Information
What is Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)?
Tadalafil is an effective medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction and prostate enlargement in adults. It is also sometimes used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension - uncontrolled high blood pressure in the lungs.
It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors and works by relaxing smooth muscle. By relaxing muscles in the blood vessels of the penis, blood flow increases which, when sexual stimulation is provided can lead to an erection. When the blood vessels in the lungs are relaxed, high blood pressure in the lungs is reduced.
By relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder, symptoms of an enlarged prostate are treated, including difficulty peeing or needing to pee urgently.
Tadalafil also exists as a branded form called Cialis. Cialis is licensed solely to treat erectile dysfunction. Both preparations, as they contain the same medicine, work in exactly the same way although some patients may prefer one over the other.
Understanding What Causes Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when you either cannot get an erection or are unable to maintain this erection long enough for sex. You may still be able to get an erection at other times such as when you wake up.
It is common for most men to struggle to get an erection occasionally. This can be triggered by stress, tiredness, excessive alcohol consumption or even a side effect of certain medicines.
If it occurs more often, it may be caused by an underlying medical condition such as:
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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Smoking
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Depression/anxiety
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Hormonal problems
The most commonly seen reasons in older adults are a medical condition relating to how blood flows through your body such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Recently, however, the incidence of ED has risen in younger men. This could be attributed to a rise in stress, anxiety and other psychological factors.
As there are many causes of ED, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Your healthcare provider can assess your general health and medical history to find out why exactly you are experiencing the symptoms. ED can be the first sign of a more serious health condition such as heart disease therefore early detection can be life-changing.
What Are The Benefits of Tadalafil for ED Treatment?
Tadalafil tablets have a long half-life. The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for your body to reduce the amount of the medication in your body by half.
Tadalafil has a half-life of up to 36 hours. For the purpose of erectile dysfunction, this means men can be ready for sex without prior planning anytime within this period.
Other ED treatments such as sildenafil, brand name Viagra, have a half-life of only 3-5 hours. For this treatment, men must plan their dose which must be taken 30 mins before anticipated sexual activity.
As tadalafil tablets help to improve blood flow around the body, they also provide benefits in cardiovascular disease, reducing pressure on the heart by lowering blood pressure.
"Tadalafil has answered our prayers. I take tadalafil 10mg tablets and the effect lasts for at least 36 hours. Rock-hard erections that last as long as tadalafil has answered our prayers. I feel like a "real man" once again"
A testimonial from a patient using tadalafil
How Does Tadalafil Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Tadalafil belongs to a class of erectile dysfunction medication called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines inhibit an enzyme in blood vessel walls and by doing so, relax them therefore increasing blood flow. It is important to note tadalafil does not work if there is no sexual stimulation.
The effects of tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours. Patients can therefore engage in multiple episodes of sexual intercourse within this period without having to take another tablet, so long as they are aroused.
Research has indicated patients taking tadalafil for improved sexual activity show increased levels of confidence, self-esteem and improvements in their relationships. It can be seen ED is a problem that affects not only the patient but also their partners and that effective treatment with the right medication is crucial to overall health.
Also Known as The "Weekend Pill"
Tadalafil is often referred to as the "weekend pill" due to its long duration of action of up to 36 hours. This doesn't mean patients will have an erection for 36 hours but rather they can achieve multiple erections within these 36 hours.
This suits individuals with a spontaneous lifestyle and does not require prior planning. Just take a tablet when the weekend begins for multiple episodes of sexual activity within this period, without the need for an additional tadalafil dosage.
Other ED medicines, such as Viagra or sildenafil, only last for 3-5 hours. This essentially means you can only engage in sex within this period and the tablet must be taken 30-60 minutes before the activity. If after 5 hours, you require an additional dose, this is unsuitable as the daily maximum dose is one tablet per day.
What Other Erectile Dysfunction Treatments Are Available?
Alternative ED treatments include sildenafil, vardenafil and avanafil. All work in exactly the same way as tadalafil and are of benefit to patients with ED, pulmonary arterial hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia to varying degrees.
Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours with all other erectile dysfunction medication only lasting between 4-6 hours. This makes tadalafil the drug of choice in patients who regularly engage in sexual activity. It is also found patients taking tadalafil experience more sexual confidence compared to those who take sildenafil.
If medication is not safe for you to take or does not work, there are alternative non-pharmacological treatments that your healthcare professional can recommend. These include:
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A penis pump - which creates a vacuum pulling blood into the penis. Once you achieve an erection, you slip a tension ring at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
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A penile implant - which involves surgically inserting a device into the sides of the penis to control erections. This method is usually reserved for when other treatments have failed.
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Exercise - can help improve your overall cardiovascular health, including blood flow, which in turn can help treat the symptoms of ED.
