Cialis tablets

Cialis is a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It contains the active ingredient tadalafil, which belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

Cialis tablets can work in 30 minutes and because the medicine lasts up to 36 hours, it’s often known as the ‘weekend pill.’ Cialis is effective for 8 out of 10 men experiencing ED.

There are two different strengths available: 10mg and 20mg.

This is a standard treatment you take as needed before sex. The Cialis pill lasts up to 36 hours, giving you flexibility and allowing for spontaneity. Other Cialis options include:

Cialis Daily

Cialis 2.5mg and Cialis 5mg tablets are lower-dose options you take every day, enabling spontaneous erections whenever you want them. It's ideal if you have sex at least twice weekly and no need to plan ahead.

Cialis Together

An over-the-counter treatment for men aged 18 and over. It works within 30 minutes and lasts up to 36 hours, but only when you're sexually stimulated. You can buy Cialis Together online without a prescription.

How does Cialis work?

When you're sexually aroused, Cialis helps the blood vessels in your penis to relax, allowing better blood flow. This makes it easier to get and maintain a firmer erection.

It’s important to understand that Cialis enhances what your body already does naturally rather than replacing it. The medicine supports your body's natural response to sexual stimulation. So it won't work without arousal and it doesn't affect your sexual desire. You'll still need to be turned on for Cialis to be effective, just as you would naturally.

The effects of Cialis can last up to 36 hours after taking the tablet, giving you a longer window of opportunity.

“It’s important to assess your lifestyle and any psychological issues before presuming there is something physically wrong. Seeking medication for ED and performance issues but not addressing the initial cause will only prolong the issue.” - Dr Neel Patel  

How long does Cialis take to work?

Once taken, Cialis, starts working within 30-60 minutes. It will only work when you're sexually aroused.

How long do the effects last?

• Cialis: Lasts up to 36 hours, making it one of the longest lasting ED treatments.
• Cialis Daily: Works continuously.
• Cialis Together: Lasts up to 36 hours.

How effective is Cialis for men?

Clinical studies show Cialis is over 80% effective in helping men achieve satisfactory erections. 

To get the best results, you'll want to take Cialis at least 30 minutes before sex, as outlined in the patient information leaflet.

Cialis works by supporting your body's natural response when you're turned on. The medication won't create desire or automatically give you an erection. You and your partner will still need foreplay and to be sexually aroused, just as you would naturally. 

Who can take Cialis tablets?

Most men aged 18 and over can take Cialis for erectile dysfunction. The different versions suit different lifestyles and needs:

• Cialis: Ideal for men who have sex less regularly or whose erectile dysfunction is occasional.
• Cialis Daily: Suited to men who have sex at least twice a week. Also helpful for those in long-term relationships who’d like to be able to have spontaneous sex. particularly helpful for those in long-term relationships who’d like to be able to have spontaneous sex.
• Cialis Together: Available for men aged 18 and over who want an over-the-counter option.

Cialis isn't suitable for everyone. Following the advice in the patient information leaflet (and guide from the NHS) it's important to tell your doctor or our clinicians if you:

• Have ever had an allergic reaction to Cialis or any other medicine.
• Are taking nitrates for chest pain or heart problems.
• Have serious heart disease or recently had a heart attack or stroke.
• Have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Have ever lost your vision due to reduced blood flow to the eye.
• Are taking riociguat.
• Have sickle cell anaemia (an abnormality of red blood cells).
• Have leukaemia (cancer of blood cells).
• Have multiple myeloma (cancer of bone marrow).
• Have Peyronie's disease (curved penis) or a similar problem with your penis.
• Have a liver or kidney condition.
• Have a heart condition. Your doctor will advise you whether your heart can take the additional strain of having sex.

Tadalafil (Cialis) is also sometimes used by doctors, in different dosages and formulations, to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and pulmonary hypertension. 

How to take Cialis tablets

Take one Cialis tablet at least 30 minutes before sexual activity and swallow the tablet whole with water. 

