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What is Cialis?
Cialis (tadalafil) is an effective prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men and belongs to a group of medicines known as PDE-5 inhibitors. In the UK, Cialis is a prescription-only medicine for men and is not available without appropriate medical approval. As a PDE-5 inhibitor, Cialis works by blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5, which helps increase blood flow to the penis and improve erectile function when a man is sexually aroused.
After Viagra(sildenafil), Cialis was the second erectile dysfunction treatment developed based on the PDE-5 inhibitor mechanism. Its active ingredient, tadalafil, is notable for its long duration of action, which can last for up to 36 hours.
Beyond erectile dysfunction, Cialis 5 mg taken as a daily dose is indicated to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, helping to improve urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
Cialis in focus
With its long-lasting effect for 36 hours, the ED medication for men Cialis offers particular flexibility in the erectile dysfunction treatment. Cialis relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis improving sexual performance of a man.
Cialis Dosage
Cialis tablets are available in 10 mg and 20 mg strengths. For on-demand use, the recommended starting dose is Cialis 10 mg. Never exceed the recommended starting dose and never take more than one tablet unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Cialis 20 mg may be recommended if the lower dose is not effective enough. This higher dose is intended for occasional use to treat erectile dysfunction and is not suitable for daily intake.
Your doctor will determine the most appropriate Cialis dosage depending on your response and tolerability.
Cialis Manufacturer
Cialis is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, a global pharmaceutical leader. Originally discovered and developed by ICOS Corporation in partnership with Lilly, Cialis (tadalafil) received regulatory approval in 2003 and has since become one of the most trusted ED treatments worldwide.
Storage
- Store at room temperature (not above 30°C)
- Store in the original packaging to protect the contents from light and moisture
- Keep out of the reach of children
- Do not take Cialis after the expiry date
Cialis for erectile dysfunction – how does it work?
Cialis (with the active ingredient tadalafil) is a PDE-5 inhibitor. It blocks the PDE-5 enzyme responsible for breaking down cGMP, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels in the penis. When cGMP levels remain higher for longer, blood flow improves during sexual stimulation, making it easier to get an erection and maintain it. Cialis requires sexual arousal to work and does not increase libido or sexual desire.
How long does Cialis last?
The particular benefit of Cialis lies in its exceptionally long duration of action of up to 36 hours – significantly longer than other PDE-5 inhibitors. During this period, it is easier for a man to get an erection if he is sexually aroused. This is why Cialis is colloquially known as the "weekend pill".
How quickly does Cialis work?
Cialis usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. Though less affected by food than Viagra, it is still recommended to take Cialis on an empty stomach or at least two hours after a meal, as food can delay how quickly the medicine takes effect.
Can you get Cialis over the counter in the UK?
No, you will need a prescription from a doctor to buy Cialis in the UK, as it is a prescription medication.
Cialis is not available without a prescription – and for good reason: Only a doctor's prescription can ensure that dosage, tolerability and possible interactions are correctly assessed.
This also applies should you buy Cialis online: A valid prescription is legally required to avoid risks and ensure responsible use of the medication.
Always take Cialis exactly as prescribed.
What should you pay attention to when taking Cialis?
It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting to take Cialis if any of the following apply to you:
- Sickle cell anaemia (changes in red blood cells);
- Multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer);
- Leukaemia (cancer of the blood cells);
- Deformation of the penis;
- Severe liver disease
If you experience an unexpected decrease or loss of your vision, sudden hearing impairment, including complete hearing loss, stop taking Cialis immediately and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
How to take Cialis to get the maximum effect?
- Take one oral tablet of Cialis with a glass of water about 30 minutes before sexual activity.
- Cialis tablets can be taken with or without food; however, a high-fat meal may delay the onset of action.
- Take Cialis no more than once a day and never exceed the prescribed dose.
- On-demand therapy with Cialis is suitable for men who are sexually active 1-2 times per week.
- Taking into account the prolonged action of Cialis for 36 hours, this ED drug can be taken several hours in advance before sexual activity.
What can limit the effectiveness of Cialis for men?
The desired effect when you take Cialis cannot be achieved if any of the following factors are present:
- High-fat meals: Delay the absorption and effect of Cialis.
- Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Cialis: In larger quantities, alcohol can impair erectile function and increase the risk of Cialis side effects such as dizziness or a drop in blood pressure.
- Grapefruit/Grapefruit juice: Can inhibit the breakdown of Tadalafil and lead to stronger or prolonged side effects.
When should Cialis not be taken?