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Psychological counselling - can help improve your relationship if your symptoms occur as a result of anxiety or stress.
Should I Buy Tadalafil or Sildenafil?
Both tadalafil and sildenafil are very effective at treating erectile dysfunction. Which one you should use depends on your medical history and your personal preferences.
Sildenafil starts working within 30 minutes and can last up to 4 hours. Some research has indicated that it can only be used for up to 12-16 weeks before its effectiveness declines.
Tadalafil also starts working within 30 minutes but its effects can last up to 36 hours. It has also been suggested patients taking tadalafil experience more sexual confidence compared to patients taking sildenafil.
Both drugs work in the same way and therefore have a similar side effect profile. These include a stuffy nose, hot flashes, muscle pain, indigestion and headaches.
A prescriber would usually take all this into account along with your personal preferences. As we know, tadalafil lasts for much longer than sildenafil so this suits individuals who regularly engage in sexual activity.
A systematic review directly comparing tadalafil to sildenafil found:
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Both are equally as effective at treating ED
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Both have similar rates of adverse effects.
However, when compared to sildenafil, tadalafil:
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Significantly improved psychological outcomes
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Patients and their partners preferred taking tadalafil over sildenafil.
There are benefits to both sildenafil and tadalafil tablets. Which one you take depends on your individual circumstances concerning your medical history and your personal preferences.
Buying Tadalafil 10mg & 20mg Tablets Safely Online in The UK
Quick Meds is a UK-registered pharmacy that offers the highest level of support to our patients. Our team of qualified pharmacists are available to answer any queries you may have regarding the use of tadalafil or erectile dysfunction.
Here at Quick Meds, we source our medication from reputable wholesalers, ensuring the products we provide are 100% genuine and authentic. We have quality control measures in place to guarantee our patients are using legitimate medications that are safe and effective.
To place an order, simply complete a consultation. Once your consultation is complete, you may select your preferred treatment and checkout.
If your order is approved by our clinicians before 3 pm, it will be dispatched on the same day.
Our personalized treatment plans are tailored to your requirements. Our pharmacists are available between 9 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday to answer any questions you may have or even for a general chat if you are uncertain and need more information.
It is important to ensure you are providing accurate and up-to-date information in the consultation form and when speaking to a clinician. This informs the prescribing decision to ensure the product is safe for you to take.
Our team of qualified pharmacists have all the information you may need to start your treatment with tadalafil 20mg tablets. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call us on 0121 628 5318. If there is anything you would like to discuss before you decide to place an order online, we would be more than happy to assist you.
Our experienced pharmacists are available to provide ongoing support during your journey - not just at the beginning.
Precautions and Contraindications
Most patients can safely take Tadalafil (generic Cialis), but as with all medicine, it cannot be taken by patients suffering from other medical conditions. These include patients who:
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Have had a heart attack within the last 90 days.
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Have unstable angina - a type of chest pain characterised by a sharp pain in the chest.
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Have serious heart disease - such as heart failure or a history of heart attack.
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Have an uncontrolled heart rate and high or low blood pressure.
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Have had a stroke within the last 6 months.
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Have loss of vision in one eye - due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.
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Are allergic to the active ingredient or any of the excipients listed in the patient information leaflet.
There are specific recommendations for patients with kidney or liver problems. Men with mild to moderate kidney impairment can continue taking tadalafil 20mg tablets with no dose adjustment necessary. Once-daily dosing is not recommended in patients with severe kidney impairment.
Men with liver impairment usually have their dose adjusted to tadalafil 10mg. There is limited safety information available on the use of tadalafil in patients with severe liver impairment. Its use is therefore determined by careful evaluation of the benefit/risk ratio.
Patients who take certain medications must not take tadalafil due to drug interactions. These include anyone taking:
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Nitrates - such as glyceryl trinitrate - a spray used under the tongue for angina.
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Riociguat - taken for pulmonary hypertension.
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Medicines used to treat high blood pressure - as this can lead to a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
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Alpha-blockers - used to treat an enlarged prostate.
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Antifungal drugs - such as fluconazole and ketoconazole.
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Antibiotics - such as clarithromycin.
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Antiviral drugs - used for the treatment of HIV.
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Grapefruit juice.
Alcohol can affect the way tadalafil works. It is advised to limit your alcohol intake to ensure you are getting the most benefit from the medicine.
The use of recreational drugs whilst on tadalafil has not been studied but as a general rule should be avoided or at least not taken at approximately the same time as each other.
Tadalafil is not indicated for use in women and there is limited data available to determine its safety in females who may be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tadalafil Side Effects
As with all medicine, tadalafil can cause side effects. These are most likely seen at the starting dose as your body needs to adjust to the new drug in its system. They can also occur when the dosage is increased.
