When to take Cialis for the best results
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition characterised by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
While people may be reluctant to talk about erectile dysfunction, it is a very common condition that affects more than half of men aged between 40 and 70 at some stage in their life. (1)
What is Cialis used to treat?
Cialis is the branded version of Tadalafil, which is part of a group of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing the blood flow to your penis when you are aroused. (2)
What are the common causes of erectile dysfunction?
ED can have various underlying causes, including: (3)
- Physical factors - cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, hormonal imbalances and nerve damage
- Psychological factors - anxiety, depression, stress or relationship problems
- Lifestyle - poor circulation as a result of lack of physical activity, poor diet, smoking, drug and alcohol misuse
- Underlying health issues
- Age - ED is more common, although not inevitable, in older men
What different forms does Cialis come in?
Cialis is available in two dosage types: on-demand, and daily.
- On-demand Cialis comes in two doses: Cialis 10mg and Cialis 20mg, used to help you to achieve an erection when you are aroused. Your prescriber will usually recommend that you start with the 10mg and see if it works before increasing your dose. . You can also opt for generic Tadalafil tablets, which offer the same effectiveness at a better value.
- Cialis daily is available in 2.5mg and 5mg doses. This constant, small dose means that you can have sex spontaneously whenever you want, without worrying about taking a tablet beforehand, while still experiencing the benefits of the drug.
- Cialis Together tablets are available without a prescription. Cialis Together tablets became available as an over-the-counter treatment for erectile dysfunction this year (2023) based on the treatment’s safety. (4)
If you find yourself using on-demand Cialis more than three times a week, it may be advisable to switch to daily Cialis, which has benefits such as reduced side effects and additional spontaneity.
Read more information about the differences of Cialis vs Cialis Daily.
When to take Cialis?
When taking Cialis it is important that you follow the instructions of your prescribing practitioner. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
You should take on-demand Cialis 30-60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Cialis can remain in your system for up to 36 hours, so it is important that you do not take more than one a day. (5)
There is no best time to take Cialis daily as long as it is taken daily, preferably at the same time each day.
Do I need a prescription to order Cialis?
Tadalafil is a prescription-only drug. If your erectile dysfunction is caused by a specific condition, for example, a spinal injury or MS (multiple sclerosis), you may be able to get it on an NHS prescription. If you do not meet the requirements for an NHS prescription, you can buy Cialis online via a private prescription.
Can you take Cialis long term?
If you are comfortable taking Cialis and you are not experiencing any of the tadalafil side effects, there is no reason why you can’t take it long-term to treat ED. However, if the cause of the ED is identified and treated appropriately, you may not need to take Cialis in the longer term. (6)
What are the side effects of Cialis?
With all drugs there is a possibility of side effects although not everyone experiences them, so it is important to be aware of the possible side effects and know when to stop taking the drug or seek medical attention.
The following side effects are uncommon or rare, but you should stop taking the drug and get medical help if you experience:
- An allergic reaction
- Chest pain
- Priapism (a prolonged and potentially painful erection)
- Sudden blindness
More common side effects, which affect up to 10% of people taking Cialis, include back pain, muscle pain, facial flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and headaches.
Uncommon side effects affecting fewer than ten out of 1000 patients include nausea, stomach ache, dizziness, reflux, eye pain, blurred vision, priapism, pounding or fast heart, high or low blood pressure, nose bleeds, swelling extremities and fatigue.
Rare side effects include seizures, fainting, increased sweating, memory loss, eye swelling or redness, loss of hearing, hives (skin rash), penile bleeding and blood in semen.
If you experience side effects, speak to a medical professional. They may recommend a smaller dose, such as switching to Cialis Daily, or advise that you stop taking Cialis altogether. (7)
Can Cialis be taken with other medication?
When you complete your online consultation, it is important that you are honest about your medical history and any medication that you are currently taking. You must not take Cialis if you are already taking nitrates, and you should advise your prescriber if you are taking medication for high blood pressure, riociguat (for hypertension), 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (for prostatic hyperplasia), ketoconazole tablets (for fungal infections), protease inhibitors (for AIDS or HIV), or anticonvulsants phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine.
More Information
If you are experiencing ED and you are looking for a long-term solution or a weekend pill to allow you to enjoy sexual activity without anxiety, simply add a product to your basket and complete our online consultation. Alternatively, get in touch with a member of our healthcare team for more information and advice.
Your pharmacist will either approve your request or make suggestions of what may be more appropriate for you and your treatment could be on your doorstep, in discreet packaging, within 24 hours.*
*Depending on the delivery service you choose, see here for a full list of our delivery services.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - Erectile dysfunction: How common is it?
- NHS UK, About tadalafil
- NHS 75, Erectile dysfunction: Frequently asked questions
- Gov.UK, MHRA reclassifies Cialis Together tablets to a pharmacy medicine
- Medicines.org, Cialis 20mg patient information leaflet
- Medical News Today, Cialis (tadalafil)
- Medicines.org, Cialis 20mg patient information leaflet