Cialis (tadalafil) in the Philippines

What is Cialis?

Cialis is tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor approved for erectile dysfunction in the early 2000s. Like sildenafil, it lets blood flow into the penis when you are aroused. What sets it apart is duration: it works for up to about 36 hours, against roughly 4 to 6 hours for sildenafil, and food has little effect on it.

Lilly developed and launched Cialis. In February 2024, Zuellig Pharma announced it had completed the purchase of Cialis from Lilly in several ASEAN markets, including the Philippines. Its company Zanovex now owns the trademark and marketing authorisations here, and ZP Therapeutics, which already distributed Cialis locally, handles promotion. The manufacturer of each pack is shown on its FDA Philippines registration.

Generic tadalafil is also sold here, including Torfil, Tadah Forte and the dissolving film Thafil. Our tadalafil guide covers the medicine in depth.

Is Cialis registered with the FDA Philippines?

Yes, Cialis holds Philippine registrations, and you can check them on the FDA Verification Portal at verification.fda.gov.ph. Choose drug products and search "Cialis" to see each strength with its registration number, holder and manufacturer.

We have not quoted a registration number, because the portal is always current and ownership changes like the 2024 transfer can update the holder's name. Match the portal details with your pack. Branded ED medicines are a common target for counterfeiters, so get Cialis only from a licensed pharmacy against a prescription. Our page on fake ED pills explains the warning signs.

How much is Cialis in the Philippines?

Cialis 20 mg was listed at ₱985.25 at Watsons, ₱982 at Rose Pharmacy (out of stock when we checked) and ₱1,053.75 at Southstar Drug, per tablet. Cialis 5 mg was ₱277 a tablet at Watsons.

Per tablet ↑

Medicine	Strength	Pharmacy	Price	Per tablet	Checked	Source
tadalafil (Cialis)	5 mg	Watsons	₱277	₱277	2026-10-27	watsons.com.ph
tadalafil (Cialis)	20 mg	Rose PharmacyOut of stock at time of check	₱982	₱982	2026-10-27	rosepharmacy.com
tadalafil (Cialis)	20 mg	Watsons	₱985.25	₱985.25	2026-10-27	watsons.com.ph
tadalafil (Cialis)	20 mg	Southstar Drug	₱1,053.75	₱1,053.75	2026-10-27	southstardrug.com.ph

• tadalafil (Cialis) 5 mg₱277
  WatsonsChecked 2026-10-27 · source
• tadalafil (Cialis) 20 mg₱982
  Rose PharmacyChecked 2026-10-27 · source
• tadalafil (Cialis) 20 mg₱985.25
  WatsonsChecked 2026-10-27 · source
• tadalafil (Cialis) 20 mg₱1,053.75
  Southstar DrugChecked 2026-10-27 · source

Prescription required for every medicine listed. Last checked October 27, 2026

Generic tadalafil costs far less. At 20 mg, the cheapest verified tablet is ₱395 (Torfil, Watsons), and the priciest is ₱1,053.75 (Cialis, Southstar Drug), a gap of about 3 times. For daily treatment, 30 tablets of Cialis 5 mg come to about ₱NaN a month, against about ₱NaN for 30 tablets of generic Torfil 2.5 mg. See the Cialis price page and the tadalafil price page.

What strengths does Cialis come in?

At the pharmacies we checked, Cialis is stocked in two strengths:

• 5 mg
• 20 mg

Tadalafil is also made in 2.5 mg and 10 mg by other brands. Lower strengths are used when a doctor prescribes tadalafil every day, and higher ones for use on demand. Which approach and strength suit you is decided by your doctor; see daily tadalafil for how daily treatment works.

Cialis vs generic tadalafil: is there a difference?

The medicine is the same. Cialis and registered generics all contain tadalafil, and a generic registered in the Philippines must show bioequivalence: the same amount reaches the blood, at about the same rate.

What differs:

• Price. Cialis 20 mg costs more than twice as much as the cheapest verified generic 20 mg.
• Maker. Cialis is the originator. Generics such as Torfil come from other companies (MIMS lists Torrent for Torfil).
• Strengths. Cialis is stocked in 5 mg and 20 mg; Torfil in 2.5, 10 and 20 mg.
• Form. Cialis is a film-coated tablet. Thafil is a film that dissolves on the tongue.

Some men stay with Cialis out of familiarity; others switch to save money. A doctor can confirm a generic is suitable.

Cialis or Viagra: which is right for you?

Both work well for most men; the main difference is how long they last. Cialis lasts up to about 36 hours and comes in a daily option, while Viagra lasts about 4 to 6 hours and works best on an empty stomach.

Tadalafil more often causes back pain and muscle aches; sildenafil more often causes flushing and visual changes. Your doctor will weigh these with your health and routine. Our sildenafil vs tadalafil page compares them side by side, including cost per dose.

How should you store Cialis in the Philippine heat?

Follow the storage line printed on the box, keep the tablets in their original blister until use, and keep them away from children. A bathroom cabinet or a car glovebox in April is too hot and humid.

If a tablet looks cracked, discoloured or damp, do not use it; return it to the pharmacy. Never move tablets into an unlabelled container: if you ever need emergency care, the box tells the doctor exactly what you took.

What are the side effects of Cialis?

The most common side effects are headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing and a stuffy nose. They usually settle within a day or two.

Serious effects are rare but need urgent care: an erection lasting more than 4 hours, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or chest pain. Because tadalafil stays in the body for a long time, tell any emergency doctor if you have taken it in the past two days, as nitrates must not be given with it. Cialis also interacts with alpha blockers and some antifungal and HIV medicines. Read more in ED medicine side effects and safety.

How do you get a prescription for Cialis?

You need a prescription from a licensed doctor: a GP, internist, urologist or a telehealth doctor. Under the Generics Act, the prescription carries the generic name, tadalafil, so the pharmacist can also show you lower-cost options.

Our guide to whether Viagra is over the counter explains the prescription rules for all ED medicines, and online ED consultations compares the services. A doctor will also check for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, which commonly sit behind ED in Filipino men.

Frequently asked questions

Who makes Cialis in the Philippines?+

Cialis was developed and launched by Eli Lilly. In February 2024, Zuellig Pharma announced it had acquired Cialis from Lilly in several ASEAN markets including the Philippines, through its company Zanovex, which now owns the trademark and marketing authorisations there.

Is Cialis over the counter in the Philippines?+

No. Cialis is a prescription medicine, and Watsons, Southstar Drug and Rose Pharmacy list it as prescription required. You need a prescription from a licensed doctor, in person or by telehealth.

Is generic tadalafil as good as Cialis?+

A generic registered with the FDA Philippines contains the same active ingredient and must show it delivers the same amount of tadalafil to the blood. Price, maker and the look of the tablet are what differ.

What is the difference between Cialis 5 mg and 20 mg?+

Both are tadalafil. Lower strengths such as 5 mg are used when a doctor prescribes tadalafil every day, while higher strengths are used on demand. Which is right for you is your doctor's decision.