Cialis (tadalafil)

Reviewed by: Dr Joyce Braaksma
GMC registration number: 4621289
Date: 10 March 2022
Next review: 11 March 2024
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.

Cialis Sales Uk

Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective and medically equivalent as the branded products but are available at a lower price. Generic manufacturers have to demonstrate that they are medically identical to the branded product – i.e. they offer the same quality, strength, stability and effectiveness.

Generic medicines are required meet the same standards of safety, quality and efficacy as the branded medication. To receive market approval from the European Medicines Agency and MHRA, a generic medicine must be ‘bioequivalent’ to the originator product.

Choosing the correct strength

Recommended starting dose for patients who have found Cialis 5mg too strong.

Recommended starting dose for patients for patients who want to take daily treatment. Take one pill daily and the effects will be continuous.

Recommended starting dose for patients who haven’t tried Cialis (Tadalafil) before. Each pill is taken 30 minutes before sex and the effects last up to 36 hours.

Recommended if you have previously taken Cialis (Tadalafil) 10mg 4 or more times without any side effects any found they did not have the desired effect. Each pill is taken 30 minutes before sex and the effects last up to 36 hours.

Cialis (Tadalafil)

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Cialis Info

What is Cialis?

Cialis contains the active ingredient tadalafil and is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It offers particularly long lasting effects in comparison to the other treatment options available and can produce results for up to 36 hours after taking a single pill in helping you to get and keep an erection.

What is Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is the generic version of the Cialis, one of the most popular erectile dysfunction treatments.

Tadalafil is the name of the active ingredient in Cialis and is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It offers particularly long lasting effects in comparison to the other treatment options available and can produce results for up to 36 hours after taking a single pill in helping you to get and keep an erection.

What is the difference between Cialis and Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis and is available in a generic, unbranded tablet. Tadalafil and Cialis are medically equivalent but Tadalafil is available at a much lower cost.

Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective and medically equivalent as the branded products but are available at a lower price. Generic manufacturers have to demonstrate that they are medically identical to the branded product – i.e. they offer the same quality, strength, stability and effectiveness.

How to take Cialis?

Cialis 36-Hour and Cialis Daily both contain the same medication but have different purposes and are there for taken differently.

How to take Cialis 36 Hour:

Take 1 tablet whole with a glass of water 30 minutes to 1 hour before planning to be sexually active. You can take it with or without food, but keep in mind it may take longer to work if taken with a heavy meal. You only need to take Cialis when you are going to be sexually active.

How to take Cialis Daily:

Take 1 tablet whole with a glass of water at the same time each day. You may take it with or without food, as it will not affect how well it works. It is important that you take it regularly every day to ensure you get the full benefit of the medication, so it can be helpful to incorporate it into your daily routine (e.g. with coffee at breakfast).

What dose should you take?

Cialis 36-Hour comes in two doses, either 10 mg or 20 mg. It is recommended to begin with the 10 mg tablet and continue if this is effective, as lower doses have less chance of side effects. If you find it is not having the desired effect on your erection after several separate attempts, you can try increasing the dose to 20 mg. If you are still not satisfied with the results, talk to your doctor about other medication solutions for you.

Cialis Daily is available in two strengths of 2.5 mg and 5 mg. Usually men begin with the 5 mg dose and adjust as needed. If you find that you are experiencing side effects or the 5 mg seems to be too strong for you, you can try decreasing the dose to 2.5 mg.

How long does it take to work?

Cialis has a benefit over other erectile dysfunction medications because it is so quick to work, often effective enough to allow sexual intercourse just 20 minutes after taking the pill. This is because it is absorbed into the body more easily and goes into action sooner. While you can take Cialis with or without food, it may take slightly longer to work if you take it with or soon after a large meal.

For Cialis Daily, it can take up to 5 days for the full effect to come into effect, as the low dose builds up gradually. However, after this time it will work continuously.

How long will it last?

Cialis has an extremely long duration of action in comparison to other erectile dysfunction medications and has been noted to work up to 36 hours after taking the pill.

Cialis Daily goes one step further to provide you with a ceaseless solution to erectile dysfunction. As it is a daily medication, you will always be ready for sexual activity.

