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Tadalafil - Erectile dysfunction treatment
  • Can be taken with food
  • Works in 30mins, lasts up to 36hrs
  • Works for 80% of men

Tadalafil (generic Cialis)

Tadalafil contains the same active ingredient as Cialis (tadalafil) and is a cheaper, reliable ED treatment that lasts up to 36hrs.

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Tadalafil - Erectile dysfunction treatment

Generic treatment

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Alternative treatment: Cialis

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

Generic or branded treatments?

Some treatments contain the same active ingredient but are sold under different names. If the active ingredient and the dosage are the same, the treatments will have the same effect and work in the same way. 

Generic Branded
Same active ingredient
Works in the same way
Often less expensive

What is Tadalafil?

  • How to take Tadalafil

    Take one tablet at least 30mins before sex. Effects can last for up to 36hrs. Never take more than one tablet within 36hrs. Alcohol will limit Tadalafil's effectiveness. Do not combine Tadalafil with other ED medicines.

  • 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 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.

  • How long does it take to work?

    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 last for up to 36 hours. 

  • Side effects of Tadalafil

    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.

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

  • Tadalafil strength and 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.

  • Can Tadalafil pills be split?

    No, you should take Tadalafil tablets in the dosage suggested by your clinician or as explained in the patient information leaflet. 

  • Is Tadalafil stronger than Viagra?

    One medication is not ‘stronger’ than the other, they just work differently and over a different period of time to manage ED. 

  • Why is Tadalafil known as the 'weekend' pill?

    You might hear or see people referring to Tadalafil as the ‘weekend’ pill. This is because the effects of Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, giving you help with getting an erection across a 2.5 day period. Taken on a Friday afternoon/evening the medication could take effect for the whole weekend. 

  • Do you need a prescription to buy Tadalafil?

    Yes you need a prescription to request and pay for Tadalafil. 

  • Can I buy Tadalafil over the counter?

    No, you cannot currently buy Tadalafil over the counter. 

    You can get Viagra Connect, another popular ED medication over the counter. You will need to answer some questions from the pharmacist just to double check the treatment is right for you. 

  • Can I buy Tadalafil online?

    You can request and pay for a Tadalafil prescription online. As Tadalafil is a prescription only medication, even when using an online doctor, you will need a prescription before you buy Sildenafil. You should never buy Tadalafil without a prescription from a regulated online doctor service with professionally qualified and registered clinicians. 

    When using our service you will need to complete an ED consultation, and if suitable, one of our clinicians will prescribe the treatment. You can then pay for your prescription online.  

  • Drug interactions with Tadalafil

    You will be unsuitable for Tadalafil if you are taking alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or tamsulosin), nicorandil or nitrates, such as GTN spray or 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 Tadalafil safely.

  • Alternatives treatments to Tadalafil

    Some men find counselling helpful as a means of exploring and treating psychological causes for ED.

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

  • Reordering

    If you’d like to reorder Tadalafil, you can go to your Patient Record and select ‘reorder’.

  • Save 15% with a subscription

    If you’d like regular treatment, you can choose a subscription and save 15% off your consultation. 

    Free delivery of your treatment is included each month, or you can collect from your local LloydsPharmacy. And there’s no contract to worry about, you can cancel any time.   

Erectile dysfunction treatments

More advice about erectile dysfunction

Authors and editors

  • Reviewed and updated by

    Dr Sameer Sanghvi
    GMC number: 7085078
    Date updated: 15th Oct 2020

References

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