What is tadalafil when required?

Tadalafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It contains the same active ingredient as Cialis but is supplied as a generic medicine.

The when-required treatment is taken before anticipated sexual activity rather than every day. Tadalafil only works when you are sexually stimulated; it does not automatically produce an erection or increase sexual desire.

How does tadalafil work?

Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, also known as PDE5 inhibitors. It temporarily increases blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection.

Tadalafil helps manage the symptoms of erectile dysfunction but does not cure its underlying cause.

How do I take tadalafil when required?

The usual starting dose is 10mg, taken at least 30 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Depending on its effectiveness, tolerability and the prescriber’s assessment, a 20mg dose may be considered.

Swallow the tablet with water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not take more than one dose per day and always follow the directions provided by your prescriber.

Tadalafil may remain effective for up to 36 hours. This means you may be able to achieve an erection during this period when sexually stimulated; it does not mean that an erection will last for 36 hours.

What is the difference between tadalafil and Cialis?

Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis. Generic tadalafil and branded Cialis contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way, although their appearance, packaging, manufacturer and inactive ingredients may differ.

Generic tadalafil is often available at a lower price than the branded medicine. The treatment supplied will be shown on the product page or confirmed as part of your order.

Who may be suitable for tadalafil?

Tadalafil may be suitable for adult men who experience difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection and would prefer to take treatment when needed rather than every day.

Suitability depends on your health, symptoms and other medicines. You must complete the confidential online consultation accurately so that a UK-based prescriber can assess whether treatment is appropriate.

Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be associated with an underlying condition, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or hormonal problems. Speak to your GP if the problem is new, persistent or unexplained.

Who should not take tadalafil?

Tadalafil is not suitable for everyone. Do not take it if you use nitrate medicines for chest pain or recreational drugs containing nitrates, often called “poppers”, because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.

You must tell the prescriber about all medicines you take and any medical conditions you have. This is particularly important if you:

• Take riociguat, alpha-blockers or medicines for high blood pressure
• Have a heart condition or have been advised to avoid sexual activity
• Have recently experienced a heart attack or stroke
• Have low or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have severe liver or kidney problems
• Have previously experienced serious vision loss
• Have a condition that increases the risk of a prolonged erection

Do not combine tadalafil with sildenafil, vardenafil, avanafil or any other erectile dysfunction treatment unless specifically instructed by a prescriber.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medicines, tadalafil can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects can include:

• Headache
• Indigestion or acid reflux
• Flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Back pain
• Muscle aches

Read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for the complete list of side effects and precautions.

Seek urgent medical help if you experience chest pain, sudden loss of vision or hearing, a severe allergic reaction, or an erection that is painful or lasts for more than four hours.

If you experience chest pain after taking tadalafil, do not use nitrate medication. Call 999 and tell the healthcare professional when you took tadalafil.

Can I drink alcohol while taking tadalafil?

Small amounts of alcohol may not affect tadalafil, but drinking heavily can make it more difficult to achieve an erection. It can also increase the likelihood of dizziness, headache, a faster heartbeat or low blood pressure.

Avoid excessive alcohol when using tadalafil.

How should tadalafil be stored?

Keep tadalafil in its original packaging and store it according to the instructions on the pack and patient information leaflet. Protect it from moisture and keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use the medicine after its expiry date. Unwanted or expired medicines should be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal and should not be placed in household waste or flushed away.

Can I buy tadalafil online?

Kings Pharmacy Online provides tadalafil following a confidential online consultation. A UK-based prescriber will review your answers to determine whether the treatment is clinically suitable.

Approved orders can be delivered discreetly throughout the UK, with same-day delivery available in selected London areas. Completing the consultation or making payment does not guarantee that tadalafil will be prescribed or supplied.