Overview and scope
Bioactive ingredient identified as tadalafil.
Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow to particular tissues. The medicine is most commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. In different dosing schedules and under other brand names it may also be used to manage benign prostatic enlargement or certain forms of pulmonary hypertension when a clinician considers it appropriate.
See specifics about the conversational exchange the Potential food-drug compatibility issues subdivision. For guidance on lawful purchase and supply in Britain, consult the The status of being legally recognized of individuals in the UK the section unit.
On hand capabilities and how dosing works
Tablet strengths commonly available in the UK include 2.the dosages are 5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Two main strategies are used:
- On-demand: a typical starting on-demand dose is 10 mg taken about 30 to 60 minutes before sex. Depending on effect and tolerability a prescriber may increase to 20 mg or lower to 5 mg.
- Once-daily: lower doses such as 2.5 mg or 5 mg are taken at roughly the same time each day for men who want a continuous option without timing a tablet around each encounter.
Unless your prescriber advises otherwise, do not take more than one dose within any 24-hour period.
Safety quality checks and principal heads up notices prior to taking action
Do not merge the elements. tadalafil with nitrate medicines. Use with nitrates can cause a marked drop in blood pressure with potentially severe consequences. Examples of nitrates include nitroglycerin products, isosorbide dinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate, and recreational "poppers".
There have been occasional reports of sudden vision loss after using PDE5 inhibitors. People with vascular risk factors, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-existing eye disease or smokers should discuss risks with a clinician. If you experience sudden visual disturbance stop the medicine and seek urgent medical assessment.
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following:
- Recent heart attack, stroke, severe heart failure, unstable angina, or serious arrhythmia.
- Very high or very low blood pressure, or other significant cardiovascular disease.
- Liver damage or kidney disease including dialysis.
- Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia.
- Active bleeding problems or active stomach ulcers.
- Inherited retinal disorders (for example, retinitis pigmentosa).
- Penile anatomical deformity, such as Peyronie disease, or a history of prolonged erections.
- A clinical reason why sexual activity might be unsafe for you.
Older patients may need lower doses. Tadalafil is not intended for use by women; information on pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited and you should consult a healthcare professional for individual advice.
Tadalafil usage instructions
- Take the tablet with water, then swallow.
- High-fat meals may slow the start of action, so avoid a heavy fatty meal just before an on-demand dose.
- On-demand dosing: take 30 to 60 minutes before sex; sexual stimulation is required for an erection to occur.
- For once-daily dosing do not miss the same-time daily habit; if you forget, follow the missed-dose advice below.
- Do not exceed one on-demand dose in any 24-hour period unless told otherwise by your prescriber.
- Store tablets at normal room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Related content Recommended steps after skipping a dose and What to do if an consuming an overdose occurs.
Missed dosing instances
If you are using tadalafil as needed there is no fixed schedule. For daily low-dose tadalafil, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due soon. Do not take two pills at once to substitute for a missed tablet.
In an an overdose — emergency actions
If you suspect you or someone else has taken too much tadalafil seek emergency medical attention immediately. Signs of overdosed can include severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea or prolonged and painful erection.
When in doubt, contact emergency services or your local accident and emergency department.
What not to do while using tadalafil
- Avoid excessive alcohol because it can increase dizziness and lower blood pressure while reducing sexual performance.
- Discuss grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your pharmacist; grapefruit can raise tadalafil levels.
- Do not use other erectile dysfunction medications (for example injections or other oral drugs) unless your clinician has advised a combined approach.
Hidden effects and when to get urgent help
If you develop chest pain, nausea, dizziness, or symptoms that suggest a heart attack or stroke while having sex, stop sexual activity and seek urgent medical help immediately.
Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden loss or serious change in vision.
- Chest discomfort, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, sweating or feeling faint.
- Irregular heartbeat, breathlessness, or swelling of the extremities.
- Severe light-headedness or collapse.
- An erection lasting four hours or more (priapism) or a very painful erection.
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as widespread rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
Usually mild post use effects that are common include flushing, a throbbing headache, nasal congestion, indigestion and back or muscle pain. If post use effects persist or are bothersome, contact your healthcare professional.
How drugs interact with meals
Do not take tadalafil together with any nitrate-containing product. Even occasional use of nitrates can create dangerous blood pressure falls when combined with PDE5 inhibitors.
Other medicines and substances that may interact with tadalafil include:
- Certain antibiotics and rifamycin antibiotics: clarithromycin, erythromycin; rifampicin and related drugs can reduce tadalafil exposure or affect metabolism.
