Birds eye view
The active substance in this formulation is tadalafil. Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor by pharmacologic classification. By relaxing smooth muscle and improving local blood flow it helps men achieve and maintain erections suitable for sexual activity.
In addition to treating erectile dysfunction, tadalafil is prescribed in some dosing regimens for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic enlargement and, in specialist settings, certain types of pulmonary arterial hypertension. For people relating to one another information see Interactions of Drugs with Foods. For buying rules consult Lawful Condition and Purchase Rules.
Strength options in conjunction with their dosing protocol guidelines approaches
Tablets commonly sold in the UK include 2.the amounts are 5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Two typical regimens are used:
- On-demand approach: most patients start with 10 mg taken around 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. Depending on effect and tolerability a prescriber may adjust the dose down to 5 mg or up to 20 mg.
- Once-daily approach: low doses such as 2.5 mg or 5 mg are taken at the same time each day to provide continuous coverage without planning dosing around encounters.
Unless a clinician tells you otherwise, do not take more than one dose in any 24-hour period.
Safety assessment checks and urgent alerts of potential danger before you take the first step
Do not take tadalafil with nitrate medicines. Combining PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates can cause a marked and dangerous fall in blood pressure. Nitrate examples include nitroglycerin (sublingual or spray), isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate, and recreational nitrite "poppers".
There are rare reports of sudden vision loss with PDE5 inhibitors. If you have vascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-existing eye disease, or are a smoker, discuss emergent risks under the care of your clinician. Stop the medicine and seek urgent assessment for any sudden visual changes.
Please inform your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:
- Recent myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, severe heart failure, or significant arrhythmia.
- Very high or very low blood pressure, or other significant cardiovascular disease that makes sexual activity hazardous.
- Severe impairment of hepatic capacity or moderate to severe kidney disease, including those on dialysis.
- Blood dyscrasias such as sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia.
- Active bleeding disorders or active gastric or duodenal ulcers.
- Inherited retinal disorders (for example retinitis pigmentosa).
- Penile anatomical abnormalities (for example Peyronie disease) or a history of prolonged erections.
- Any other medical reason why sexual activity might be unsafe for you.
Older adults may need dose adjustments. Tadalafil is not licensed for use in women for ED; pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek tailored medical advice from a healthcare professional.
How to consume tadalafil and archived data is kept in long term storage. handling tips
- Swallow tablets with water; they may be taken with or without food.
- A large high-fat meal may delay onset of effect for on-demand dosing, so avoid eating a heavy fatty meal immediately before taking an on-demand tablet.
- For on-demand use take the tablet 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity; sexual stimulation is required for efficacy.
- When prescribed for daily continuous use, take the tablet at approximately the same time each day; if you forget, follow the guidance in Medication dose missed Instructions.
- Do not exceed one on-demand dose in any 24-hour period unless instructed by your clinician.
- Store at normal room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep out of reach of children.
Related topics Excessive drug intake and Emergency Needs Action Plan guidance on what to do after taking too much.
Medication doses that slipped from schedule
If you use tadalafil only when needed there is no fixed schedule to follow. If you are on a once-daily low-dose regimen and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the time for the next dose is near. Do not take two doses at once in order to make up for a missed tablet.
What to do in case of an overdose in an emergency
If you suspect an a fatal overdose of tadalafil seek immediate medical help or contact your nearest accident and emergency department. Symptoms that may indicate a fatal overdose include severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, very fast or irregular heartbeat, severe nausea, or a prolonged and painful erection.
If in doubt, call emergency services or your local NHS urgent care number for advice.
Do not do while taking tadalafil
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption; heavy alcohol increases the chance of dizziness, low blood pressure and reduced sexual performance.
- Discuss grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your pharmacist, as grapefruit can raise tadalafil levels.
- Do not join. tadalafil with the other possibility care options for erectile dysfunction (for example intracavernosal injections or other oral PDE5 inhibitors) unless a specialist advises a combined plan.
Collateral effects and when to get urgent help
If you develop chest pain, nausea, sudden breathlessness, light-headedness or other signs suggesting a heart attack or stroke while having sex, stop sexual activity and seek emergency medical help immediately.
Get urgent care for any of the following:
- Sudden or significant loss of vision.
- Chest pain, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, heavy sweating or fainting.
- New irregular heartbeat, breathlessness or swelling of hands or feet.
- Severe fainting or collapse.
- An erection lasting four hours or more (priapism) or a very painful erection.
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, including widespread rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
Milder common deleterious health effects include pressure in my head, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and muscle or back pain. If side effect risks persist or are troublesome, contact your prescribing clinician or pharmacist for advice.
The influence of food on drug action
Never take tadalafil together with any nitrate-containing product. Even intermittent nitrate use can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure when combined with PDE5 inhibitors.
