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Tadalafil Tablets (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg)
Tadalafil Tablets (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg) Product information
£8.95 (£2.24 per tablets)
| 2.5mg | 5mg | 10mg | 20mg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 tablets | - | - | £8.95 | £9.49 |
| 8 tablets | - | - | £14.97 | £14.89 |
| 16 tablets | - | - | £24.95 | £24.95 |
| 28 tablets | £24.99 | £19.35 | - | - |
| 32 tablets | - | - | £43.59 | £44.87 |
| 56 tablets | £45.98 | £36.89 | - | - |
| 64 tablets | - | - | £74.94 | £74.94 |
| 84 tablets | £62.95 | £47.39 | - | - |
| 168 tablets | £124.99 | £93.45 | - | - |
Tadalafil film-coated tablets are a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) that can be taken either when needed or once a day. You can order Tadalafil online from Oxford Online Pharmacy following a short online consultation and approval from one of our independent doctors.
With effects lasting for up to 36 hours when taken as needed, Tadalafil offers a longer treatment window than some other erectile dysfunction tablets (1). Daily Tadalafil is another option if you prefer not to plan treatment around sex. Both options allow for more spontaneous sex.
The manufacturer of the product supplied may vary. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet that is provided with the product. If you would like a specific brand, please contact our customer services team.
Product Information for Tadalafil Tablets (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg)
What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors and is available in different strengths depending on whether you take it daily or when needed:
Tadalafil 2.5mg and 5mg tablets are for daily use
Tadalafil 10mg and 20mg tablets are used when needed before sex
Tadalafil is sometimes called the ‘weekend pill’ because a dose taken when needed can remain effective for up to 36 hours (1). This does not mean you will have an erection for 36 hours. Instead, it gives you a longer window in which you may be able to get an erection when sexually aroused.
Tadalafil is also the active ingredient in Cialis tablets. Generic Tadalafil and Cialis contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way. If you're looking for inexpensive Tadalafil, choosing the generic medicine can be a more affordable option than paying for the Cialis brand.
How does Tadalafil work?
Tadalafil works by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).
When you are sexually aroused, your body releases nitric oxide into erectile tissues, which increases levels of a chemical called cGMP. This relaxes blood vessels in the penis and allows more blood to flow into the penis. This blood flow is what causes an erection.
PDE5 normally breaks down cGMP. By temporarily blocking PDE5, Tadalafil helps cGMP remain active for longer, supporting the increased blood flow needed to get and maintain an erection.
Tadalafil only works when you are sexually stimulated. It will not cause an automatic erection.
How long does Tadalafil take to work?
When taken as needed, Tadalafil can start working around 30 minutes after taking your tablet, but you will still need to be sexually aroused to get an erection (1,2).
Daily Tadalafil is taken once a day rather than before sex. Steady levels of Tadalafil are reached after around 5 days of daily treatment (3). Continuing to take it regularly keeps this level of Tadalafil in the body, allowing for erections to be spontaneous in response to sexual stimulation.
How long does Tadalafil last?
If taken as needed, Tadalafil can remain effective for up to 36 hours, although exactly how long it works for varies from person to person (1).
Daily Tadalafil works differently. Rather than giving a short-term effect, it provides continuous treatment and keeps a steady level of the medicine in your body, so it works for as long as you continue taking it. This means that you don’t need to time each tablet around sex.
Tadalafil on-demand | Tadalafil daily | |
|---|---|---|
10mg or 20mg | 2.5mg or 5mg | |
Oral tablet taken before sex | Oral tablet taken once every day | |
Starts working in around 30–60 minutes | Takes around 5 days to build a steady level in the body, then provides continuous treatment | |
Remains effective for up to 36 hours | Lasts until stopping daily use |
Who is Tadalafil for?
