Fully regulated UK pharmacy
Safe & clinically reviewed care
Rated 4.9/5 from over 3,000 reviews
Fast, discreet delivery
Tadalafil Tablets: Overview
Tadalafil is a prescription medication that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis. It belongs to a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Tadalafil works by relaxing smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis which increases blood flow and, when sexual stimulation is present, leads to an erection.
Also available in the brand known as ‘Cialis’, tadalafil is often referred to as the ‘weekend pill’ due to its long duration of action - up to 36 hours.
Click here to start your free consultation today and request treatment from our GPhC-registered clinic today.
Daily Tadalafil vs On-Demand
Tadalafil can be taken at a lower dose everyday, or as a higher dose when needed for sexual activity. The right option for you will depend on how frequently you will need to use tadalafil.
Daily tadalafil provides continuous coverage, allowing you to have sex at any time without planning. On-demand doses are taken when needed before sexual activity.
Feature | Daily (2.5mg and 5mg) | On-demand (10mg and 20mg) |
|---|---|---|
Dose | Taken everyday | When needed 30-60 mins before sexual activity |
Best for | Regular sexual activity, for spontaneous use | Occasional use and planned activity. |
Available Doses
Tadalafil is available in four strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.
Each dose is prescribed based on your health, response to treatment, and chosen dosing approach.
Lower doses (2.5mg and 5mg) are typically used for daily treatment, while 10mg and 20mg are used on-demand. Your prescriber will recommend the safest and most effective dose for you.
How to Order Tadalafil Online
As a prescription-only (POM) treatment, tadalafil must be prescribed following a consultation. Fill out an online consultation today, this asks about your symptoms, your medical history and if you take any other medication.
Once submitted, add your chosen product to your basket and checkout. Our GPhC-registered prescribers review your responses for clinical effectiveness and safety before approving and dispatching usually on the same day in plain, discreet packaging.
Various delivery methods are used with next-day delivery available.
How It Works
Tadalafil belongs to a class of erectile dysfunction medication called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis. The extra blood fills the spongy tissues of the penis where it is trapped, helping to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual activity.
For tadalafil to work effectively, sexual stimulation is required.
Tadalafil stays in the body for up to 36 hours (a long half-life). For the purpose of erectile dysfunction, this means men can be ready for sex without prior planning anytime within this period, with a single dose.
Other ED treatments such as sildenafil (Viagra), only last up to 4 hours. For this reason, using sildenafil requires planning as the dose must be timed relative to anticipated sexual activity.
Who Can Take Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is suitable for most adult men with erectile dysfunction, including those who want either daily or on-demand treatment.
Suitability depends on your medical history, medications, and cardiovascular health. A consultation with a prescriber is required before treatment.
Important Safety Information
Most patients can safely take Tadalafil (generic Cialis), but as with all medicine, it cannot be taken by patients suffering from certain medical conditions. These include patients who:
Have had a heart attack within the last 90 days.
Have unstable angina - a type of chest pain characterised by a sharp pain in the chest.
Have serious heart disease - such as heart failure or a history of heart attack.
Have an uncontrolled heart rate and high or low blood pressure.
Have had a stroke within the last 6 months.
Have loss of vision in one eye - due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.
Are allergic to the active ingredient or any of the excipients listed in the patient information leaflet.
Men with mild to moderate kidney disease can continue taking tadalafil 20mg tablets with no dose adjustment necessary. Once-daily dosing is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
Men with liver impairment usually have their dose adjusted to tadalafil 10mg. There is limited safety information available on the use of tadalafil in patients with severe liver impairment. Its use is therefore determined by careful evaluation of the benefit/risk ratio.
Patients who take certain medications must not take tadalafil due to drug interactions. These include anyone taking:
Nitrates - such as glyceryl trinitrate - a spray used under the tongue for angina.
Riociguat - taken for pulmonary hypertension.
Medicines used to treat high blood pressure - as this can lead to a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Alpha-blockers - used to treat an enlarged prostate.
Antifungal drugs - such as fluconazole and ketoconazole.
Antibiotics - such as clarithromycin.
Antiviral drugs - used for the treatment of HIV.
Grapefruit juice.
Alcohol can affect the way tadalafil works. It is advised to limit your alcohol intake to ensure you are getting the most benefit from the medicine.
The use of recreational drugs whilst on tadalafil has not been studied but as a general rule should be avoided or at least not taken at approximately the same time as each other.
Tadalafil is not indicated for use in women and there is limited data available to determine its safety in females who may be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side effects
As with all medications, tadalafil can cause side effects though not everyone gets them
Common side effects
The most common side effects are mild and temporary. They usually resolve on their own as the body adjusts to treatment and include:
Headache
Indigestion
Back pain
Muscle aches
Flushing
Nasal congestion
Serious side effects
More serious side effects include:
Priapism - a prolonged, painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours
NAION (sudden vision loss)
Cardiovascular events - such as sudden chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or heart attack/stroke
Sudden hearing loss - accompanied by tinnitus (ringing) or vertigo
Anaphylaxis - severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include sudden wheeziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the eyes, face, lips or throat.
Severe skin reactions - such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis
If you experience any of these side effects, you should seek immediate medical attention, by calling 999 or going to the nearest A&E immediately.
For a complete list of side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet.
Related Treatments
Alternative ED treatments include sildenafil, vardenafil and avanafil. All work in exactly the same way and are of benefit to patients with ED.