You can take it with or without food, but avoid grapefruit juice as this may affect how well Cialis works.

Cialis remains effective for up to 36 hours after taking a tablet. This doesn't mean you'll have a continuous erection for that amount of time though. Instead, you'll be able to achieve erections during this 36-hour window when you're sexually aroused.

You shouldn’t take more than one tablet in a 24-hour period.

Find out more about how long Cialis takes to work here.

Can I take Cialis daily?

Regular Cialis (10mg and 20mg tablets) isn't meant for daily use. These doses are designed to be taken as needed before sexual activity, not every day.

The alternative, Cialis Daily, comes in lower doses (2.5mg and 5mg) and is specifically designed for everyday use. This gives you the freedom to be spontaneous without having to plan ahead.

Are Cialis and Cialis Daily interchangeable?

No, these medicines aren’t interchangeable. That’s because Cialis and Cialis Daily work in different ways and are designed for different needs:

Cialis (10mg/20mg) is taken as needed, at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, and lasts up to 36 hours.

Cialis Daily (2.5mg/5mg) is taken once every day at the same time, regardless of when you plan to have sex, and is for patients that anticipate more regular sex (i.e. at least twice weekly).

As there are two treatment options and they work differently in your body, it's important to speak to your doctor about which option is right for you and your lifestyle. We’ll also help you decide during a short and confidential online consultation.

Cialis dosages

Cialis

• Available in 10mg and 20mg tablets
• Comes in packs of 4, 8 or 12 tablets
• The standard dose is 10mg

Our clinicians will make sure you're on the right dose for your needs. We also recommend giving any ED treatment eight attempts before you consider a dose change or alternative option.

If 10mg isn't giving you the results you're looking for, you may be advised to try 20mg depending on how you're responding to the treatment.

Cialis Daily

• Available in 2.5mg and 5mg tablets
• Comes in packs of 28 tablets (one for each day of the month)
• Standard dose is 2.5mg

Depending on factors like your age, overall health, and how severe your ED is, you might be prescribed the higher 5mg dose. Unlike regular Cialis though, the dosage doesn't affect how quickly Cialis Daily works or how long it stays effective.

It’s also worth knowing that higher doses of any medication typically come with a greater chance of you experiencing side effects.

Cialis side effects

Although Cialis can cause side effects, many men don't experience any. If you do, they're usually mild and typically last only a few hours after taking a dose.

Common side effects (Up to 1 in 10 people):

• Headache
• Back pain
• Muscle aches
• Pain in arms and legs
• Facial flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Indigestion  

These side effects should not last more than a few hours after taking a dose of Cialis.

Uncommon side effects (Up to 1 in every 100 people):

• Dizziness
• Stomach ache
• Feeling sick
• Being sick
• Reflux
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Blood in your wee
• Prolonged erection
• Pounding heartbeat
• Fast heart rate
• High or low blood pressure
• Nose bleeds
• Ringing in ears
• Swollen hands, feet or ankles
• Tiredness

The patient information leaflet does list several serious side effects including fainting, seizures, memory loss, hearing problems, severe allergic reactions, and vision changes. But as these may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people, they’re rare.

Heart attack and stroke have also been reported rarely in men taking Cialis. It’s worth noting though that most of these men had known heart problems before taking this medicine.

Managing side effects

You can help reduce some Cialis side effects by:

• Staying hydrated to avoid headaches
• Avoiding rich or spicy foods if you are feeling nauseous
• Keeping cool if you are experiencing hot flushes
• Taking an antacid if needed for indigestion

Long-term side effects of taking Cialis

According to the NHS ‘side effects usually disappear when you stop taking the tablets’ and a 24 month clinical study stated that tadalafil use was ‘safe and ‘well-tolerated;. The side effects apply whether you're taking Cialis occasionally or using it regularly over a longer period.

If you have been taking Cialis for a long time and have any concerns, you can speak to your GP for a review of your treatment. You can also message us in your account.