Tadalafil — Cialis DP by Dragon Pharma
Cialis DP is Dragon Pharma's formulation of Tadalafil at 20mg per tablet — the longest-acting PDE5 inhibitor available, with a clinical duration of up to 36 hours from a single dose. Supplied in a 100-tablet pack, Tadalafil is used both for on-demand erectile support and, at lower daily doses, for continuous vascular support during AAS cycles.
Also searched as: Tadalafil 20mg, Cialis DP Dragon Pharma, generic Cialis, Tadalafil tablets.
Why Tadalafil Lasts 36 Hours — The Mechanism Explained
Tadalafil's uniquely long duration is a pharmacokinetic property rarely explained in competitor content:
- All PDE5 inhibitors work by the same basic mechanism: they block phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), the enzyme that breaks down cGMP in smooth muscle cells. Higher cGMP levels cause smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation — increasing blood flow to penile tissue in the context of sexual stimulation
- Tadalafil's half-life (~17.5 hours) is 3-4× longer than Sildenafil (~4-5 hours) and Vardenafil (~4-5 hours) — the longer half-life means the compound remains at therapeutically active concentrations for significantly longer after a single dose
- Why is Tadalafil's half-life so much longer? Tadalafil binds more selectively to PDE5 (vs PDE6, which is present in the retina — Sildenafil has less PDE5 selectivity, contributing to visual side effects and faster clearance) and is metabolised primarily via CYP3A4 at a slower rate than other PDE5 inhibitors
- 36-hour clinical duration vs 17.5-hour half-life: the effect duration exceeds the half-life because PDE5 inhibition at therapeutically relevant concentrations continues after the plasma concentration falls below peak — the compound doesn't need to be at peak concentration to maintain PDE5 inhibition
PDE5, AAS and Vascular Function — The Performance Context
The relationship between anabolic steroids and PDE5 inhibition is clinically significant and rarely discussed clearly:
- AAS use — particularly at higher doses and with certain compounds — reduces endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide bioavailability, impairing vasodilation
- Reduced nitric oxide availability during AAS use is one mechanism behind cycle-related erectile dysfunction and elevated blood pressure
- PDE5 inhibitors work downstream of nitric oxide: they preserve cGMP that nitric oxide would normally generate — partially compensating for AAS-induced reduction in nitric oxide signalling
- This mechanism is why low-dose daily Tadalafil (5mg/day) — used for continuous, not just acute, PDE5 inhibition — has been studied as a cardiovascular support tool during AAS use: it provides persistent vascular tone support alongside training
On-Demand vs Low-Dose Daily — Two Distinct Protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Timing | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-demand | 10–20 mg | 30–60 min before activity | Acute erectile support for specific occasions |
| Low-dose daily | 2.5–5 mg/day | Same time daily | Continuous vascular support; no timing needed |
The 20mg tablet from this product can be split for low-dose daily use — a 20mg tablet divided into 4 provides approximately 5mg per day, the standard low-dose daily Tadalafil dose used clinically. Low-dose daily Tadalafil has a distinct advantage for AAS users: because blood levels remain stable throughout the day, there is no need to time dosing relative to sexual activity, and the continuous vascular support is available at all times rather than only in an acute window.
Tadalafil vs Sildenafil (Viagra) vs Vardenafil — Complete Comparison
| Parameter | Tadalafil (Cialis) | Sildenafil (Viagra) | Vardenafil (Levitra) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-life | ~17.5 hours | ~4–5 hours | ~4–5 hours |
| Duration of effect | Up to 36 hours | 4–6 hours | 4–5 hours |
| Onset | 30–60 min | 30–60 min | 25–60 min |
| Food interaction | Minimal — can be taken with food | Significant — high-fat meals delay onset | High-fat meals reduce effect |
| PDE5 selectivity | Highest — less PDE6 cross-reactivity | Moderate | Moderate |
| Visual side effects | Rare | More common (PDE6 cross-reactivity) | Moderate |
| Low-dose daily use | FDA-approved at 2.5-5mg/day | Not approved for daily use | Not approved for daily use |
| Back/muscle ache | More common — PDE11 cross-reactivity | Less common | Less common |
Side Effects
- Headache and flushing — most common PDE5 class effects from vasodilation, typically mild and transient
- Back and muscle ache — more specific to Tadalafil than other PDE5 inhibitors, attributed to PDE11 cross-reactivity in muscle tissue; typically resolves within 12-24 hours
- Blood pressure reduction — Tadalafil is a vasodilator; avoid combining with nitrates (absolute contraindication — risk of severe hypotension); monitor blood pressure during AAS cycles where hypertension may already be elevated
- Visual side effects — significantly less common than with Sildenafil due to Tadalafil's higher PDE5 selectivity
- No hormonal effects — does not affect testosterone, estrogen or the HPG axis
Tadalafil in an AAS Context
Dragon Pharma's Sexual Health category covers several options depending on cause and goal:
- Cialis DP (Tadalafil) — preferred for on-cycle vascular support due to long duration and food independence; the standard choice for low-dose daily use during a cycle
- Sildenafil (Viagra DP) — faster onset preferred by some users, shorter duration, more timing-sensitive
- Vardenafil (Levitra) — intermediate option; some users find it effective where Sildenafil is less so
- PT-141 (Bremelanotide) — for libido and arousal issues (central mechanism) rather than vascular ED (peripheral mechanism)
- Proviron (Mesterolone) — for SHBG-driven free testosterone issues affecting libido rather than vascular ED
"Cialis DP is formulated at 20mg per tablet — the standard clinical on-demand dose and a flexible starting point for users splitting tablets for low-dose daily vascular support during cycle."
Storage and Handling
Store Cialis DP at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the original packaging sealed until use to maintain tablet potency.
