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Cialis (Tadalafil)
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Medication Features
Cialis is a medication that is taken to help successfully treat erectile dysfunction (Ma et al, 2020; Gallo et al, 2020; Washington & Shindel, 2010). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis when a man is sexually aroused to help him get and keep a healthy erection to bring the spark back to his sex life if he's been experiencing erection difficulties.
- Lasts for 36 hours
- Take 2 hours before sex
- Allows for sexual spontaneity
- Genuine medication
- All drugs sourced in the UK
More information
A Doctor's Overview
GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:
'Cialis (Tadalafil) is used to manage male erectile dysfunction as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). '.
If you think Cialis is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.
Cialis - Key Information
What is Cialis (Tadalafil)?
Cialis is a famous PDE5 inhibitor drug, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, that is well known for its ability to help men achieve and maintain erections by increasing blood flow to the penis (WebMD, 2024). The active ingredient in Cialis is Tadalafil (Drugs.com, 2024). Tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours, almost a day and a half (Medical News Today, 2024). In a nutshell, the popular treatment is a drug that can help a man have sex, even if they have had erectile dysfunction in the past.
Is there a generic version of Cialis?
Yes, the generic version of Cialis is tadalafil. Cialis lost its exclusive patent in the UK in November 2017 and is now available legally in the UK as generic tadalafil tablets. ‘Cialis’ is a brand name, ‘tadalafil’ is the medical name and active ingredient. While the branded version is typically more expensive than generic tadalafil, they are essentially the same medication. Generic tadalafil is available at much lower cost.
Cialis UK
UK Meds offers the generic form (tadalafil) and branded forms of Cialis (such as Cialis Daily and Cialis Together), along with other erectile dysfunction treatments such as Viagra tablets, Vitaros (alprostadil), Spedra (Avanafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil). If you need a prescription, the online consultation service, with an independent pharmacist prescriber at UK Meds, can help you.
Video: A Guide to Cialis
UK Meds have created a video guide to explain what Cialis is. Watch it below:
@uk.meds What is Cialis (Tadalafil)? @uk.meds #cialis #tadalafil #cialistadalafil #cilaisuk #erectiledysfunction #medstok
♬ original sound - UK.Meds
How effective is Cialis?
Cialis is a very effective and long-lasting treatment for erectile dysfunction. A study on Cialis found that over 80% of men taking it were able to achieve erections hard enough for sex (Skoumal et al, 2004).
What experiences have Cialis users had?
Cialis Reviews
Read first hand what other UK Meds customers think about Cialis and it's impact on ED patients lives on our customer reviews above. For further context there are also a large selection of Cialis reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and Web MD.
It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Cialis (tadalafil). If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that Cialis is the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment. Before starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.
Is Cialis right for me?
After reading reviews and consulting with your doctor, GP or healthcare provider to check if this is the ED treatment that may be right for you, we can provide both branded and generic Cialis tablets for customers in the UK to buy. As a first line of ED treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend non-medical forms of treatment such as ED counselling, which can also prove to be successful in treating erectile dysfunction.
This erectile dysfunction treatment comes in various strengths, one is 10mg Cialis tablets (typically used for patients who are starting out on the ED medication), and the other is 20mg Cialis tablets (which is what most doctors will escalate your prescription to if they feel you are healthy and the 10mg tadalafil tablets aren't achieving the result you are looking for).
Patient Information Leaflet
For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Cialis (Tadalafil) patient information leaflet.
Usage Advice
How do you take Cialis?
You should always take Cialis (tadalafil) and any other erectile dysfunction medications as instructed by your doctor or healthcare provider.
The typical starting dose for Cialis is one tablet with a glass of water at least 30 minutes before you plan to have sex (EMC, 2023). Make sure you’re aroused. Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Cialis as it may reduce your ability to get an erection and can make you feel dizzy when standing or moving. If you have taken Cialis more than 8 times without success, speak to your doctor about increasing your dose or exploring other ED treatment options.
How long does Cialis take to work?
A Cialis tablet typically takes 30 minutes to take effect along with sexual stimulation and it will be effective for 36 hours (Drugs.com, 2023).
How long should I take Cialis for?
You can continue to take Cialis as long as your doctor prescribes it. There are no research studies showing negative long-term effects of taking Cialis. You should only use Cialis on an ‘as needed’ basis before having sex.
Dosage
What is the recommended dosage for Cialis (Tadalafil)?
Typically, the starting dose should be 10mg but your doctor may decide to recommend a stronger dosage if they feel that 10mg may be too weak for your individual requirements.
There are 4 dosages of Cialis: 2 daily doses and 2 taken before sex. Daily doses may be better if you have sex more than twice a week.
Cialis 2.5mg:
- The lower-strength daily dose.
- Try this if 5mg worked but gave you mild side effects.
Cialis 5mg:
- The standard daily dose.
- Recommended if you’ve not tried Cialis Daily before.
Cialis 10mg:
- The standard dose taken before sex.
- Recommended if you’ve not tried Cialis before.
Cialis 20mg:
- The higher-strength dose taken before sex.