Side Effects

Cialis Side Effects

Like all medications, Cialis has side effects that affect some men that take this medication. Some common side effects of Cialis are:

Notably, Cialis has fewer side effects than other medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. In fact, many men who experience nasal congestion, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhoea with other drugs find that Cialis doesn’t give them these symptoms.

Alternatives

Alternatives to Cialis

Counselling

For many men suffering from erectile dysfunction the primary cause may be related to psychological issues and not physical ones.

In these cases, counselling can prove to be a very effective form of treatment. Talking with a mental health professional will help to address issues of stress, anxiety or depression, which can all contribute to erectile dysfunction. For further information contact your GP.

Other ED Medications

We offer a range of ED medications. View our full range erectile dysfunction treatments.

Information Leaflet

Patient Information Leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.

Authored 02 April 2020 by Dr Clare Morrison, Reviewed 02 April 2020 by Liyya Patel, Siobhan Titre Last updated 02 April 2020

Cialis (tadalafil)

Cialis is a treatment for erectile dysfunction manufactured by Lilly ICOS. Cialis works in a similar way to the popular erectile dysfunction drug Viagra but there is evidence from clinical trials that Cialis has a longer period of effectiveness than Viagra. Cialis can remain effective for around 36 hours allowing a greater level of spontaneity than other erectile dysfunction treatments which tend to last for around 4 hours. Cialis is normally absorbed into the bloodstream quickly and can be effective in as little as 30 minutes.

How to Buy Cialis

Cialis is a prescription medication so you must complete a consultation form before you can buy Cialis online. Consultations are entirely free and you are under no obligation to make a purchase.

Is Cialis Suitable?

Cialis is not appropriate for every man suffering from erectile dysfunction because it interacts with certain medications. When you answer our consultation questions, the doctor will let you know if Cialis is suitable for you. We will also assess you for Viagra and Levitra, the other two erectile dysfunction treatments which fall into the category of PDE-5 inhibitors. Although Cialis may have a longer period of duration than either Viagra or Levitra, you must remember that if you are unfortunate enough to suffer side effects from taking the medication, these side effects will also last for the length of time that the medication is active – this can be up to 36 hours.

Cialis may not be the most appropriate medication for you but we will only be able to advise you on this once we have a completed consultation form from you. For most people, Cialis, Viagra and Levitra are equally appropriate but not always.

Cialis Effectiveness

Cialis has been subjected to 22 different clinical studies involving more than 4,000 patients. In these clinical studies, Cialis has been shown to improve the erectile function in most men, including those with mild, moderate and severe erectile dysfunction. Cialis was shown to last up to 36 hours in most men so you can take Cialis in advance, allowing intimacy with your partner to develop spontaneously. With Cialis you do not need to plan around meals or avoid high fat foods because the absorption of Cialis is not affected by food. Aspects of erectile dysfunction which were significantly improved by Cialis include:

  • Satisfaction with the hardness of erections
  • Ability to maintain erections for successful sexual intercourse
  • Confidence in ability to achieve and maintain an erection
  • Satisfaction with sexual intercourse

What are the side effects of Cialis

Few people get side effects with Cialis but we have provided a full list of potential side effects picked up in the clinical trials in the pre-purchase guidance that is available after you have been approved. Some of the side effects that can occur with the use of Cialis are headaches, myalgia (lower back muscular pain) and indigestion. Not everyone will get side effects but it is important to make yourself aware of what might happen. Most of the potential side effects are quite mild.

If you are confused about which erectile dysfunction treatment might be best for you, please do not hesitate to e-mail us or call our helpline and a member of staff would be delighted to assist you.

Reviewed by: Dr Joyce Braaksma
GMC registration number: 4621289
Date: 10 March 2022
Next review: 11 March 2024
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.

Cialis

You can request to buy Cialis tablets in the UK from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. To order Cialis online, you will need to complete an online medical assessment so our doctors can assess your suitability for this treatment. If your order is approved, a prescription is passed to our UK registered pharmacy team, who will dispense and deliver your order.

What is Cialis?

Cialis is a brand name form of tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction treatment. It is part of a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors which are the family of tablet medicines that treat erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction tablets, such as Cialis, are highly effective (81%) in improving men’s ability to gain and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. They have helped millions of men have normal sex lives. The ability to buy online after a consultation allows men who may not otherwise seek treatment, to access these medicines.

How does Cialis work?

