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Cialis - Erectile dysfunction treatments
  • Can be taken with food
  • Works in 30 mins, lasts up to 36 hours
  • Works for 80% of men

Cialis (branded Tadalafil)

Cialis - Erectile dysfunction treatments
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Returning patient? Reorder

Alternative treatment: Tadalafil

  • Can be taken with food
  • Works in 30 mins, lasts up to 36 hours
  • Works for 80% of men
On this page

    What is Cialis?

    On this page
    1. What is Cialis used for?
    2. How does Cialis work?
    3. How to take Cialis
    4. When to take Cialis for best results
    5. What dose of Cialis should you take?
    6. Is Cialis effective?
    7. What are the side effects of Cialis?
    8. What’s the difference between Viagra and Cialis?

    Cialis is a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It contains the active ingredient tadalafil. Cialis works in 30 minutes and lasts up to 36 hours. It’s effective for 8 out of 10 men experiencing ED.

    What is Cialis used for?

    Cialis helps men experiencing ED to get and keep an erection that’s firm enough for sex or masturbation. For Cialis to work you must be sexually aroused.

    ED can be caused by physical and phycological factors such as high cholesterol or stress. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and managing stress can help improve ED symptoms. Find out more about how to get better erections.

    Cialis is also used to treat an enlarged prostate and sometimes high blood pressure.

    How does Cialis work?

    Cialis' active ingredient (tadalafil) increases blood flow to the penis. When you’re sexually stimulated Cialis helps the blood vessels in your penis to relax enabling a firmer, longer-lasting erection.

    There are many myths surrounding ED and you should consider that treatment will not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire.

    “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 to take Cialis

    Take one Cialis tablet at least 30 minutes before sex. You can swallow the tablet whole with some water, and it can be taken with or without food.

    The effects of Cialis can last for up to 36 hours. You won’t have an erection that lasts for 36 hours, instead you’ll be able to get an erection over a 36 hour period after taking one tablet. Never take more than one tablet within 36 hours.

    Alcohol will limit Cialis' effectiveness, so avoid excessive drinking. Do not combine Cialis with other ED medicines. Find out more about how long Cialis takes to work here.

    When to take Cialis for best results

    Cialis treats ED in 80% of cases. If you have drunk more than 1-2 units of alcohol (a pint of low strength beer or two single gin and tonics), you may find Cialis is less effective. Drinking too much can increase your chances of side effects such as dizziness or headaches.

    Food does not impact how Cialis works; however, you should avoid grapefruit while using Cialis.

    What dose of Cialis should you take?

    Cialis is available in 10mg and 20mg tablets. The standard recommended dose of Cialis is 10mg. Our clinicians will make sure you’re taking the right dose for you.

    We advise trying an ED treatment 8 times before giving up, considering a higher dose, or seeking an alternative. After trying a 10mg you may be advised to go up to 20mg, depending on the effects you’re experiencing.  

    Is Cialis effective?

    In studies Cialis has been shown to be over 80% effective in helping men achieve satisfactory erections. For Cialis to be effective you’ll need to take it 30 minutes before sexual activity, as instructed in the patient information leaflet.  Also remember Cialis only works if you’re sexually aroused, it doesn’t have any effect on sexual desire.

    What are the side effects of Cialis?

    Cialis side effects are usually mild. Not everyone experiences side effects when taking Cialis.

    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 

    Rare side effects (Up to 1 in 1000 people)

    • Fainting
    • Seizures
    • Passing memory loss
    • Eyelid swelling
    • Red eyes
    • Loss or decrease in hearing
    • Hives
    • Increased sweating
    • Blood in semen
    • Penile bleeding 

    You can avoid some Cialis side effects by:

    • Staying hydrated
    • Avoiding rich or spicy food
    • Keeping cool with a fan
    • Taking an antacid if needed  

    For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.

    What’s the difference between Viagra and Cialis?

    Cialis and Viagra are both treatments for ED which increase blood supply to the penis. However, they contain different active ingredients. Cialis contains tadalafil while Viagra contains sildenafil. 

    Differences include: 


    CialisViagra
    Active ingredient
    TadalafilSildenafil
    Dosages10mg, 20mg25mg, 50mg, 100mg
    Taken30 minutes before sex1 hour before sex
    Common side effects
    • Headache
    • Indigestion
    • Stomach cramps
    • Back pain
    • Flushing
    • Nasal congestion 
    • Headaches
    • Nausea
    • Hot flushes 
    • Indigestion 
    • Blocked nose
    • Dizziness 
    Duration of effectUp to 36 hours4-6 hours

    Find out more about the differences between Viagra and Cialis

    On this page

      Cialis FAQs

      On this page

      Is Cialis stronger than Viagra?

      Cialis and Viagra contain different active ingredients. Cialis contains tadalafil whereas Viagra contains sildenafil. Both increases blood flow to the penis enabling firmer erections. However, some men may find they have a stronger reaction when taking one of these medications. You can find out more about how Cialis and Viagra are different in our Cialis vs Viagra article.

      What’s the difference between Cialis and Cialis Together?

      Cialis and Cialis Together contain the same active ingredient – tadalafil. While Cialis is available in two dosages, Cialis Together is only available in 10mg tablets.

      Cialis is only available with a prescription whereas Cialis Together can be bought without a prescription. You’ll still need to answer a few questions when ordering Cialis Together online or buying in your local pharmacy. These will make sure it’s safe for you to take.

      What should you not take with Cialis?

      As with other ED treatments, some medications are unsafe to take at the same time. You will be unsuitable for Cialis if you are taking:

      • Alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or tamsulosin)
      • Nicorandil or nitrates, such as GTN spray
      • Isosorbide mononitrate tablets to treat angina 

      It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Cialis safely.

      Alternative ED treatments

      There are alternatives treatments such as lifestyle changes that can help. Some men find counselling helpful as a means of exploring and treating psychological causes for ED.

      If Cialis does not work for you, contact us via your Patient Record so that we can discuss your treatment options. View all our ED treatments.

      Can I buy Cialis online?

      Yes, Cialis is available through an online consultation. Answer some questions about your medical history and current health.

      Our clinicians will make sure it’s safe for you to take. Watch our video to find out more about our service.

      How to re-order Cialis

      To reorder Cialis, go to your Patient Record and select ‘reorder’. You will be required to fill in the online questionnaire each time you reorder.

      If you’d like regular treatment, we also offer a subscription service. Save 15% on your consultation, there’s free delivery or collection and you can cancel any time. Our clinicians will recommend the most suitable ED treatment for you.  

      How our service works

      1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

        5 mins

      2. One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email

        About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)

      3. Choose delivery or collection

        Next day delivery

        Same-day pharmacy collection

        Collect in your local ParcelShop​​​​​​​

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