FDA OKs Once-Daily Cialis

Jan. 11, 2008 -- Men taking the erectile dysfunction drug Cialis may now take a low dose of the drug on a daily basis.

The FDA has approved once-daily use of Cialis in a dose of 5 milligrams or a new 2.5-milligram dose for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Once-daily Cialis "may be most appropriate for men with ED who anticipate more frequent sexual activity (e.g. twice weekly)," states a news release from Eli Lilly and Company, which makes Cialis.

"For other men, Cialis taken as needed -- the previously approved dosing regimen -- may be most appropriate," the drug company notes.

The FDA approved the once-daily Cialis dosing plan on based three studies in which 2.5-milligram or 5-milligram daily doses of Cialis trumped a placebo pill. In those studies, men took Cialis every day without regard to the timing of their sexual activity.

The FDA first approved Cialis in 2003 in doses of 5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, and 20 milligrams.