The most commonly reported side effects are headache, dyspepsia, back pain and muscle pain. These are generally mild to moderate and resolve after a few weeks. If the side effects persist, speak to your healthcare provider for advice.
You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience a prolonged or painful erection lasting more than 2 hours. Also if you develop a sudden loss in vision or hearing, you should stop treatment and go to A&E immediately.
If you have a seizure or develop chest pain, you should call 999 immediately. If you develop chest pain during or after sex and usually take medicines called nitrates, do not take them to treat your chest pain.
How to Take Tadalafil 10mg & 20mg Safely
The recommended dose is one tadalafil tablet taken before anticipated sexual activity. It can be taken with or without food at least 30 minutes before needed. It is important to note tadalafil does not work without sexual stimulation.
The maximum dose is one tablet daily and, at the dose of 20mg is intended for use before sexual activity and not for continuous daily dosage.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to not exceed the dose prescribed for you. Doing so will not make the drug more effective and may lead to undesirable effects.
FAQs
Why is generic tadalafil so much cheaper than original Cialis?
Generic tadalafil is cheaper than branded Cialis as the company producing the generic has not spent money on research and development of the drug, which the manufacturers behind the branded form would have.
How long does Tadalafil last?
Generic tadalafil-containing tablets, just like the original branded Cialis, will last for 36 hours in the blood. This does not mean you'll have a hard erect penis suitable for sexual activity for the entire duration as you'll still require adequate sexual stimulation to achieve a healthy erection.
Is tadalafil available on the NHS?
Tadalafil is available on the NHS but only under NHS criteria. This is usually if you have a pre-existing medical condition such as multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury.
Does tadalafil keep you hard after coming?
Tadalafil does not usually keep you erect after ejaculation. If you do experience a prolonged and painful erection lasting 2 hours or more, seek immediate medical attention.
Is 20mg of tadalafil too much?
20mg of tadalafil may be too much for you, it may also be the right dose you need. As a rule of thumb, you should take the minimum effective dose of all medicine and only increase the dose if necessary.
Do you need a prescription for tadalafil tablets?
Yes, tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine therefore a prescriber would review your health before generating a prescription and therefore supplying you with the medicine.
Which is stronger, Cialis or tadalafil?
Both Cialis and tadalafil contain the same active ingredient therefore both work in the same way. Like for like, both would be equally as effective. i.e. tadalafil 10mg tablets would be equally as effective as Cialis 10mg tablets.
Can you drink alcohol with tadalafil?
You can drink alcohol with tadalafil but it is advised to limit your intake as excessive alcohol consumption may affect the way tadalafil works and may lead to low blood pressure.
Can tadalafil increase size?
Tadalafil tablets are used to help erectile dysfunction and do not increase size.
Can I take tadalafil tablets daily?
You can take tadalafil tablets daily in the lower doses of 2.5mg or 5mg. Tadalafil 10mg or 20mg is not recommended to be taken for continuous daily dosage.
Who should avoid tadalafil?
Patients with underlying health conditions of the heart such as uncontrolled blood pressure, and liver or kidney problems should not take tadalafil. If you are taking other medication such as nitrates for angina or alpha-blockers for an enlarged prostate, you should also avoid tadalafil. Speak to us on 0121 628 5318 if you are unsure if you can safely take tadalafil. If you suffer from a bleeding disorder it is important to consult with a healthcare professional at Quick Meds for further advice.
Can I buy tadalafil online?
Ordering tadalafil online is quick and easy. To place an order, simply complete a consultation form. It is a prescription-only medication therefore supply is subject to meeting criteria to ensure the supply is safe.
Is tadalafil available over the counter?
In 2023, tadalafil was reclassified as the brand Cialis Together as a pharmacy medicine. This form is only available as a 10mg tablet and is available without a prescription though you will still need to have a chat with a pharmacist to ensure it is safe for you.
When is the best time to take Tadalafil 20mg?
The best time to take tadalafil 20mg is 30 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. the 20mg tablets are not recommended for continuous daily use therefore should not be taken every day.
Is 20mg tadalafil better than 10mg?
20mg tadalafil may be better for you if the 10mg tablets are not as effective. If you have liver or kidney problems or other healthcare conditions, speak to a healthcare professional to determine if 20mg is safe for you.
Why is Cialis better than Viagra?
Cialis is deemed better than Viagra due to its longer duration of action. Cialis lasts for 36 hours compared to only 4 hours for Viagra. This suits individuals who have a spontaneous lifestyle and does not require prior planning. Additionally, Cialis has been shown to improve confidence and other psychological outcomes compared to Viagra.