Tadalafil film-coated tablets are a prescription-only medication for adult men with erectile dysfunction (1). They may be suitable if you:
Are male (assigned at birth)
Are aged 18 or over
Have difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for successful sex
The above criteria can help you work out if the treatment may be right for you, but you will need to complete a consultation before you can buy Tadalafil online in the UK. Independent UK doctors will then clinically review your assessment to make sure it’s safe and appropriate before issuing a prescription.
How effective is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. In clinical trials, 81% of men taking Tadalafil 20mg reported improved erections compared with 35% taking a placebo (4).
Tadalafil may not be as effective in people with severe erectile dysfunction. When researchers looked at the results of Tadalafil in men according to how profound their ED was at the start of treatment, improvement was reported by (1):
86% of men with mild erectile dysfunction
83% of men with moderate erectile dysfunction
72% of men with severe erectile dysfunction
Because Tadalafil supports the natural process involved in getting an erection rather than automatically creating one, it may also be less effective if an underlying condition affects the nerves or blood vessels, or if factors like stress or performance anxiety are interfering with sexual arousal.
If Tadalafil does not work the first time, this does not necessarily mean it is unsuitable for you. Check that you are taking it correctly and speak to one of our clinicians if you continue to have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Tadalafil alternatives
If Tadalafil seems like the right type of erectile dysfunction treatment for you, there are a couple of other ways to take the same active ingredient.
Cialis is the branded version of the generic Tadalafil drug. It contains the same active ingredient and is available in both daily and as-needed strengths. It works in the same way as generic Tadalafil, although branded Cialis is usually more expensive.
Cialis Together also contains Tadalafil medicine, but is available as a 10mg tablet that you can buy from a pharmacy without a prescription. This can be an option if you want an as-needed Tadalafil treatment without getting a prescription.
What if Tadalafil isn’t right for me?
If Tadalafil isn't right for you, or you've tried it and haven't had the results you hoped for, there are several other treatments to consider. We’ve summarised these all below:
Treatment | Treatment type | What to know |
|---|---|---|
Oral tablet | Another PDE5 inhibitor taken when needed before sex (not as a daily treatment), with effects lasting for 4-5 hours (5). | |
Oral tablet | The branded version of Sildenafil. It works in the same way but is usually more expensive than generic Sildenafil. | |
Oral tablet | Contains Sildenafil and is available from a pharmacy without a prescription following a conversation with a pharmacist. | |
Oral spray | Contains Sildenafil and is taken when needed before sex, but as an oral mouth spray rather than a tablet. | |
Oral tablet | Another PDE5 inhibitor taken before sex. Its effects last roughly as long as Sildenafil, but its efficacy is less impacted by what you eat. | |
Oral tablet | Contains Avanafil, a faster-acting PDE5 inhibitor taken on-demand from around 15 to 30 minutes before sex (6). | |
Cream | Contains a medicine called Alprostadil and is applied to the opening of the penis before sex, working locally rather than being taken as a pill. | |
Gel | Another topical treatment applied directly to the penis before sex, but it is drug-free and can be bought without a prescription. | |
Injection | Injected directly into the penis before sex and can be an option when oral ED medicines are unsuitable or have not worked. | |
Device | Vacuum devices that draw blood into the penis to produce an erection without taking an ED medicine. |
There is no single best treatment that works for everyone. If you are unsure which might be right for you, contact our team or check our more detailed treatment comparisons in our Erectile Dysfunction Hub. Our Ultimate Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Guide is a great place to start.
Tadalafil Tablets (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg) reviews
How to use Tadalafil Tablets (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg)
Tadalafil tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food.
Because Tadalafil is available as a daily and an as-needed treatment for erectile dysfunction, instructions on how to take it will depend on which one you’ve been prescribed.
Tadalafil Daily (2.5mg or 5mg)
The usual daily dose is Tadalafil 5mg, although this may be reduced to 2.5mg depending on how you tolerate treatment.
Taking a lower dose every day keeps Tadalafil in your system, so you don't need to plan your tablet around sex. If you have sex regularly (more than twice weekly) or prefer not to plan treatment around sex, a daily dose of Tadalafil could work better.