Feature | Tadalafil | Sildenafil | Avanafil | Vardenafil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Brand | Cialis | Viagra | Spedra | Levitra |
Time taken to work | 30-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 15-30 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
Duration of action | Up to 36 hours | 4-6hours | Up to 6 hours | 4-6 hours |
Food interaction | Minimal | High-fat meals may delay action | Minimal | High-fat meals may delay action |
Daily dose | Yes | No | No | No |
Best for | Spontaneity and longer duration | Proven effectiveness and affordability | Rapid onset | Strong efficacy with moderate duration |
Though avanafil gets to work sooner, tadalafil is the only treatment available as a daily-dose, which also lasts up to 36 hours - a single tablet can last over a weekend.
Non-pharmacological treatments
If you cannot take medication, or it doesn’t work, there are alternative therapies available, including:
A penis pump - which creates a vacuum pulling blood into the penis. Once you achieve an erection, you slip a tension ring at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
A penile implant - which involves surgically inserting a device into the penis to control erections. This is usually reserved for when other treatments have failed.
Exercise - can help improve your overall cardiovascular health, including blood flow, which in turn can help treat the symptoms of ED.
Psychological counselling - can help improve your relationship if your symptoms occur as a result of anxiety or stress.
Additional Tips for Managing Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition, especially in men over 40. Medication isn't the only thing you can do to treat erectile dysfunction - lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. Here are our top 3 lifestyle tips for managing ED:
Losing weight
Losing weight is one way to improve your erectile function. One study found that around one third of overweight and obese men could cure their ED through weight loss.
Stop smoking
Several studies have found a link between smoking and erectile dysfunction. After stopping smoking, many men find that their ED symptoms improve.
Exercise more
Exercising is a natural way to boost nitric oxide levels - a chemical involved in blood vessel relaxation. It's also a great way to manage stress and lose weight, which are two other factors that can worsen symptoms.
The bottom line
Whilst lifestyle changes are important, many men want a quicker way to manage their ED. Clinically proven treatments, when used alongside healthcare advice offer viable options to help reinvigorate your sex life. Start your consultation today by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Why is generic tadalafil so much cheaper than original Cialis?+−
Generic tadalafil is cheaper than branded Cialis as the company producing the generic has not spent money on research and development of the drug, which the manufacturers behind the branded form would have.
How long does Tadalafil last?+−
Generic tadalafil-containing tablets, just like the original branded Cialis, will last for 36 hours in the blood. This does not mean you'll have a hard erect penis suitable for sexual activity for the entire duration as you'll still require adequate sexual stimulation to achieve a healthy erection.
Is tadalafil available on the NHS?+−
Tadalafil is available on the NHS but only under NHS criteria. This is usually if you have a pre-existing medical condition such as multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury.
Does tadalafil keep you hard after coming?+−
Tadalafil does not usually keep you erect after ejaculation. If you do experience a prolonged and painful erection lasting 2 hours or more, seek immediate medical attention.
Is 20mg of tadalafil too much?+−
20mg of tadalafil may be too much for you, it may also be the right dose you need. As a rule of thumb, you should take the minimum effective dose of all medicine and only increase the dose if necessary.
Which is stronger, Cialis or tadalafil?+−
Both Cialis and tadalafil contain the same active ingredient therefore both work in the same way. Like for like, both would be equally as effective. i.e. tadalafil 10mg tablets would be equally as effective as Cialis 10mg tablets.
Can you drink alcohol with tadalafil?+−
You can drink alcohol with tadalafil but it is advised to limit your intake as excessive alcohol consumption may affect the way tadalafil works and may lead to low blood pressure.
Can tadalafil increase size?+−
Tadalafil tablets are used to help erectile dysfunction and do not increase size.
Can I take tadalafil tablets daily?+−
You can take tadalafil tablets daily in the lower doses of 2.5mg or 5mg. Tadalafil 10mg or 20mg is not recommended to be taken for continuous daily dosage.
Who should avoid tadalafil?+−
Patients with underlying health conditions of the heart such as uncontrolled blood pressure, and liver or kidney problems should not take tadalafil. If you are taking other medication such as nitrates for angina or alpha-blockers for an enlarged prostate, you should also avoid tadalafil. Speak to us on 0121 628 5318 if you are unsure if you can safely take tadalafil. If you suffer from a bleeding disorder it is important to consult with a healthcare professional at Quick Meds for further advice.
Can I buy tadalafil online?+−
Ordering tadalafil online is quick and easy. To place an order, simply complete a consultation form. It is a prescription-only medication therefore supply is subject to meeting criteria to ensure the supply is safe.
Is tadalafil available over the counter?+−
In 2023, tadalafil was reclassified as the brand Cialis Together as a pharmacy medicine. This form is only available as a 10mg tablet and is available without a prescription though you will still need to have a chat with a pharmacist to ensure it is safe for you.
When is the best time to take Tadalafil 20mg?+−
The best time to take tadalafil 20mg is 30 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. the 20mg tablets are not recommended for continuous daily use therefore should not be taken every day.
Is 20mg tadalafil better than 10mg?+−
20mg tadalafil may be better for you if the 10mg tablets are not as effective. If you have liver or kidney problems or other healthcare conditions, speak to a healthcare professional to determine if 20mg is safe for you.
Why is Cialis better than Viagra?+−
Cialis is deemed better than Viagra due to its longer duration of action. Cialis lasts for 36 hours compared to only 4 hours for Viagra. This suits individuals who have a spontaneous lifestyle and does not require prior planning. Additionally, Cialis has been shown to improve confidence and other psychological outcomes compared to Viagra.
