Description
What is tadalafil and what is it used for?
Tadalafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. ED is when you find it difficult to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex.
Tadalafil supports erections during sexual stimulation — it will not cause an erection on its own.
How tadalafil works
Tadalafil improves blood flow to the penis by helping blood vessels relax. When you are sexually aroused, this can make it easier to achieve and maintain an erection.
What makes tadalafil different?
Tadalafil is sometimes called the “longer-acting” ED tablet because it can work for a longer time window than some other ED treatments.
How quickly does tadalafil work, and how long does it last?
If you take tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, you may be able to get an erection any time from around 30 minutes up to 36 hours after taking it (with sexual stimulation). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
How to take tadalafil
Option 1: “As needed” tadalafil
Some men take tadalafil before sexual activity. Your prescriber will advise the most suitable strength and dose.
- Take a single dose as directed before sex
- Do not take more than 1 dose in 24 hours
- A heavy meal and alcohol may reduce effectiveness for some people
Option 2: Daily tadalafil
Daily tadalafil may be recommended if you prefer not to plan around a dose.
- The usual daily dose for ED is commonly 5mg once per day :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Take it at roughly the same time each day
- This option may suit men who have sex more frequently
Always follow the dose you’ve been given by a clinician, especially if you have kidney or liver problems or take other medicines.
Important safety information
- Do not take tadalafil if you use nitrates for chest pain (angina) or recreational “poppers”, as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Tadalafil may not be suitable if you’ve recently had a heart attack or stroke, have certain heart problems, low blood pressure, or specific eye conditions — a clinician will check this during your assessment. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Seek urgent medical help if you develop chest pain, sudden vision loss, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.
Side effects of tadalafil
Most people tolerate tadalafil well, but side effects can occur.
Commonly reported side effects
- Headache
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Back pain
- Muscle aches (myalgia)
These are among the most commonly reported side effects in clinical use. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for tadalafil?
In the UK, tadalafil is usually supplied as a prescription medicine after a clinical assessment. There is also a pharmacy-medicine version of tadalafil 10mg marketed as Cialis Together that was reclassified to allow pharmacy supply without a prescription in certain settings. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Will tadalafil work without sexual stimulation?
No. You still need to be sexually aroused for tadalafil to help you get an erection. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
What if tadalafil doesn’t work for me?
If it hasn’t helped after several attempts, it may be a dose, timing, lifestyle, or underlying health issue. A clinician can advise whether a different strength or alternative ED treatment may be more appropriate.
Can I take tadalafil with other ED treatments?
You should not combine tadalafil with other ED medicines unless specifically advised by a prescriber.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Side Effects
Tadalafil Side Effects
As with all medicines, tadalafil can cause side effects in some men, although many people experience none. Common side effects are reported in around 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 users.
Commonly reported side effects include:
Headache
Facial flushing
Indigestion
Tadalafil is generally well tolerated and is known to cause fewer side effects for some men compared with other erectile dysfunction treatments. Many people who experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhoea with other ED medicines find that tadalafil does not cause these effects.
If side effects are persistent, troublesome, or severe, you should seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Information Leaflet
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
