What is 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: 

Find out more about the differences between Viagra and Cialis.