- Some antifungal agents such as ketoconazole and itraconazole can increase tadalafil levels.
- Certain HIV treatments (protease inhibitors and pharmacokinetic boosters) may interact.
- Some anticonvulsants like carbamazepine or phenytoin can lower tadalafil concentrations.
- Calcium channel blockers and related cardiovascular drugs including diltiazem and verapamil can interact.
- Alpha blockers used for blood pressure or prostate symptoms; careful real time monitoring of systems and adjustment may be needed.
- Grapefruit products can increase tadalafil blood levels and should generally be used with caution.
These lists are not exhaustive. Always tell your clinician about all prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products and herbal supplements before starting tadalafil. Your pharmacist can help check for global teams rely on robust a reciprocal exchanges..
Other options and similar medications
If tadalafil is unsuitable or ineffective other options for erectile dysfunction include:
- Sildenafil (Viagra with the addition of the pharmacy-sold Viagra Connect 50 mg in the UK).
- Vardenafil (Levitra and generic versions).
- Avanafil brand Spedra, which tends to have a faster onset in some patients.
- Alprostadil given by injection or as urethral pellets (products such as Caverject or Muse) — these require specialist instruction and should not be combined with oral PDE5 inhibitors without advice.
- Non-drug strategies: vacuum erection devices, counselling or couples therapy, weight reduction, smoking cessation and control of medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
Each a different option differs in how quickly it works, how long effects last, cost, and side-effect profile. For price and availability comparisons see Typical cost tiers in the UK. Discuss options with your clinician to pick the best choice for your circumstances.
Prices around the United Kingdom (approx)
Retail costs vary by pharmacy and whether you use private or NHS supply. The figures below are indicative and given in pounds sterling (GBP):
- Branded Cialis 10 mg to 20 mg: roughly 20 to 50 GBP for a pack of 4 tablets; larger packs reduce cost per tablet.
- Generic tadalafil 10 mg to 20 mg: approximately 6 to 20 GBP for 4 tablets depending on strength and supplier.
- Tadalafil 2.5 mg to 5 mg for daily use: around 6 to 25 GBP for 28 tablets for generics; branded daily options are typically more costly.
- Pharmacy-supplied Cialis Together 10 mg: commonly sold at around 5 to 7 GBP for 2 tablets, or 18 to 25 GBP for larger pharmacy packs after assessment.
- Sildenafil (Viagra Connect 50 mg OTC): often 19 to 25 GBP for 4 tablets, or 30 to 40 GBP for 8 tablets.
- Spedra as Avanafil: price per tablet varies widely, often 15 to 40 GBP depending on strength and source.
On the NHS in England, routine prescribing of ED drugs is limited and often subject to local formulary rules; patients commonly obtain treatment privately. Policies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are distinct and may be more or less permissive.
If considering imports or overseas purchases check legal guidelines in conjunction with the credentials of any online supplier.
Regulatory status and purchasing terms in the UK
- Most tadalafil preparations are Prescription Only Medicines (POM) and require a valid UK prescription supplied by a 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 and can be sold following a pharmacist consultation that confirms suitability and safety; other tadalafil products remain POM.
- Licensed UK pharmacies will show registration details such as GPhC credentials. Avoid suppliers offering prescription medicines without a consultation or valid registration details.
- Importation rules and customs checks can affect overseas purchases; check MHRA and customs guidance before ordering from abroad. Personal importation rules may be restrictive.
- Athletes should confirm anti-doping rules with UK Anti-Doping alongside their sporting authority, since regulations can change.
Before purchasinga review safety besides the exchange between people information available on this page, especially the safety checks and positive the act of interactions enhance user satisfaction..
Fast Access to FAQs
How soon does tadalafil work and how long can it last?
On-demand tablets typically begin to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Effects can persist for up to 36 hours in some people, which is why tadalafil is nicknamed the "weekend pill". Daily low-dose regimens provide sustained readiness without timing.
Is it OK to drink alcohol while on tadalafil?
Moderate alcohol may be tolerated by some people, but heavy drinking increases the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure and can reduce sexual performance. Observe the harmful actions to avoid next section.
Do I need to avoid grapefruit?
Grapefruit and its juice can raise tadalafil concentrations in the blood. Discuss dietary habits with your pharmacist or prescriber; see Impact of meals on drug absorption see the details section for more data.
- 2026 list of 4 Armod other options approved by doctors
- The Uses and Expected after effects of Lexapro, Plus More
- Dapoxetine: its use and FDA approval status