What is Tadalafil?
Clinical studies have shown Tadalafil’s effectiveness in various groups of men with ED, noting improvements in erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction. It is unique for its long duration of action, providing flexibility in sexual activity timing.
Tadalafil functions by enhancing blood flow to certain areas of the body, facilitating and maintaining erections when combined with sexual stimulation. Tadalafil’s long-lasting effect, up to 36 hours, has earned it the nickname “The Weekend Pill”.
The benefits of Tadalafil for ED
Tadalafil, a widely used medication, offers several notable benefits for individuals dealing with certain health conditions. Here are three key advantages of using Tadalafil:
- Improves erectile function: Tadalafil effectively treats erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis, thereby facilitating the achievement and maintenance of an erection when sexually stimulated.
- Long-lasting effects: One of the key advantages of Tadalafil over other ED medications is its long duration of action, lasting up to 36 hours, providing more flexibility for sexual activity.
Pricing
2.5mg | 5mg | |
28 Tablets | £15.99 | £17.99 |
56 Tablets | £28.99 | £34.99 |
84 Tablets | £38.99 | £43.99 |
168 Tablets | £67.99 | £88.99 |
10mg | 20mg | |
4 Tablets | £7.49 | £7.49 |
8 Tablets | £13.99 | £14.99 |
16 Tablets | £23.99 | £23.99 |
24 Tablets | £32.99 | £32.99 |
32 Tablets | £40.99 | £40.99 |
64 Tablets | £71.99 | £71.99 |
Tadalafil FAQs
What is Tadalafil?
To increase the readability and clarity of the given text, we can rewrite it in the active voice and include appropriate transition words.
Adult men with erectile dysfunction who are unable to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance can take Tadalafil. Tadalafil, which is the generic version of Cialis, increases blood flow to the penis. It is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg and acts within 30 minutes, providing longer-lasting effects for up to 36 hours.
Tadalafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing men to achieve and maintain an erection. It belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. By inhibiting the action of PDE5, an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), it allows cGMP to accumulate, leading to increased blood flow into the erectile tissues.
How do you take Tadalafil?
Tadalafil, available in four strengths (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg), requires sexual stimulation to be effective. The recommended dose is 10mg, to be taken before sexual activity, with or without food. If 10mg does not produce the desired effect, try 20mg. In case of side effects from the 10mg dose, an occasional 5mg dose may be tried. Repeated trials of the same strength are recommended before trying a higher dose.
Do not take tadalafil with any other ED medications, and wait at least 24 hours before trying a different medication. Tadalafil remains active in your system for up to 36 hours and must be taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Do not take more than one dose per day. 10mg and 20mg dosages are intended for use before sexual activity and not for daily use. If you plan to use tadalafil at least twice a week, your doctor may recommend a lower dose (5mg) to be taken once a day at the same time every day. You may decrease the dose to 2.5mg if needed. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
What are the common side effects of tadalafil?
It’s important to note that like all medications, this one may have side effects, but not everyone experiences them. Typically, these effects are mild to moderate.
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- allergic reactions including rashes.
- chest pain – do not use nitrates but seek immediate medical assistance.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- Priapism, a prolonged and possibly painful erection after taking tadalafil. If you have such an erection, which lasts continuously for more than 4 hours you should contact a doctor immediately.
- sudden loss of vision.
Other side effects reported:
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- headache
- back pain
- muscle aches
- pain in arms and legs
- facial flushing
- nasal congestion
- indigestion
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- dizziness
- stomach ache
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting)
- reflux
- blurred vision
- eye pain
- difficulty in breathing
- presence of blood in urine
- prolonged erection
- pounding heartbeat sensation
- a fast heart rate
- high blood pressure
- low blood pressure
- nose bleeds
- ringing in the ears
- swelling of the hands, feet or ankles
- feeling tired.
Although rare, some men taking tadalafil have reported incidents of heart attack or stroke, especially if they already had pre-existing heart problems. There have also been rare cases of partial, temporary, or permanent vision loss in one or both eyes. Dizziness is a more common side effect in men over 75 years old, while diarrhoea has been reported more frequently in men over 65 years old who are taking tadalafil.
Please read the Tadalafil Patient information leaflet for more information.
Is tadalafil safe?
Tadalafil is generally well-tolerated by most people in terms of safety. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Tadalafil include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. These side effects usually go away on their own within a few hours and are usually mild. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.