- Try this if 10mg doesn’t work and you don’t get serious side effects.
Always check with a doctor before changing the dose of any medication.
Other branded forms of Cialis are also dosed in a similar way.
Cialis Dosage
Type | Doses | Instructions |
---|---|---|
36-hour Cialis | 10 mg, 20 mg | Start with 10 mg. If ineffective, increase to 20 mg under doctor’s advice. Consult doctor if still unsatisfied. |
Cialis Daily Dosage
Type | Doses | Instructions |
---|---|---|
Cialis Daily | 2.5 mg, 5 mg | Start with 5 mg. Adjust strength based on treatment success after consulting with a healthcare provider. |
Cialis Together Dosage
Type | Doses | Instructions |
---|---|---|
Cialis Together | 10 mg | Take 30 minutes before sex. |
Side Effects
What side effects can Cialis have?
Common side effects of Cialis can include:
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Stuffy nose
- Muscle pains
- Back pain
These side effects should go away soon after taking a dose of Cialis tablet (tadalafil tablet). If you are concerned about any Cialis side effects, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
Serious Side Effects of Cialis
Whilst they are less likely to be experienced, more serious tadalafil side effects can include:
- Chest pain
- A faster heart rate
- Hearing loss / ringing in your ears
- Heart attack
- A prolonged erection
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Severe allergic reactions
How long do Cialis side effects last for?
Cialis side effects usually go away after a few hours (Eli Lilly and Company, 2024), but back pain and muscle aches may take up to 2 days to improve. If you experience any side effects while taking Cialis tablets, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
For further information on the side effects of Cialis, please refer to the patient information leaflet that is supplied with the medication and consult with your doctor at the first sign of any side effects.
How can you avoid Cialis (tadalafil) side effects?
There are some simple actions you can take to reduce the chances of experiencing side effects of Cialis which include staying well hydrated, avoiding spicy food and rich foods, keep yourself cool with a fan and take antiacids if you need them (NHS, 2022). Your doctor will be able to advise you on the appropriate steps to take before starting treatment with the medication.
Can grapefruit increase the risk of side effects with Cialis?
Yes, grapefruit can increase the risk of side effects with Cialis, Cialis Daily or Cialis Together. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine and for a few days after stopping it.
Warnings
What warnings and precautions does Cialis come with?
- Cialis should not be taken if you use poppers or have been prescribed nitrate-based medicines, like isosorbide mononitrate or GTN spray, as this could cause a fatal drop in blood pressure.
- There’s no evidence that Cialis causes psychological dependence or tolerance when used correctly. However, using it improperly to enhance sexual performance could lead to negative side effects and potential psychological dependence.
- Cialis isn’t physically addictive, so you don’t need to worry about withdrawal effects if you stop taking it suddenly. Unlike opioids, ED medications like Cialis are not known to cause physical addiction.
Cialis FAQs
What is Cialis Daily?
Cialis Daily
Cialis Daily is another form of Cialis that provides a low tadalafil daily dose to the patient. As a regular form of Cialis treatment it helps to ensure that the level of tadalafil in the body is sufficient to help increase blood flow to the penis and facilitate spontaneous erections to help sex. As is the case with Cialis too, Cialis Daily will not treat the underlying physical causes of your erectile dysfunction and will not directly increase your sex drive in any way.
Can alcohol interact with Cialis?
Yes, drinking alcohol at the same time as taking Cialis can lead to orthostatic hypotension, lowering your blood pressure and leading to side effects such as fainting, dizziness and headaches. Your doctor may recommend that you limit alcohol consumption whilst taking Cialis (Medical News Today, 2022).
Can I become psychologically dependent on Cialis?
No, there is no evidence that you can develop dependence or tolerance to Cialis when used correctly at the recommended dose.
Is Cialis physically addictive?
No, Cialis is not physically addictive. Unlike some medicines, such as opioids, you won't experience physical addiction or withdrawal effects if you suddenly stop taking Cialis. There is no evidence that ED medicines are physically addictive.
What precautions does Cialis come with?
Your doctor will be able to advise you on any precautions to consider prior to starting ED treatment with Cialis. According to the NHS (2022), some medicines interact negatively with tadalafil including riociguat for pulmonary hypertension and nitrates for chest pain; some herbal remedies and supplements, and recreational poppers can interact with tadalafil dangerously too.
Is Cialis stronger than Viagra?
The active ingredients in the ED medication Cialis and Viagra are different. The active ingredient in Cialis is tadalafil whereas the active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. Whilst Cialis (tadalafil) doesn't help people to achieve harder erections than if they were to take Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis has a longer mechanism of action (Medical News Today, 2023).
How does Cialis (tadalafil) work?
Erectile Dysfunction
Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, is a PDE5 inhibitor drug that increases blood flow to the penis. For erectile dysfunction patients, it temporarily increases blood flow to the penis and enables a firmer, longer-lasting erection once you are sexually excited (NHS, 2022).
