Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464
Information last reviewed 21/04/2022
Cialis (tadalafil) is a prescription treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction is a condition where men struggle to gain or maintain an erection sufficient for sex. Cialis contains the active ingredient tadalafil, which is a type of drug known as a PDE-5 inhibitor. This family of medicine makes up the tablet treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Cialis (tadalafil) is unique among PDE-5 inhibitors due to its long duration of action of 24 to 36 hours compared to the majority of the others like Viagra which only lasts 4 to 6 hours. This has given Cialis the nickname, the weekend pill, for its ability to last almost an entire weekend.
PDE-5 inhibitors like Cialis work by causing the blood vessels around the genitals to relax and widen. Erections occur as a result of blood moving into the penis through a relaxed blood vessel upon sexual stimulation or arousal. Through Cialis relaxing the vessels, it promotes the movement of blood into the penis, greatly improving the ability to gain and maintain an erection sufficient for sex.
Cialis has been shown to be up to 81% effective at improving erections in men with ED. Effectiveness will peak between hours 1 to 3 after taking the medicine however it will remain effective for up to 70% of attempts up to 36 hours.
Dose |
Take as directed by a doctor |
Type of medicine |
PDE5 inhibitor |
Mechanism |
Improves blood flow into the penis allowing for easier gaining and maintaining of erections |
Strengths |
2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg & 20mg |
Active Ingredient |
Tadalafil |
Price |
From £2.15 per tablet |
Side Effects |
May include headaches, dizziness, facial flushing |
Tadalafil is the active ingredient contained in Cialis.
The other ingredients in Cialis are: lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium laurilsulfate, magnesium stearate, triacetin, titanium dioxide (E171), hypromellose and iron oxide yellow (E172)
You can start to take Cialis at any time. It is recommended that you take when required doses of Cialis at least 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. When required Cialis tablets come in 10mg or 20mg and are intended for occasional use.
Cialis reaches its peak effectiveness approximately two hours after taking it. You should always take the dose which you have been prescribed and you should not exceed one tablet per day.
2.5mg and 5mg doses of Cialis are available. These tablets should be taken daily, around the same time each day. These Cialis tablets are intended for daily use and are more suitable for those who have more regular, spontaneous sex rather than planned sex. Taking Cialis daily should allow you to gain and maintain erections throughout the entire day.
While the effects can begin to occur in as little as 30 minutes, the tablet should be taken 60 minutes before sex if possible. This allows it to get to peak concentrations in the body when it is needed. You may take it with or without food although having a heavy meal before use may slightly delay absorption and time to effect.
Almost all medicines have the potential to cause some side effects although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any side effects of Cialis you find concerning, consult your doctor for medical advice. In the unlikely event, you experience a severe side effect, you may need to seek urgent medical attention.
Some common side effects of Cialis are nasal congestion, facial flushing, headaches, dizziness, nausea and gastric upset.
Rare, but severe side effects that may require medical attention are:
There are more potential side effects from Cialis, for a complete list of all the possible side effects including infrequent and rare effects, read the patient information leaflet.
Cialis is not suitable for those who take certain medicines due to interactions that can be dangerous. Always ensure our doctors are aware of your current medicines when you are prescribed Cialis online.
Cialis may not be suitable for you if you are taking the following medicines:
While there is no direct interaction between Cialis and alcohol, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol before sex in those with erectile dysfunction as it generally worsens the condition. Alcohol may increase the risk of developing dizziness as a side effect
There are a number of effective alternative prescription erectile dysfunction medicines. These mostly vary by their time to effect and the duration they last. If Cialis is not right for you, you can consult your doctor about the following alternatives:
The major difference between Cialis and Viagra is the duration of action. Cialis will last between 24 to 36 hours while Viagra (sildenafil) will only last 4-6 hours. Most men will find this additional duration beneficial however it can result in longer than necessary side effects in some men. Men who experience minor side effects from Cialis or do not need durations of action longer than 4 to 6 hours may consider Viagra (sildenafil) a more suitable option under the advice of a doctor.
Cialis is the original brand name version of the medicine from Eli Lilly and remained the only available option for many years until the patent expired allowing others to create equally effective generic versions of Cialis called tadalafil.
In order to get tadalafil registered in the UK, each creator had to prove without a doubt that their treatment was as effective as the original. As these companies did not have to pay for research and development of the medicine, they are able to supply it at a much lower cost than Cialis, making the generic cheaper but just as effective.
Reducing stress and anxiety can improve erectile dysfunction. Chronic stress has a significant impact on your body, so taking the time to learn how to manage stress and practise self-care can help. Talking to your partner about any sexual anxieties is also a healthy step to take. A healthy diet, exercise, losing weight and cutting down on alcohol and smoking are all things that help.
Cialis lasts for up to 36 hours after a dose. It is generally most effective during the first few hours after the dose but a majority of men will continue to experience the effects for between 24 to 36 hours.
You can buy Cialis from any registered pharmacy in the UK with a prescription. To get a prescription you can consult our UK registered doctors online or a doctor in person.
Cialis remains prescription only in the UK and is not available over the counter. To get a prescription, you must consult a doctor online or in person.
2.5mg and 5mg Cialis tablets are designed to be taken daily and provide a more suitable option for those who have more spontaneous sex throughout the day. 10mg and 20mg are not suitable for sustained daily use, rather they should be taken only when required 60 minutes before sex.
No, while Cialis is an effective ED treatment, it does not cure the underlying causes of the condition. ED may be greatly improved or cured if the underlying causes of the condition are addressed effectively. The causes can be both physical and phycological in nature.
Cialis will only cause an erection to occur if you are sexually stimulated or aroused. While it does make it significantly easier for most men to gain and maintain an erection, it is not designed to cause one without stimulation or arousal.
Prices from:
Generic Viagra
Generic Cialis
Over the counter treatment
Works in 15-30 minutes
Effective for up to 5 hours
Effective for up to 4 hours
Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil
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