The use of Cialis tablets is not recommended or contraindicated if:
- You are taking nitrates or NO donors (e.g., for angina pectoris) – risk of a life-threatening hypotension.
- Do not take tadalafil tablets if you are using treatments for pulmonary hypertension, such as riociguat.
- A serious cardiovascular disease is present, or a heart attack or stroke has recently occurred.
- Severe liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh C) is present.
- The blood pressure is very low (below 90/50 mm Hg).
- In case of a known hypersensitivity to tadalafil.
- In the past, a sudden loss of vision occurred due to NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy).
- If you are a woman – Cialis is only approved for use in men, with no Cialis benefits for women.
Note: If you have kidney or liver problems, you should consult a doctor before taking this medication, as a dose adjustment may be necessary.
What side effects can Cialis have?
|
Frequency |
Side effect |
|
Occasionally |
Allergic reactions, including skin rashes Chest pain (Note: Do not use nitrates) Dizziness Abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting Acid reflux Blurred vision Eye pain Breathing difficulties Blood in urine Prolonged erection Heart palpitations Rapid heartbeat Hypertension Hypotension Nosebleeds Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Swelling of hands, feet, or joints Fatigue |
|
Rarely |
Priapism (prolonged and possibly painful erection) Sudden loss of vision Fainting Seizures Temporary memory loss Swelling of the eyelids Red eyes Sudden hearing loss or deafness Hives Penile bleeding Blood in semen Increased sweating Heart attack (in the presence of previously known heart disease) Stroke (in patients with pre-existing heart conditions) Deterioration or loss of vision in one or both eyes |
|
Frequently |
Headache Back pain Muscle aches Pain in the arms and legs Facial redness Nasal congestion Indigestion |
Please note that this table does not list all possible Cialis side effects. Patients should consult their doctor or read the patient information leaflet if they have any questions.
Which medications can interact with Cialis?
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take any medication.
Cialis pills should not be taken if you are already using nitrates. Also, Cialis must not be used with recreational drugs containing nitrates due to the risk of significant hypotension.
Some medications may be affected by Cialis or change the way Cialis works, for example:
- Alpha blockers (used to control high blood pressure or to treat urinary tract problems due to an enlarged prostate)
- Other medications for hypertension
- Riociguat
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (used in the treatment of an enlarged prostate)
- Medications such as ketoconazole tablets (for fungal infections) or protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV or AIDS
- Phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine (medications for seizures)
- Rifampicin, erythromycin, clarithromycin or itraconazole
- Other treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Always inform your doctor if you are taking medications, specially listed above.
Experiences with Cialis
Many users report high efficacy and long-lasting effects of Cialis – often with minimal side effects:
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As an effective medication, Cialis can also cause side effects. For some users, these lead to discontinuation of treatment, while others report that the symptoms improve over time.
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Alternatives to Cialis
Several medically recognised treatments can be used as alternatives to Cialis, depending on individual needs and medical suitability:
- Sildenafil lasts around 4–6 hours and is the active ingredient in Viagra.
- Vardenafil (Levitra) has a similar effect to sildenafil and may be better tolerated by some men, including those with certain cardiovascular conditions.
- Avanafil (Spedra) has a very fast onset (around 15–30 minutes) and works for approximately 5 hours.
- Tadalafil Daily (Cialis Daily) - a specially designed low-dosage ED med for everyday use and increased sexual spontaneity
- Alprostadil – a locally acting treatment (for example, as a cream or injection) that works independently of sexual desire.
In mild cases of erectile dysfunction, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, nutritional supplements may be sufficient to improve symptoms.
For more severe or treatment-resistant erectile dysfunction, a doctor may recommend non-drug options, such as a vacuum erection device (penis pump) or a penile implant.
The best way to find the most suitable treatment for you is to talk to your doctor about your needs and symptoms.
How much does Cialis cost in the UK?
Because of its long duration of action and proven effectiveness, Cialis is generally one of the more expensive erectile dysfunction treatments. In the UK, the price of Cialis 10 mg is typically around £20–£25 per tablet, while Cialis 20 mg can cost up to £30 per tablet, depending on the pharmacy and pack size.
In many cases, medically identical generic medicines offer a more affordable option. Generic tadalafil, which contains the same active ingredient, is usually priced significantly lower and provides comparable effectiveness.
Prices can vary between pharmacies and online providers. Cialis is not routinely available on the NHS for erectile dysfunction, except in limited medical circumstances. Most patients therefore obtain it via a private prescription.
Further information
Patient information leaflet of Cialis 10 mg and 20 mg for download.