Clinical evidence
A study involving 1173 men with erectile dysfunction who were given varying doses of tadalafil over a 24-month period was conducted. The study found that tadalafil was safe and well-tolerated. The most common adverse events were headache (15.8%), dyspepsia (11.8%), nasopharyngitis (11.4%), and back pain (8.2%). The rate of discontinuations due to adverse events for this study was 6.3%, and the rate for any individual event was less than 1%. Based on these findings, the study concluded that tadalafil at doses of 5, 10, or 20mg taken as needed up to once daily for 18 to 24 months is safe and well-tolerated, supporting its long-term use in the clinical management of erectile dysfunction.
It is important to note that Tadalafil can interact with certain medications, such as nitrates, which are commonly used to treat chest pain. Taking Tadalafil with nitrates can cause a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
In rare cases, Tadalafil can also cause serious side effects, such as sudden hearing loss, vision loss, or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. If you experience any of these side effects, you should immediately seek medical attention.
What's the best time to take tadalafil? How long does tadalafil last?
Tadalafil is the longest acting PDE5i when compared to Sildenafil which has a duration of action of 4 hours. It can last for up to 36 hours and sometimes longer. It is important to note that you do not keep a continuous erection for 36 hours. You have to be aroused and will need some form of sexual stimulation.
Tadalafil is detectable in the bloodstream within 20 minutes. In contrast to other PDE5 inhibitors, near maximal tadalafil concentrations are present from 1.5 through 6.5 h postdose. A study looked at tadalafil plasma pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects following single and multiple doses. The table below shows tadalafil concentrations following a single 20mg dose to 20 healthy individuals.
Food had negligible effects on rate and extent of absorption. Hence, tadalafil may be taken without regard to meal timing or fat content of the meal. The rate and extent of tadalafil absorption in the morning were slightly lower than in the evening. Plasma concentrations are essentially proportional to dose, i.e. doubling the dose doubles exposure to tadalafil.
As you can see from the table Tadalafil was present in the blood for upto 96 hours and some patients may experience sporadic erections for up to 5 days.
Timeline
16 minutes: Early erections. 30% of the patients in the study found they received significant penile rigidity after administering sildenafil.
30 minutes: Average response: Most men experience enhanced erections following oral administration of tadalafil.
2 hours minutes: Peak erections: The maximum effect of tadalafil was seen.
17.5 hours: Half-life: Half of the drug has now been eliminated from your bloodstream. However, the drug is still effective.
36-48 hours: Still going: Tadalafil, also known as ‘the weekend pill’, can provide strong erections for men that can last up to 48 hours. This means that taking it on a Friday night can still be effective on a Sunday morning.
96 hours: The majority of the drug has now been removed from your blood stream.
Tadalafil Daily Vs Tadalafil
This all depends on the following:
How many times do you have sex?
Taking a daily tadalafil pill could be a good option if you are having sex two or more times a week, as it will remain in your bloodstream consistently.
How significant is it to be spontaneous?
Taking a daily pill can allow for sexual activity at any time, but it may not work for everyone, as is the case with other ED drugs. Alternatively, the nondaily version of Cialis offers a 36-hour window of opportunity for more spontaneous encounters.
Are you experiencing bothersome side effects from your current ED medication?
If you take a low-dose pill daily, it can lower side effects but may decrease its effectiveness. According to studies, common side effects of the daily pill include headache, muscle pain, indigestion, and back pain.
How much alcohol do you drink?
If men who take Tadalafil for daily use consume excessive amounts of alcohol, they may experience a concerning decrease in blood pressure.
What other medications do you take?
To ensure safety, please consult with your doctor regarding the possibility of drug interactions between your daily erectile dysfunction pill and other medications or supplements you are currently taking, such as blood pressure drugs, antifungal drugs, and HIV drugs. It is important to note that men taking nitrate medications should avoid ED drugs altogether.
Cost?
A 30-day supply of tadalafil daily option should cost roughly the same as eight pills of the 36-hour version per month.
Can daily tadalafil improve PE or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)?
In a study, the effect of tadalafil 5mg daily treatment on ejaculation time, erectile function and lower urinary tract symptoms was investigated in patients diagnosed with ED. Corona et al. recently conducted a meta-analysis on the relationship between PE and ED, and reported that PE increases the risk of ED approximately fourfold. In addition, this risk was found to be significantly higher in patients with depression and anxiety symptoms, followed by those with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. They found that a daily dose of tadalafil 5mg tadalafil can be safely used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and LUTS, that prolongs the ejaculatory latency time.