Cialis works by relaxing the muscles around the penis, promoting blood flow in the area. This allows the penis to fill with blood easier, making it significantly easier for men to gain and maintain an erection. Much like other erectile dysfunction tablets, Cialis will only give an erection when sexually stimulated.

How long does Cialis Last?

The main reason many men may choose Cialis over the other ED drugs available is its long-lasting effect. Tadalafil can be effective for up to 36 hours after dosing, and so men may be able to have regular sexual activity for days after taking a dose. This earned Cialis the nickname “The Weekend Pill”, as it can last for almost a whole weekend.

This long-lasting effect is the distinct difference between Viagra and Cialis, and the reason why men will select Cialis over the other PDE5 inhibitor drugs available.

How long does Cialis take to work?

It will take generally take between 30 to 60 minutes to get the maximum effect from Cialis. Some men may find it works in as little as 15 minutes. Time to effect will often depend on a number of factors including how full the stomach is, sexual arousal, energy levels and alcohol consumption.

The time for general absorption of tablets is about 15-30 minutes, but these other factors may change the blood concentration of Cialis needed to gain an erection on that occasion.

Generic Cialis

Tadalafil which is the active ingredient in Cialis is now available generically. In 2017, the patent for the exclusive manufacturer of this drug expired, and so Lilly was no longer the only company able to market this medication.

When the patent expired the price for Tadalafil dropped drastically, making medication more affordable for patients. Tadalafil is available for as low as 67p per tablet compared to £2.26 per tablet for branded Cialis. ‘Generic Cialis’ in the UK, is medically equivalent to Cialis and contains Tadalafil, the same ingredient.

Cialis Dosage

When using Cialis when required (10mg & 20mg Cialis tablets):

The general dose for Cialis is one tablet 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. You should not take more than one dose in a 24 hour period. If you do not get a sufficient erection from the 10mg dose, you use the higher dose Cialis 20mg tablet.

Ideally use the lowest effective dose to minimise side effects from Cialis. You should ideally take tablets on an empty stomach for a faster time to effect.

When using Daily Cialis (2.5mg & 5mg tablets):

When using Cialis daily, you should aim to take one tablet at the same time each day. This will ensure that you maintain a constant level of Tadalafil in your system. Do not use any additional ED medicines with these treatments as 2.5mg-5mg of tadalafil should be sufficient for an erection. If not 10 or 20mg when required dosing should be considered.

Cialis Daily

Cialis is available as a regular daily dose in 2.5 and 5mg strengths. Men may consider using the daily dosage if they have more spontaneous, regular sex. The reason the daily form of the drug is advantageous is that men no longer need to always remember to take their Cialis dose 30 minutes before sexual activity.

The daily dose is taken each day and maintains levels of Tadalafil in the blood. This means that an erection should be achieved at any time of day or night, without needing to remember to take your medication just before. This daily tablet is particularly useful for men with highly active sex lives.

Cialis Summary

When required: Take ONE tablet 30 minutes before sexual activity.
Cialis daily: Take ONE tablet at the same time each day.

Increases blood flow to the genitals to assist with gaining and maintaining an erection

Can include headaches, facial flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness.

Cialis Alternatives

Alternative treatment options to Cialis include the famous blue pill, Viagra. Sildenafil is a generic form of Viagra, which is cheaper. Both Viagra and Sildenafil contain the same active ingredient (Sildenafil Citrate). Spedra (the fastest working ED pill) and Vardenafil are two other ED drugs also available in the UK.

For those who are unsure what might be best for them, an ED trial pack can be useful to determine the best medicine for you.

Counselling can be effective in treating ED. For men whose erectile dysfunction is mainly down to nerves, or some other form of anxiety, psychologists can assist in developing techniques to better cope with situations where stress occurs. This, in turn, can help improve your sexual performance.

Lifestyle changes can help some men to overcome erectile dysfunction. Obesity, high blood pressure and alcohol consumption are factors that cause erectile dysfunction. Decreasing your alcohol intake managing underlying conditions, and exercising more, can have a positive impact on your ability to get and maintain an erection.

Cialis Myths

There is often misinformation online and in forums about sexual health and ED treatments. It’s important to establish the facts, so you can safely use the medication you are prescribed.

To help establish facts and bust the myths, here are some important things to remember.