Other medicines and substances that can interact with tadalafil include, but are not limited to:
- Certain antibiotics and rifamycins: clarithromycin, erythromycin; rifampicin and related agents can reduce or alter tadalafil exposure.
- Some antifungal agents such as ketoconazole and itraconazole that can increase tadalafil blood levels.
- Certain antiretroviral treatments including protease inhibitors and pharmacokinetic enhancers.
- Certain anticonvulsants, for example carbamazepine or phenytoin, which may lower tadalafil concentrations.
- Cardiovascular medicines such as calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil) and alpha blockers; special tracking and monitoring of performance or dose adjustments may be needed.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase tadalafil levels and should be used with caution.
These lists are not exhaustive. Always give your clinician a full list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and herbal supplements before starting tadalafil. Your pharmacist can help check for the quality of collaborative interactions matters for trust..
Different options and similar pharmaceuticals
If tadalafil is unsuitable or ineffective, other licensed options for erectile dysfunction include:
- Sildenafil (branded Viagra in addition to the pharmacy-sold Viagra Connect 50 mg in the UK).
- Vardenafil in the form of Levitra and generics.
- Avanafil (Spedra) medication, which in some people has a faster onset of action.
- Local treatments such as alprostadil by injection (Caverject) or intraurethral pellets (Muse) — these require specialist training and are generally used under specialist supervision.
- Non-pharmacological approaches: vacuum erection devices, sexual counselling or couples therapy, weight reduction, smoking cessation and optimal control of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
Each option differs in onset, duration, likely drug side effects and cost. For an approximate cost analysis for price comparison, see Typical consumer prices in the United Kingdom. Discuss the trade-offs with your clinician to choose the most appropriate option.
Note on counterfeit risk: lower-priced offers from unverified online sellers may supply counterfeit or substandard products. Always use a registered UK pharmacy or a reputable supplier; check pharmacist and pharmacy registration details before purchase.
Regular pricing plan in the United Kingdom (approximate)
Prices vary by pharmacy, whether supply is private or NHS, and by pack size. The ranges below are approximate and shown in pounds sterling (GBP):
- Branded Cialis (10 mg to 20 mg): about 20 to 50 GBP for a pack of 4 tablets; larger packs lower the cost per tablet.
- Generic tadalafil (10 mg to 20 mg): roughly 6 to 20 GBP for 4 tablets depending on strength and supplier.
- Tadalafil 2.5 mg to 5 mg (daily use): generics around 6 to 25 GBP for 28 tablets; branded daily formulations are usually more expensive.
- Cialis Together 10 mg sold in pharmacies after pharmacist consultation: commonly around 5 to 7 GBP for 2 tablets or 18 to 25 GBP for larger pharmacy packs.
- Sildenafil OTC (Viagra Connect 50 mg): often 19 to 25 GBP for 4 tablets or 30 to 40 GBP for 8 tablets.
- Spedra (Avanafil): price per tablet varies widely, often 15 to 40 GBP depending on strength and seller.
On the NHS in England, routine prescribing of ED medicines is limited and often governed by local formularies; many patients obtain treatment privately. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different local policies. If you consider importing medication check instruction on legal affairs and customs rules.
The status of legality, supply routes and buying guidance in the UK
- Most tadalafil products are Prescription Only Medicines (POM) in the UK and require a valid prescription from a UK clinician or a UK-based online prescriber working with a registered pharmacy.
- Cialis Together 10 mg has been reclassified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine for men aged 18 and over; it can be sold after a pharmacist consultation confirms suitability. Other tadalafil formulations remain POM.
- Registered UK pharmacies display their General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) details. Avoid suppliers who claim to sell prescription drugs without a consultation or who will not provide verifiable registration details.
- Importation and personal import rules may limit quantities and are subject to customs checks. Seek guidance MHRA and HM Revenue & Customs guidance before ordering from abroad. Personal importation is not a guarantee of legality or safety.
- Athletes should check with UK Anti-Doping in addition to their sport governing body, since anti-doping rules and prohibited lists can change.
Always verify supplier credentials, read patient information leaflets, and follow directions from your clinician or pharmacist when obtaining prescription medicines. See Safety Checks Prior to commencement and Food Related Drug Interaction Alerts prior to operation.
Snappy FAQs
How soon does tadalafil begin to work and how long can effects last?
On-demand tablets commonly start to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Effects may last up to 36 hours in some people, which is why tadalafil is often nicknamed the "weekend pill". Daily low-dose regimens aim to provide ongoing readiness without timing doses to activity.
Can I drink alcohol with tadalafil?
Moderate alcohol may be tolerated, but heavy drinking increases the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure and can impair sexual performance. See No go items While Using see more here.
Should I avoid grapefruit?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can raise tadalafil concentrations in the blood and should generally be avoided or used with caution; discuss dietary habits with your pharmacist. See Collaborative effective a reciprocal exchanges require clear communication. of Drugs with Foods.
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