online pharmacy
Takes less than 2 minutes
Reviewed by UK doctors
Learn more about Tadalafil
The Tadalafil film-coated tablet is your flexible erection friend. It can be taken on-demand as needed or daily - you’re always prepared no matter the occasion. For daily use, we use 2.5mg or 5mg strengths and for as-needed use, we use 10mg or 20mg strengths.
Tadalafil key features
Often called the ‘weekend pill’, Tadalafil (when taken as needed) can last up to 36 hours – right through from Friday evening to Sunday morning. If you prefer to take the daily option instead, you’re always ready for action when the time comes.
Tadalafil is the generic version of the Cialis brand ED medication. This means they both contain the same active ingredient (Tadalafil).
| As-needed option | Daily option |
|---|---|
| Oral tablet for ease | Oral tablet for ease |
| Works in as little as 30–60 minutes | Ready to go 24/7 |
| Lasts up to 36 hours | Lasts until stopping daily use |
Read more about taking Tadalafil in the Directions for Use section and remember to always fully read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication.
How does Tadalafil work for ED?
Tadalafil combats erectile dysfunction by targeting PDE5, an enzyme responsible for breaking down the natural chemical cGMP - which relaxes penile blood vessels.
The science simplified
During sexual arousal, the body releases nitric oxide into erectile tissues, which stimulates the production of cGMP. This chemical relaxes smooth muscle tissue and enhances blood flow into the penis.
Tadalafil works by stopping PDE5 breaking down cGMP, allowing this vessel-relaxing compound to build up and work longer. This prolonged action keeps blood vessels dilated, trapping adequate blood in the penis to maintain a firm erection.
Good to know
Tadalafil (when taken as needed) can begin to work within 30-60 minutes and can last for up to 36 hours. Other ED options may only last up to 4 hours, so Tadalafil can offer worry-free flexibility.
When taken daily, Tadalafil is always present in the body and allows for erections to be spontaneous in response to stimulation. You can relax in the moment knowing you have a helping hand.
With both options, Tadalafil will not give you an instant or uncontrollable erection, you still need to be sexually aroused.
Choosing the right Tadalafil option
Deciding to use either the daily or as-needed Tadalafil option depends on a combination of preference, lifestyle and sexual frequency.
Daily Tadalafil (2.5mg or 5mg)
This option provides continuous coverage without planning around sexual activity. It's ideal for those who have frequent sexual encounters (multiple times weekly) as it maintains a steady level in the bloodstream, allowing for spontaneity without waiting for medication to take effect. It can also have milder side effects since the dose is lower than as-needed versions. It's particularly suitable for couples in established relationships where intimacy occurs regularly but unpredictably. These daily tablets can take up to 2 weeks to be effective when you first start treatment.
As-needed Tadalafil (10mg or 20mg)
This option may appeal to those who have less frequent or more predictable sexual activity. It can be more cost-effective for occasional use - you're not taking medication on days without sexual activity. Some people may prefer not to take medication daily if it’s not needed. It offers a generous window of effectiveness (up to 36 hours), providing flexibility without daily commitment.
Are Tadalafil film-coated tablets right for me?
Tadalafil film-coated tablets are a prescription-only medication. The initial criteria below can help you work out if it’s the right treatment for you. A doctor will clinically review your completed online assessment before issuing a prescription.
- Male (those assigned male at birth)
- Aged 18 or over
Tadalafil might not be the right treatment for you if:
- You take nitrates for a heart condition. These are usually tablets or capsules called Isosorbide Mononitrate or Nicorandil (a medicine very similar to a nitrate) but can be called by other names
- You use poppers
- You have angina or have ever been given a spray that goes under your tongue to help chest pain
- You have had a heart attack or stroke within the last three months
- You have a condition called Peyronie’s or your penis has a bend when erect
- You, or anyone in your family, has a history of eye disease, including retinitis pigmentosa or non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- You have liver or kidney problems
- You have sickle-cell disease, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia
- You have a stomach ulcer
- You have low blood pressure
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Get in touch with our team for a confidential and judgement-free chat about which Tadalafil option might be right for you. Call us on 01295 262925 or email [email protected].
Tadalafil Tablets reviews
How to use Tadalafil Tablets
Tadalafil film-coated tablets come in strengths of 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. They’re prescription-only and should always be taken as directed.
Make sure to thoroughly read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication.
How to take daily Tadalafil (2.5mg or 5mg)
Take ONE tablet every day, ideally at the same time each day. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Never take two tablets to make up for a forgotten dose.
We usually recommend you start with the 5mg tablets. If you find your erections are very firm, painful in any way or lasting longer than needed, we would recommend you reduce to the Tadalafil 2.5 mg strength tablets.
If you ever have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, you must go to a hospital emergency department.
Daily dose Tadalafil tablets can take up to 2 weeks to work fully.
How to take as-needed Tadalafil (10mg or 20mg)
Take ONE tablet 30 minutes before sex. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
We recommend you start with the 10mg tablets. If you find your erections are not firm enough or last long enough to enjoy sex, we may suggest you try the 20mg tablets.
You should not adjust your dose of Tadalafil without speaking to a healthcare professional first. Our team is available by phone, email and via the message centre in your online account during working hours.
The maximum dose of Tadalafil in 24 hours is ONE 20mg tablet. Do not exceed this amount.
Side effects of Tadalafil Tablets
These are some of the common side effects of Tadalafil tablets. This list isn’t exhaustive, and you should always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication. A copy of this will also be in the medication packaging or box.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Headaches
- Flushing (hot, red skin usually on the upper body and face
- Stuffy nose
- Indigestion/heartburn
- Muscle pain or back pain
The side effects listed below are more serious, and you should stop taking Tadalafil, and get medical help immediately.
- An erection that will not go away (priapism). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, seek medical help immediately. 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). Stop taking Tadalafil and get medical help right away if you have sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss. Some people may also have ringing in their ears (tinnitus) or dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking Tadalafil and contact a doctor right away.
If you would like to talk to our Healthcare Advisors about any concerns around side-effects please call us on 01295 262925 or email [email protected].