Enlarged Prostate
Tadalafil can help patients with an enlarged prostate gland by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, to reduce symptoms such as an urgent need to pee and difficulty when peeing.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Tadalafil can also help to relax blood vessels in the chest, reducing the workload of the heart and increasing blood supply to the lungs, making it a potential treatment for pulmonary hypertension.
Speak to your doctor if you think tadalafil could be a suitable treatment for your individual requirements.
Why is Cialis called the weekend pill?
Cialis is sometimes called the weekend pill because it's effects can last for up to 36 hours (Drugs.com, 2023). Therefore if you take it on a Friday evening it can help you to achieve and maintain an erection for most of the weekend, when you are sexually excited.
Can Cialis treat premature ejaculation?
No, scientific studies have shown that while taking a 5mg daily dose of tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, is safe it doesn't provide a statistically significant improvement in patients suffering from premature ejaculation (Faddan et al, 2022).
Buying Cialis in the UK
Where can I buy Cialis online?
Buy Tadalafil
If you are shopping online for Cialis (Tadalafil), we sell both generic and branded versions of the erectile dysfunction tablets at UK Meds. If you have a prescription for either, we can fill it online. If you do not currently have a Cialis prescription, our online consultation with a doctor can assist you in obtaining a Cialis Tadalafil prescription, if your consultation is approved.
Can you get Cialis (Tadalafil) on subscription?
Yes, you can order Cialis on a subscription from UK Meds. By getting your medication on a subscription you can rest assured that you will get it when you need it, whilst also saving money. It’s a win-win!
Is it legal to buy Cialis (Tadalafil) online?
Yes, it is legal to purchase Cialis (Tadalafil) online when shopping online with UK Meds. All of the medication we provide is 100% genuine and is dispensed by registered UK pharmacies. For prescription-only medications, you will need to complete our free online consultation form to ensure that Cialis (Tadalafil) is right ED medicine for you.
Can you buy Cialis over the counter?
Cialis Together
Cialis Together is an over the counter version of branded tadalafil medication, Cialis, this means that it can be bought without a prescription. Just like Cialis, It helps adult men experiencing erectile dysfunction during sexual activity, to get and keep an erection that allows them to have satisfactory sex (EMC, 2023).
Can I buy Cialis in London?
Cialis London
Yes. You can buy Cialis online in London at UK Meds. If you're a Londoner based in the English capital city and you require the erectile dysfunction medication, you can purchase it online with a valid prescription. If you require a prescription, simply complete our quick online consultation. Once it has been reviewed by a GMC registered doctor you can buy Cialis online in London, from the comfort of your own home, provided that your prescription has been approved. You should always consult your doctor or healthcare professionals prior to starting treatment with any medication to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.
For a detailed analysis you can read our dedicated guide to buying Cialis in the UK's capital city, London.
Can I buy Cialis in Manchester?
Cialis Manchester
Yes. You can buy Cialis online in Manchester at UK Meds. If you're a Mancunian based in the English city and you require the erectile dysfunction medication, you can purchase it online with a valid prescription. If you require a prescription, simply complete our quick online consultation. Once it has been reviewed by a GMC registered doctor you can buy Cialis online in Manchester, from the comfort of your own home, provided that your prescription has been approved. You should always consult your doctor or healthcare professionals prior to starting treatment with any medication to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.
For a detailed analysis you can read our dedicated guide to buying Cialis in Manchester.
Alternative ED Treatments
What alternative forms of ED treatments are available?
ED Counselling Therapy
If your doctor thinks psychological issues are the root cause of your erectile dysfunction they may recommend a non-drug alternative treatment such as ED counselling therapy, which can help you to understand if mental issues such as a lack of sexual desire (low libido), stress or anxiety are causing you to experience erectile dysfunction (NHS, 2023).
Lifestyle Changes
If your doctor thinks physiological factors are the main cause of your erectile dysfunction they may recommend certain lifestyle changes to help you, such as eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. These can be particularly effective if your ED is linked to health issues such as high cholesterol and other cardiovascular diseases (Yannas et al, 2021).
Alternative ED Medications
You can also find alternative forms of erectile dysfunction treatments to typical oral PDE5 inhibitor medications for sexual dysfunction at UK Meds. These include ED creams such as Alprostadil (Vitaros) penis cream. Other PDE5 inhibitor medications are available too, such as Viagra, Viagra Connect, Spedra (avanafil), Levitra (vardenafil), Cialis Together tablets and Cialis Daily
Your doctor, GP or healthcare provider will be able to advise you on the most suitable erectile dysfunction treatment for your individual needs.
More Information:
Further Reading:
- Cialis vs Viagra Which is Best?
- How to Get the Best Results from Cialis
- Cialis vs Viagra - Which is best?
- Cialis Daily Tadalafil
- What is Cialis/Tadalafil?
- Viagra vs Levitra vs Cialis
- Taking Erectile Dysfunction Medication With Alcohol
- Can I Take ED Drugs After a Heart Attack?
- What Does Cialis Do?
- How Long Will Cialis Work?
- How Does Cialis Work?
- Alternatives to Viagra
- Erectile Dysfunction Medication
- What causes erectile dysfunction?
- Can I take ED drugs after a heart attack?
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