What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), a common condition for men. It is the generic form of the popular ED treatment, Cialis. Tadalafil comes in the form of film-coated tablets. If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, you can be prescribed tadalafil by our clinicians following an online consultation.
How does Tadalafil work?
Tadalafil's active ingredient (tadalafil) increases blood flow to the penis. It enables a firmer, longer-lasting erection if you are sexually aroused.
The treatment will not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire.
How long does it take for Tadalafil to take effect?
It usually takes 30-60 minutes for Tadalafil to start working. But don’t forget you will only see the effects if you’re sexually aroused.
How long does Tadalafil last?
Tadalafil can be effective for up to 36 hours. However, this can be affected by:
- Lack of sexual stimulation
- Drinking alcohol
- Tolerance to dosage
How effective is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil treats ED in 80% of cases. If you have drunk more than 1-2 units of alcohol, you may find Tadalafil is less effective. Food does not impact how Tadalafil works.
We advise trying an ED treatment 8 times before giving up, considering a higher dose, or seeking an alternative.
Who can take Tadalafil?
Do not take Tadalafil if you:
- Are allergic to Tadalafil or any of its ingredients (check section 6 of the Tadalafil patient information leaflet)
- Are taking any form of nitrate, like amyl nitrate
- Have had serious heart disease (including a heart attack in the last 90 days)
- Have had a stroke in the last 6 months
- Have issues with high or low blood pressure
- Have ever had loss of vision because of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a conditio described as "stroke of the eye"
- Are taking riociguat
Please talk to your GP before taking Tadalafil if you have:
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukaemia
- Any deformation of your penis
- A serious liver problem
- A severe kidney problem
How to take Tadalafil
Take one tablet at least 30 minutes before sex. Effects can last for up to 36 hours. Never take more than one tablet within 36 hours. Alcohol will limit Tadalafil's effectiveness. Do not combine Tadalafil with other ED medicines.
Can Tadalafil pills be split?
Splitting Tadalafil tablets is not recommended. You should take Tadalafil tablets in the dosage suggested by your clinician or as explained in the patient information leaflet (see above).
Tadalafil dosage
The standard dose is 10mg. Depending on your age, height and weight, the cause and the severity of your ED, you may be prescribed a higher dose of 20mg. Dosage does not affect how quickly or for how long the treatment works.
Higher doses come with an increased chance of developing side effects.
Our current available doses of Tadalafil are as follows:
| Pack size / Dosage | 10mg | 20mg |
| 4 tablets | £25.00 | £28.00 |
| 8 tablets | £38.00 | £50.00 |
| 16 tablets | £62.00 | £75.00 |
There are also monthly subscriptions available which reduce the cost of each dose by 15%:
| Pack size / Dosage | 10mg | 20mg |
| 4 tablets | £21.00/month | £23.00/month |
| 8 tablets | £32.00/month | £42.00/month |
| 16 tablets | £52.00/month | £63.00/month |
“Start with a recommended dose from either your GP or one of our consultations. Not all ED treatments will work the first time they are taken – if your treatment has failed to work on eight separate occasions, talk to your GP and they will suggest further next steps.” - Dr Bhavini Shah
Tadalafil side effects
Side effects are uncommon, but can include headaches, indigestion, palpitations (racing heartbeat), light headedness, facial flushing, nasal congestion and muscle aches. These side effects should not last more than a few hours after taking a dose of Tadalafil.
Tadalafil side effects long-term are rare. Heart problems have been reported by some men, however many of these men had heart issues before taking their medication. It’s important to let our clinicians know of any medical conditions or medication during your consultation.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.