  1. Cialis can help men to achieve and maintain an erection. It does not increase your sex drive.
  2. Cialis does not work immediately and may not work the first time you take it. It will take 30-60 minutes until the drug has been absorbed into your system. If it does not work, doctors advise taking on 3-4 different occasions before trying a different medicine.
  3. Cialis should not give you an erection for hours on end. You should get an erection in the presence of a sexual stimulus. If you do get a prolonged erection (4+ hours), seek medical help.

Cialis Side Effects

As with all medicines, there is always a risk of experiencing some side effects. While most are not serious, you should be aware of the potential side effects of any medication you take.

More common side effects of Cialis and other ED medications are headaches, facial flushing, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach upset, nose bleeds and nasal congestion.

If you experience any of the rare but serious side effects listed below, stop taking the medicine, and report these to your GP immediately.

  • Priapism – An often painful erection that will not go away (lasts more than 4 hours).
  • Loss of vision in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden hearing loss or reduction in your ability to hear
  • Prolonged chest pain

These side effects are very rare but may require medical attention. For a full list of potential side effects, read the patient information leaflet.

Cialis Tablets

Cialis Tablets are the branded version of Tadalafil and is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It has longer lasting effects than Viagra, with each dose being effective for up to 36 hours. Onset of Action: 30 min Duration of Action: 24-36 hours Simply answer a health questionnaire and one of our prescribers will make sure this treatment is right for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cialis tablets?

When you buy Cialis tablets you are receiving the branded version of the drug Tadalafil, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Cialis tablets work by stimulating the blood flow to the penis to get and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. You can buy Cialis tablets online in 10mg and 20mg dosage from e-Surgery.

When you buy Cialis tablets online or from your local GP they will contain the same active ingredient as Tadalafil tablets and work in the same way. The only difference is the price, as if you buy Cialis tablets they are often more expensive as they are branded medication. The generic tablets act in the same way. They both increase blood flow to the penis allowing adult men to gain and maintain an erection.

Cialis tablets are taken at least 30 minutes before sexual intercourse, Cialis is effective for up to 36 hours after taking. Do not take more than 1 tablet a day as Cialis tablets are not intended for continuous daily use. Erectile dysfunction can cause problems such as low self-esteem, stress and even depression, so it’s important to always consult your doctor/prescriber if you have any questions about Cialis tablets. Do not use Cialis tablets in combination with any other Erectile Dysfunction treatment.

You can buy Cialis tablets online from licensed Pharmacies like e-Surgery. This will require a short 2-minute health questionnaire to verify you are receiving the correct medication. Whenever you buy Cialis tablets or any other medication online make sure to buy from reputable, registered pharmacies.

How do you take Cialis and generic tablets?

If you buy Cialis tablets you should always take them exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Cialis tablets should be swallowed whole with some water and can be taken with or without food. Take 1 Cialis tablet at least 30 minutes before sex, remember you will still need sexual stimulation to gain an erection. Cialis tablets can last for up to 36 hours and are not intended for daily use. Some men report that Cialis tablets are less effective after a large or heavy meal.

Side effects of Cialis and generic Cialis tablets?

As with any form of medication, when you buy Cialis tablets online, or from a local GP, they may have side effects. For a full list of side effects before you buy Cialis tablets online, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Below are a few of the common side effects of taking Cialis tablets:

If you buy Cialis tablets and feel the effect is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as Cialis tablets are available in 10mg or 20mg.

Interactions with Cialis tablets and alcohol/food?

It is not recommended to consume alcohol when you take Cialis tablets, as it can worsen some of the side effects such as headaches, skin flushing, and dizziness.

Cialis tablets can contain lactose, consult your doctor or prescriber if you have been diagnosed with a sugar intolerance before using Cialis tablets.

Grapefruit is best avoided when taking Cialis tablets as it can lessen the effectiveness of the medication.

Any interactions with Cialis tablets and other drugs?

You should not take Cialis and generic tablets if you are on the following courses of treatment:

Is there any reason why I would not be able to take Cialis tablets?

You can NOT take Cialis and generic tablets if you:

  • Are allergic to any of the ingredients
  • Are taking organic nitrate or nitric oxide donors
  • Have serious heart disease or recently had a heart attack within the last 90 days
  • Have had a stroke within the last 6 months
  • Have low blood pressure
  • Had loss of vision from non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

Why should I buy Cialis tablets?