Can I buy tadalafil online?
At The Family Chemist, you can conveniently order cheap Tadalafil online after a consultation with our qualified healthcare professionals. The consultation process is secure and straightforward, requiring you to answer a few questions about your health and medical history. This ensures that Tadalafil is a safe and effective treatment option for you.
Once a healthcare professional approves Tadalafil for you, our pharmacy will deliver the medication in a discreet manner. We only provide authentic medication that comes from reputable suppliers, and our pharmacy is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Who should not take tadalafil?
- Allergic to tadalafil or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- Taking any form of organic nitrate or nitric oxide donors such as amyl nitrite. This is a group of medicines (“nitrates”) used in the treatment of angina pectoris (“chest pain”). Tadalafil has been shown to increase the effects of these medicines. If you are taking any form of nitrate or are unsure tell your doctor.
- Have serious heart disease or recently had a heart attack within the last 90 days.
- Recently had a stroke within the last 6 months.
- Have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Ever had loss of vision because of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition described as “stroke of the eye”.
- Taking riociguat. This drug is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure in the lungs) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure in the lungs secondary to blood clots). PDE5 inhibitors, such as tadalafil, have been shown to increase the hypotensive effects of this medicine. If you are taking riociguat or are unsure tell your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol whilst taking tadalafil?
While tadalafil is effective in treating ED and PAH, it’s important to note that it can interact with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking tadalafil can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and low blood pressure. These side effects can be intensified if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you have underlying health conditions that affect your blood pressure.
Moreover, alcohol can also decrease the effectiveness of tadalafil, making it less likely to work as intended. So, if you’re taking tadalafil for ED or PAH, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether or limit your alcohol consumption to small amounts.
Do men prefer tadalafil?
A study conducted in 2003 found that men had a preference for tadalafil over sildenafil for treating erectile dysfunction. The study involved 215 men who were randomly assigned to take either drug for a four-week period, and then switched to the other drug after a one- to two-week break (crossover study). The men and the investigators were unaware of which drug was being taken, as the study was double-blinded. These men either had not previously taken sildenafil or had not responded to it. The results showed that 66.3% of the men preferred tadalafil, while only 33.7% preferred sildenafil, and the results were statistically significant. Both drugs were also well-tolerated, with similar side effects reported in both groups.
Do women prefer tadalafil?
In a single-center open-label crossover study, researchers examined the treatment preferences of women who were partners of men using oral medications to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
A study was conducted on 100 heterosexual couples who were in stable relationships. The male partners had erectile dysfunction based on the erectile function subscale of the International Index of Erectile Function. They were randomly assigned to receive sildenafil or tadalafil for a 12-week phase. After that, they received the alternate drug for another 12-week period.
Out of all the women surveyed, 79.2% preferred their partners to use tadalafil, while only 15.6% preferred sildenafil. Age and treatment order randomization did not have any impact on their preference. Those who preferred tadalafil reported feeling more at ease, experiencing less pressure, and having a more natural and spontaneous sexual experience.
Should I switch from sildenafil to tadalafil?
There are studies indicating that men prefer tadalafil to other medications for erectile dysfunction. A specific study has researched this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to find out how many ED patients who are currently taking sildenafil would choose to continue taking sildenafil at the regular dose after trying tadalafil for a period of time, and how many would prefer to switch to a longer-term treatment with tadalafil 20 mg. The tolerability of both treatments was also investigated. The study consisted of a 3-week sildenafil assessment phase, a 1-week washout phase, a 6-week tadalafil initiation phase, a 3-week tadalafil assessment phase, and a 6-month extension phase, during which patients received their treatment of choice free of charge.
Out of the 147 men in the study, 90.5% of those who were taking tadalafil continued to use it, while only 9.5% switched to sildenafil. The study found that this was true regardless of the men’s age, the severity of their ED, or any underlying causes. Both drugs were well-tolerated and had similar side effects.
Why is tadalafil labelled "The Weekend Pill"
Tadalafil is commonly known as the “weekend pill” due to its extended duration of effectiveness, allowing individuals to achieve and maintain an erection for up to 48 hours following sexual stimulation. This feature is preferred by many men and women compared to other erectile dysfunction medications like sildenafil, vardenafil, or avanafil, which have shorter durations of action. Those who take a tablet on Friday can still engage in sexual activity on Sunday.
