Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464
Information last reviewed 11/02/2022
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis) tablets are a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). It allows men to gain and maintain an erection significantly easier when sexually stimulated. It is also known by many as the weekend pill due to its ability to last nearly an entire weekend. This gave the medicine a significant point of difference compared with other similar medicines such as Viagra.
The patent for Cialis expired in 2017 allowing many different companies to make and supply generic tadalafil tablets. Ever since the equally effective tadalafil has been available in the UK, the price of the weekend pill has reduced significantly to the benefit of all UK men.
Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors. This group of medicines is what all tablets for erectile dysfunction are made from.
To gain an erection, blood will usually flow into the penis through a relaxed blood vessel and become trapped. In ED this process is diminished causing difficulty in achieving an erection hard enough or for long enough for intercourse.
Tadalafil works by relaxing blood vessels around the genitals and increasing blood flow to the penis. This helps a man to achieve and maintain an erection when he is sexually aroused. It must be noted that tadalafil will only work when sexually stimulated and is not designed to cause spontaneous erections on its own.
According to research, tadalafil improved erections in 67% of men taking a 10mg dose and 81% of men taking a 20mg dose. Tadalafil is long-acting, lasting 24 to 36 hours, so is popular for those who wish to engage in sexual intercourse more than once per day, or those who don’t want to take a tablet just before sexual activity.
When you first start taking tadalafil, it can take a while to adjust, so it may not work for you straight away. In fact, doctors recommend you use an ED medicine between 4 to 8 times before trying another treatment, although most men find the treatment effective quickly.
To buy tadalafil online, you need to complete an assessment with a UK registered online doctor service such as Dr Felix. Once the short assessment is complete, it is reviewed by our UK registered medical team who will issue a prescription (if appropriate) and send your medicine to you by the Royal Mail service.
Dose |
1 tablet, taken before sexual activy, max 1 per day |
Type of medicine |
PDE5 inhibitor |
Mechanism |
Increases blood flow to the penis |
Available Size |
4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 64 tablets (depending on strength) |
Available Strengths |
2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
Active Ingredient |
Tadalafil |
Price |
From 96p per tablet |
Side Effects |
Can include headaches, back and muscle pain, facial flushing, dizziness, nausea, pounding or increased heart rate |
The active ingredient is 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg or 20mg of tadalafil depending on the tablet strength.
The inactive ingredients in tadalafil are lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, cellulose, microcrystalline, sorbitan stearate, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide (E171), triacetin, talc, and iron oxide yellow (E172).
Always take tadalafil as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist.
For 10mg and 20mg Tadalafil: Swallow one tablet with water at least 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. Tadalafil may remain effective for up to 36 hours after taking the tablet. Do not take more than 20mg daily and do not repeat a dose of tadalafil or any other ED medicine within 24 hours
Those who take 2.5mg or 5mg daily dosing tadalafil should take one tablet once per day, with water.
For all strengths of tadalafil, sexual stimulation/ arousal is still required in order to gain an erection. Tadalafil should not cause erections without stimulation or prolonged erections. Erections for more than 4 hours, while rare, will require immediate medical attention.
Like all medications, tadalafil can cause side effects in some patients although not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, include:
Uncommon side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people can include:
If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking tadalafil and seek immediate medical care if required. Severe, but rare side effects can include:
For a full list of potential side effects, it is important you read the patient information leaflet.
Tadalafil may not be right for everyone. Always ensure your doctor is aware of any medicines or medical conditions you have when prescribing. Do NOT take tadalafil if you:
Take particular care with tadalafil and inform your doctor if you have:
Before taking Tadalafil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including those purchased over the counter without a prescription. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking:
Tadalafil in the UK comes in four different strengths 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Erectile dysfunction treatments should always be used at their lowest effective dose to avoid side effects. Some men will require only small doses for ED treatment, while others will need high doses.
The lower dose 2.5mg and 5mg strengths are considered daily Tadalafil (Daily Cialis) as they are formulated to be taken once daily, at the same time each day. These are great for men who only require a low dose for the medicine to be effective and who have sex throughout the day.
Men who require higher strengths such as tadalafil 20mg and 10mg will take doses only when required about 30 to 60 minutes before intercourse. Initially, it is recommended to start on 10mg tablets and go up or down in strength based on the results of a number of uses. Avoid starting on 20mg tablets to avoid potential side effects.
Tadalafil is the generic name for the branded drug Cialis. Both contain the active ingredient tadalafil and work in exactly the same way. To list Tadalafil as a generic version of Cialis in the UK, companies proved, without doubt, that tadalafil worked just as well as Cialis to the UK medicines regulatory agencies.
The difference between Tadalafil and Cialis is the manufacturing company and price. Cialis is significantly more expensive due to brand recognition but provides no difference in effects.
Tadalafil may not be right for everyone, but there are many different types of ED medications available. The earliest and most popular prescription treatment for ED is sildenafil (brand name Viagra). It is also available over the counter in the form of Viagra Connect. Sildenafil will last between 4-6 hours rather than 24-36 which may be better for those who experience side effects from tadalafil.
Another alternative is vardenafil (brand name Levitra) which functions in a similar way to sildenafil lasting 4-6 hours. The most recent treatment to be developed is avanafil (Spedra) which is faster-acting than tadalafil and can take effect in as little as 15 minutes.
The causes of erectile dysfunction can be a mix of physical and psychological. Finding ways to reduce the underlying causes alongside treatment can be beneficial for reducing ED.
Managing stress in your life can be extremely beneficial, as can maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly. Anxiety may also contribute to ED. For advice on dealing with anxiety or depression, consult a doctor.
If you are overweight, weight loss may help with erectile dysfunction; the most effective way to lose weight is with a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Other lifestyle changes such as improving your sleep pattern, reducing smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can also help with ED.
Tadalafil only works in combination with sexual stimulation, helping men achieve and maintain an erection when aroused. It does not normally produce an erection that persists in the absence of arousal and stimulation. A rare side effect is a prolonged and sometimes painful erection (priapism). If you experience this, stop taking tadalafil and seek medical attention.
You can drink alcohol in moderation with Tadalafil. However, it can cause dizziness in some men drinking alcohol in excess during treatment may worsen dizziness and contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil will last for between 24 to 36 hours after it is absorbed. Erections should only occur when sexually stimulated during this time.
It takes the medicine 30 to 60 minutes to work after being swallowed. Daily doses of 2.5mg or 5mg Tadalafil should be considered if 30-60 minutes is considered too long to wait for the effect.
Yes, provided that the online pharmacy is registered, buying tadalafil online is safe and legal. All orders are reviewed by our UK doctors who will ensure tadalafil is right for you before prescribing.
No, tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. A prescription can be sourced from any registered doctor service online such as Dr Felix or at a GP clinic in person.
Prices from:
Generic Viagra
Over the counter treatment
Works in 15-30 minutes
Effective for up to 5 hours
Effective for up to 4 hours
For daily or intermittent use
Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil
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