Cialis tablets are used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Tadalafil (the main ingredient in Cialis tablets) has been shown to improve the ability to obtain and keep a hard-erect penis for sexual activity. Cialis tablets work by relaxing blood vessels in your penis. Studies show that by having a healthy sex life, you reduce your chances of more serious problems such as depression.

What is the difference between Tadalafil generic and Cialis tablets?

Tadalafil is the active ingredient of the branded medication called Cialis. The two work exactly the same.

Cialis tablets and Tadalafil both have the same side effects, do not take more than one each day and do not take both at the same time. The main difference between Cialis tablets and Tadalafil is price, when you buy Cialis online, or from your local GP, it tends to be more expensive. This is only due to Cialis tablets being branded, whereas Tadalafil is a generic medication but works in the same way and is cheaper.

An example of this can be seen with over-the-counter pain killers such as paracetamol. The brands are much more expensive but the generic tablets function in the same way.

Cialis is not usually available on the NHS however you can find more information about Tadalafil on the NHS website.

If you want a better understanding of the differences between ED pills then please read our blog post ‘What are the differences between ED tablets?‘ for support. Alternatively, you can use our free Ask-a-Pharmacist service for advice from a UK registered pharmacist, we are always happy to help!

How do I store Cialis and generic Cialis tablets?

Store Cialis in a cool, dry place as per the Cialis tablet patient information leaflet.

Do not use Cialis or generic tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the packaging. Whenever you buy Cialis tablets online please check the expiry date when it arrives to you in the post.

Can I buy Cialis and generic Cialis tablets online?

Yes, you can legally buy Cialis tablets from registered online prescribers such as e-Surgery.

Whenever you buy Cialis tablets online or any other medication, make sure you check for the green GPhC and MHRA logo on the bottom of each page of the website you are using.

You can use the GPhC website to check if a pharmacy is registered. This will ensure that when you buy Cialis tablets online they will be genuine.

Be aware of any fake ED pills being sold in the UK when buying erectile dysfunction medication online, we have a list of these medications on our blog to help you, for your safety.

At e-Surgery we only sell licensed UK medications, it is completely safe to buy erectile dysfunction medication from our website.

Where can I get more information about Cialis and generic Cialis tablets online?

You can learn more information before you buy Cialis tablets online in the Cialis tablet Information Leaflet, which contains more useful information. You can also read our Expert Insights article explaining the top 5 ED pills in the UK.

Please use our completely free Ask-a-Pharmacist service to get health advice from a trained professional to support any underlying questions you may have. We’re here to help!

How much are Cialis and generic Cialis tablets to buy online?

Tadalafil (the generic version of Cialis tablets) start at just 9.50. You can buy Cialis tablets online from e-Surgery for 37.95. This includes the cost of a private prescription.

As previously mentioned when you buy Cialis tablets they will be more expensive as they are branded.

How will my Cialis and generic Cialis tablets be delivered?

e-Surgery uses Royal Mail delivery with choices starting from; Royal Mail 48 tracked delivery, Royal Mail tracked 24 and Royal Mail 1 pm special delivery (discover more about e-Surgery delivery). Whenever you buy Cialis tablets online they will arrive in discreet, recyclable packaging at a delivery address of your choice.

What does the Cialis tablet pack contain?

The Cialis tablet pack contains a patient information leaflet and a blister pack containing individual Cialis tablets in either 10mg or 20mg. You can buy Cialis tablets online from e-Surgery in quantities of 4,8,12,16, 24, 32 and 64 tablets.

How to dispose of Cialis and generic Cialis tablets bought online?

Whenever you buy Cialis tablets online they will come in blister packs that are not currently recyclable, so once they have been used can be disposed of in a general waste bin. If the Cialis tablets are unfinished dispose of medication safely and drop them off at a local pharmacy. Cardboard packaging and paper patient information leaflets are recyclable.

For any more information you can use our free Ask-A-Pharmacist service.

What brand of generic Cialis do you do?

Our brands vary depending on our stock, but we always carry 100% genuine UK branded generic Cialis. If you have a specific brand you prefer (such as TEVA, Mylan, Accord etc.), please let us know in the additional information box at checkout and our staff will do their best to get you this brand if it is available.

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Found it difficult to get this brand through my local NHS pharmacy, luckily I found it on here and I’ve never had any issues.