If you’ve been prescribed daily Tadalafil, take ONE Tadalafil tablet once a day, ideally at the same time. You don’t need to plan when you take it around sex, as the medicine will build up to a steady level in your body. It can take several days to reach full effect, so be patient and don’t take extra doses if it does not work straight away (3). If you miss a dose of daily Tadalafil, take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together.
Do not take 10mg or 20mg Tadalafil every day unless told to do so by your doctor.
As-needed Tadalafil (10mg or 20mg)
The usual starting dose for on-demand use is Tadalafil 10mg. If 10mg doesn’t provide enough support, a clinician may recommend Tadalafil 20mg.
If you’ve been prescribed Tadalafil to take when needed, take ONE Tadalafil tablet at least 30 minutes before sex. Because Tadalafil lasts longer than some other erectile dysfunction treatments, there is usually less pressure to get the timing exactly right. Take when needed before sex, but never more than one dose in 24 hours. Since a single Tadalafil tablet can work for up to 36 hours, you may not need another dose even if you have sex again the next day.
If you think your treatment is not working as expected, don’t adjust the dose yourself. Speak to one of our team, who will check you’re taking it correctly and may suggest a higher-dose tablet or a different erectile dysfunction treatment.
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet included with your medication before starting treatment.
How to store Tadalafil tablets
Most Tadalafil tablets do not require any special storage conditions, but you should always check the packaging and Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your particular brand.
As a general guide, keep your Tadalafil tablets in their original packaging at room temperature and do not use them after the expiry date shown on the pack. Always keep Tadalafil out of the sight and reach of children.
Side effects of Tadalafil Tablets (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg)
Like all medicines, Tadalafil can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects
The most common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include (1-2):
Headaches
Flushing (hot, red skin usually on the upper body and face)
Stuffy nose
Indigestion/heartburn
Muscle pain or back pain
This list of common side effects isn’t exhaustive. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication.
Serious side effects
The side effects listed below are more serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Tadalafil and get medical help immediately (1-2).
An erection that will not go away (priapism). An erection that lasts more than 4 hours requires urgent treatment, as priapism can permanently damage your penis.
Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss. This may sometimes occur alongside ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or dizziness.
Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call 999 immediately.
If you would like to talk to our Healthcare Advisors about any concerns around side effects, please contact us.
This is not a complete list of serious side effects. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medication.
Tadalafil warnings
Tadalafil is safe for most people who are prescribed it and take it as directed. But there are certain health conditions and lifestyle factors that can affect how safely you can use it (1).
Heart or blood pressure problems. Tadalafil can lower your blood pressure, while sex puts extra strain on your heart. Tell us about any heart or blood pressure problems in your consultation.
Eye problems. Tell us if you have an inherited eye condition such as retinitis pigmentosa, or if you have ever experienced sudden sight loss due to NAION. Tadalafil may not be suitable for you.
Kidney or liver problems. These conditions can affect how your body processes Tadalafil, so you may need a different dose or treatment.
Conditions affecting the penis or blood. Tell us if you have Peyronie's disease, sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia, as these increase your risk of priapism.
Alcohol intake. Alcohol and Tadalafil can be taken together, but it's best to limit your intake. Large amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure.
Grapefruit juice. You must not drink grapefruit juice while taking Tadalafil, as it can increase the levels of Tadalafil in your body and worsen side effects (2).
Taking Tadalafil with other medications
Some medicines can interact with Tadalafil or change the amount of Tadalafil in your body (1,2).
