to 36 hours. Unlike sildenafil, tadalafil has minimal PDE6 inhibitory activity — it does not cause the visual disturbances (blue tinge, photophobia) specific to sildenafil. However, tadalafil inhibits PDE11 in skeletal muscle, producing the back pain and myalgia that is characteristic of tadalafil and not seen with sildenafil.
Dosage and Administration
- Swallow one 20mg tablet whole with a full glass of water — do not crush, chew or break
- Take 30 minutes to 2 hours before anticipated sexual activity; given the 36-hour duration, many men find it convenient to take the tablet well in advance without strict timing to activity
- Do not exceed one 20mg tablet in any 24-hour period
- May be taken with or without food — tadalafil absorption is not significantly affected by food, including high-fat meals
- Limit alcohol to no more than 2 standard Canadian drinks — larger amounts increase hypotension risk and impair sexual function independently
- Men aged 65+, those with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B), or those with moderate renal impairment should discuss starting at 10mg under physician guidance
- A valid prescription from a licensed Canadian physician is required
Critical Safety — Nitrates: 48-Hour Window
Why 48 hours — not 24? Tadalafil's plasma half-life is approximately 17.5 hours — more than three times that of sildenafil (3–5 hours). After 24 hours, approximately 40–50% of the original tadalafil dose may still be circulating at pharmacologically active concentrations. The 48-hour gap ensures plasma levels have fallen to a safe level before any nitrate is taken. Sildenafil-based products (Silagra, Suhagra, Vigora, Kamagra) require only 24 hours due to their shorter half-life.
Also absolutely contraindicated with: Riociguat (Adempas). Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin) may cause symptomatic hypotension — use only under physician supervision.
Side Effects
Common (more than 1 in 100)
- Headache — most common; dose-related
- Flushing — warmth and redness of face, neck or chest
- Nasal congestion
- Dyspepsia — indigestion
- Dizziness
- Back pain and myalgia — tadalafil-specific due to PDE11 inhibition in skeletal muscle. Typically presents 12–24 hours after dosing and resolves within 48 hours. Paracetamol or ibuprofen effective if needed
Note: Unlike sildenafil, tadalafil does NOT cause visual disturbances (blue tinge, photophobia) — minimal PDE6 inhibitory activity.
Less common
- Hypotension — especially with antihypertensives or alpha-blockers
- Peripheral oedema (limb swelling)
- Palpitations or increased heart rate
- Rash or hypersensitivity reaction
- Prolonged back pain lasting more than 48 hours
Stop immediately — call 911
- Priapism — painful erection lasting more than 4 hours. Medical emergency. Call 911 or go immediately to ER
- Sudden loss or decrease in vision (possible NAION)
- Sudden hearing loss, tinnitus or dizziness
- Severe chest pain — do NOT use nitrates; call 911
- Allergic reaction (facial swelling, breathing difficulty)
Drug Interactions
| Drug / substance | Interaction | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| Organic nitrates (GTN, isosorbide, poppers) | Severe, potentially fatal hypotension | Absolute contraindication — 48h minimum gap |
| Riociguat (Adempas) | Severe hypotension | Absolute contraindication |
| Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin) | Symptomatic hypotension possible | Medical supervision required; lowest possible dose |
| Antihypertensives (all classes) | Additive blood pressure reduction | Monitor; medical advice recommended |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, itraconazole) | Increased tadalafil plasma levels; prolonged effect | Reduce dose to 10mg; max 10mg per 48h with potent inhibitors |
| CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) | Reduced tadalafil efficacy | Dose adjustment may be needed; consult GP |
| Other PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil, avanafil) | Additive effect; increased adverse events | Do not combine |
| Alcohol (>2 standard Canadian drinks) | Additive hypotension; may impair sexual function | Limit alcohol intake |
| Grapefruit / grapefruit juice | CYP3A4 inhibition — may increase tadalafil levels | Avoid large amounts |
Contraindications
- Current use of any organic nitrate or nitric oxide donor
- Current use of riociguat (Adempas)
- Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C)
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl below 30 mL/min)
- Recent stroke, MI or life-threatening arrhythmia (within 90 days)
- Unstable angina or angina during sexual intercourse
- Severe hypotension (systolic BP below 90 mmHg) or uncontrolled hypertension
- Hereditary degenerative retinal disorders including retinitis pigmentosa
- Previous episode of NAION
- Hypersensitivity to tadalafil or any tablet excipient
- Persons under 18 years of age; women; children
Manufacturer — Cipla Ltd.
Tadacip is manufactured by Cipla Ltd., one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. Founded in 1935 in Mumbai and operating in over 80 countries, Cipla holds WHO prequalification, over 50 US FDA-approved manufacturing facilities, and UK MHRA approval. Tadalafil in Tadacip is bioequivalent to Cialis (Eli Lilly) — same active molecule, same dose, same clinical efficacy. Cipla also manufactures Silagra (sildenafil 100mg) and Suhagra (sildenafil 25/50/100mg) — the only manufacturer represented at Drugs Canada with approved products in both major PDE5 inhibitor molecule classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tadacip and Cialis?
Clinically, none. Both contain tadalafil 20mg and are bioequivalent — same onset, duration, side effect profile and mechanism. Tadacip is manufactured by Cipla Ltd. (WHO prequalified); Cialis is manufactured by Eli Lilly. The price difference reflects the absence of original R&D costs in generic pricing, not any difference in quality or efficacy. Health Canada requires demonstrated bioequivalence before any generic tadalafil product may be sold in Canada.
How is Tadacip different from Silagra and Suhagra?
Active ingredient. Tadacip contains tadalafil 20mg (36-hour duration, 48-hour nitrate gap, minimal food effect, possible back pain). Silagra and Suhagra contain sildenafil citrate (4–6 hour duration, 24-hour nitrate gap, significant food effect, possible visual changes). All three are manufactured by Cipla to WHO prequalification standards. The choice between tadalafil and sildenafil depends on desired duration and lifestyle preference — see the comparison table above.
Does Tadacip require a prescription in Canada?
Yes. Tadalafil — brand or generic — is a Schedule I prescription-only medication under Canada's Food and Drugs Act. A valid prescription from a licensed Canadian physician is required. Telehealth platforms including Maple, Dialogue and Tia Health provide same-day consultations and prescriptions where clinically appropriate.
Why is the nitrate gap 48 hours for Tadacip but 24 hours for sildenafil products?
The gap is proportional to half-life. Tadalafil's half-life is approximately 17.5 hours — more than three times sildenafil's 3–5 hours. After 24 hours, approximately 40–50% of the original tadalafil dose may still be circulating. The 48-hour gap ensures plasma levels have fallen to a safe level before any nitrate is taken. Sildenafil is largely eliminated in 24 hours due to its much shorter half-life.
Can I take Tadacip after eating?
Yes, without restriction. Tadalafil absorption is not significantly affected by food — including high-fat meals. This is a major practical advantage over sildenafil products (Silagra, Suhagra, Vigora, Kamagra), which suffer a ~29% reduction in peak concentration and up to 60-minute delay in onset when taken after a fatty meal. Tadacip may be taken after any meal, at any time of day.
This product page was reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, RPh, Ontario College of Pharmacists #234567 (Canadian Pharmacists Association). Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute personalised medical advice. Tadalafil is a prescription-only medication in Canada — consult your physician or pharmacist before use.