Do not take Tadalafil with:
Nitrates used for angina or chest pain, such as Nicorandil
Riociguat, used to treat pulmonary hypertension
Recreational poppers, such as amyl nitrite
Other treatments for erectile dysfunction
Combining these medicines with Tadalafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
You should also tell your clinician if you take:
Alpha-blockers, such as doxazosin, tamsulosin or alfuzosin
Other medicines used to lower blood pressure
Antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
HIV medicines, including protease inhibitors such as ritonavir or saquinavir
Certain antibiotics, including erythromycin, clarithromycin or rifampicin
Certain anticonvulsants, including carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital
Finasteride or other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
Some of these medicines can increase or decrease the amount of Tadalafil in your body, while others can increase its blood-pressure-lowering effects.
This is not a complete list of interactions. Tell us about all medicines you use when completing your consultation so our doctors can check that Tadalafil is suitable for you.
Who should not take Tadalafil?
Tadalafil may not be the right treatment for you if:
You take nitrates, riociguat, or use recreational poppers
You have had a heart attack within the last 90 days
You have had a stroke within the last 6 months
Have very low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
You have a condition called Peyronie’s or your penis has a bend when erect
You have previously lost vision in one eye because of NAION
You have liver or kidney problems
You have sickle-cell disease, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia
You are allergic to Tadalafil or any of the ingredients in the film-coated tablets
Get in touch with our team for a confidential and judgement-free chat about which Tadalafil option might be right for you.
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Tadalafil is an oral medication used by men who struggle to get an erection and maintain it long enough for sufficient sexual intercourse. It can be taken on-demand before sex or at a low dose as a daily treatment for ongoing support.
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Cialis is the branded version of Tadalafil. They both contain the same active ingredient, work in the same way, and are equally effective. While some people prefer branded medicines, these products are often more expensive than the generic alternatives.
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You cannot buy Tadalafil in the UK without a prescription. But you can buy Cialis Together over the counter, which contains the active ingredient (Tadalafil 10mg). You will still need to answer some questions so we can make sure it is safe and appropriate for you.
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Yes, Tadalafil is generally considered safe when taken as prescribed. It is a licensed medicine backed by clinical evidence, but that doesn’t make it safe for everyone. Before your Tadalafil purchase is approved, one of our doctors will review your consultation to check that treatment is safe for you.
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Tadalafil isn't necessarily stronger than Viagra. They come in different doses that can't be directly compared. For example, Tadalafil 20mg isn't equivalent to Sildenafil 100mg. Some people find one works better for them, so finding the right ED treatment can involve trying different options.
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No, you shouldn’t take a higher dose of Tadalafil than you’ve been prescribed. Taking more won't necessarily make it work better and can increase your risk of side effects, including low blood pressure and priapism. If your current dose isn't working well enough, contact our team.
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No. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food, as eating does not affect how quickly or how much Tadalafil is absorbed into your body. While some people may notice a difference after eating, Tadalafil works the same whether taken with food or on an empty stomach.
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When you buy Tadalafil online from Oxford Online Pharmacy, the order limit for Tadalafil 2.5mg and Tadalafil 5mg tablets is 168 tablets (6 boxes for 6 months of daily treatment). For on-demand Tadalafil 10mg and 20mg strengths, you can order up to 64 Tadalafil tablets (16 boxes of 4).
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Yes, because it relaxes and widens blood vessels, Tadalafil can cause your blood pressure to drop slightly. For most people this isn’t a problem. But it can be unsafe if taken with nitrates or certain other blood pressure medicines, as it could drop dangerously low.
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Tadalafil is long-lasting and stays in your system for 3 or 4 days after a single dose, but improves erectile function for up to 36 hours (1). This is much longer than Sildenafil, which is why Tadalafil is often called the “weekend pill”. If taken on Friday night, its effects may last until Sunday morning.
Find out more about how long Tadalafil lasts.
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No. Tadalafil is an ED treatment specifically for biological males over 18 to get or maintain an erection firm enough to enjoy sexual intercourse. Tadalafil is not approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use by women.
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This depends on which blood pressure medicines you take. Some combinations need extra caution, as taking them with Tadalafil could cause your blood pressure to drop too much. Tell your prescriber about any medications so they can check that Tadalafil is suitable for you.
Find out more about blood pressure tablets and erectile dysfunction.
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No, Tadalafil does not increase testosterone. It helps erectile function by improving blood flow rather than affecting hormone production. If your ED is linked to low testosterone, Tadalafil may help improve your symptoms, but it won’t treat the underlying hormone imbalance.
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There’s no single “best” option. The right treatment depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and how the body responds. Tadalafil lasts the longest and is available as a daily treatment, giving it a flexibility that some people prefer, while others prefer a shorter-acting tablet.
Find out more in our blog: What is the best treatment for erectile dysfunction?
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Many people can take Losartan and Tadalafil together, but the combination can sometimes lower blood pressure more than expected, which could increase the chance of dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting. Before you purchase Tadalafil, let your prescriber know if you take Losartan.
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Constipation is not a common Tadalafil side effect, but some people do experience it. More common side effects include headache, indigestion, flushing, and muscle aches. If you notice digestive symptoms that worry you, talk to our friendly team for advice.
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Weight gain is not a recognised common side effect when taking Tadalafil, and there is no good evidence that the medication directly leads to weight gain. If you notice unexpected weight changes, there may be another cause worth discussing with your doctor.
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Yes, you can get Tadalafil through the NHS for erectile dysfunction, but whether it's offered to you can depend on your individual circumstances and local prescribing guidance. Speak to your GP to find out whether it is suitable and available for you.
Find out more in our blog: Can you get Tadalafil on the NHS?
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Yes, if clinically appropriate and taken as prescribed. In a study of 1,173 men with ED who took Tadalafil as needed for up to 2 years, researchers found that it was generally safe and well tolerated, with no new safety concerns identified with longer-term use (7).
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No. Sildenafil and Tadalafil are different medicines, although they are both PDE5 inhibitors and work to treat ED in a similar way. The main difference is that Tadalafil can work for up to 36 hours and is available as a daily treatment, while Sildenafil is taken when needed and works for around 4 hours.
Find out more in our guide: Are Tadalafil and Sildenafil the same?
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If you're looking for cheap Tadalafil, generic Tadalafil is usually less expensive than branded Cialis while containing the same active ingredient. But price shouldn't be the only consideration. Tadalafil is a prescription medicine, so only buy it from a registered UK pharmacy after a consultation.
Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
Tadalafil Tablets (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg) - Patient Information Leaflet
Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 100513 [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2025.
NHS. Tadalafil: a medicine to treat erection problems and symptoms of an enlarged prostate [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2019 Sept.
Forgue ST, Patterson BE, Bedding AW, Payne CD, Phillips DL, Wrishko RE, et al. Tadalafil pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2006 Mar;61(3):280–8.
Brock GB, McMahon CG, Chen KK, Costigan T, Shen W, Watkins V, et al. Efficacy and safety of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: results of integrated analyses. The Journal of urology [Internet]. 2002 Oct;168(4 Pt 1):1332–6.
Sildenafil 100 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk.
Spedra 100 mg tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 7421 [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2025.
Montorsi F, Verheyden B, Meuleman E, Jünemann KP, Moncada I, Valiquette L, et al. Long-term safety and tolerability of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. European Urology [Internet]. 2004 Mar [cited 2026 Aug 18];45(3):339–44; discussion 344-5.
- How blood affects erections: the science behind erectile dysfunction
- Why do ED medicines work for some people but not others?
- What is PDE5, and how do PDE5 inhibitors work?
- What we ask (and why) before we prescribe
- Can erectile dysfunction go away on its own?
- Comparing ED treatments, what do men try first?
- Can you have ED and still be healthy?
- Can a device really help with ED? What you need to know about Vertica
- Why ED medicines sometimes stop working
- How to take ED medication safely for the first time
Authored on September 1, 2026
Robert Bradshaw (Pharmacist) — MRPharms BSc(Hons) Pharmacy
Superintendent Pharmacist
GPhC Number: 2036118
Reviewed on September 3, 2026