Alternative erectile dysfunction treatments
The choice of treatment depends of the frequency of sexual intercourse and response to treatment. Sildenafil, Avanafil and Vardenafil are short acting drugs and are suitable for occasional use when required. Tadalafil is a longer acting drug which can be used when required, but can also be used as a regular lower daily dose to allow for spontaneous sexual activity or in those who have frequent sexual activity.
In the first instance, we recommend using Tadalafil on at least eight occasions before ruling out its effectiveness. However, if you suffer from side effects, then it may be worth trying another ED tablet If tadalafil doesn’t suit you, you can try Vardenafil or Avanafil. After exhausting all tablets, it may be worth revisiting the GP and considering tackling the secondary causes, for example, stress and anxiety that may be causing erectile dysfunction.
There is an alternative cream called Vitaros available from The Family Chemist, which may provide some benefit over ED tablets. Read all about it here.
Sildenafil/Viagra | Tadalafil/Cialis | Tadalafil/Daily Cialis | Levitra/Vardenafil | Spedra | |
Active Ingredient | Sildenafil | Tadalafil | Tadalafil | Vardenafil | Avanafil |
Strengths | 25,50,100mg | 2.5,5mg | 10,20mg | 5,10,20mg | 50,100,200mg |
How long it takes to work | Around 30 – 60 minutes | Immediately (Continuous effect) | 15 – 30 minutes | Around 30 minutes | 15 – 30 minutes |
How long it lasts | Around 4 hours | Lasts all day | Up to 36 hours | Around 5 hours | Around 5 hours |
Effect of food | Any food may slow down action and reduce effectiveness | Not affected | Not affected | Any food may slow down action and reduce effectiveness | Any food may slow down action and reduce effectiveness |
Generic tadalafil vs Cialis
In 2017, the patent for Cialis expired, allowing other companies to create generic versions of the medication using the same active ingredient, tadalafil. Lilly manufactures the brand name Cialis, while generic versions are available from companies such as TEVA, Mylan, and Accord. The Family Chemist offers these options after an erectile dysfunction assessment. Patients can request a specific brand in the notes section during checkout.
Lilly’s Cialis was a highly successful drug, but it came at a high cost due to the company’s exclusive license for Tadalafil. However, with the patent now expired, other manufacturers can produce generic versions of Tadalafil, which should bring down the price. While the active ingredient remains the same across all generic manufacturers, the use of different excipients and bulking agents can cause varying responses in patients, and some may even have allergies to these ingredients. Therefore, it’s crucial to read the patient information leaflet from the specific manufacturer and ensure you don’t have any allergies from the excipients. However, most patients will find that the effects of generic Tadalafil are just as effective as Cialis, and they don’t typically have a preferred brand.
Medically generic companies are identical to branded originals. Buy cheap tadalafil from The Family Chemist in a safe and easy way by filling in a consultation.
Can you split tadalafil?
Although it is not recommended, some men split their tadalafil tablets. Some brands of tadalafil have an indented line in the middle of the tablet to make splitting easier by hand. If tadalafil tablets are not scored, patients should take the entire tablet as the minimum effective dose. Rest assured that the film coating on some Tadalafil tablets does not hinder their absorption, making it perfectly safe to split them if necessary. Even though tablet halves may not contain equal doses, any discrepancy is minimal. Splitting the tablets evenly by hand can be challenging, and the tablet may crumble and break up further. Using a pill-splitter can help with the process. The Family Chemist provides free pill cutters upon request for all our ED patients. Just request it on the notes section of the checkout page.
Is tadalafil available on NHS?
Tadalafil can be prescribed by a GP in the NHS. However you must meet the “SLS” criteria and the quantities are limited to one box of 8 a month. SLS criteria is the following:
The drug treatments for erectile dysfunction should not be prescribed on the NHS except in men who:
- have diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, poliomyelitis, prostate cancer, severe pelvic injury, single gene neurological disease, spina bifida, or spinal cord injury;
- are receiving dialysis for renal failure;
- have had radical pelvic surgery, prostatectomy (including transurethral resection of the prostate), or kidney transplant;
- were receiving Caverject®, Cialis®, Erecnos®, MUSE®, Uprima®, Viagra®, or Viridal® for erectile dysfunction, at the expense of the NHS, on 14 September 1998;
- are suffering severe distress as a result of impotence (prescribed in specialist centres only).
However we all know that the guidance by the NHS is outdated and many men suffer from Erectile Dysfunction due to several other causes. Buy cheap tadalafil tablets in maximum quantities of 64 tablets from The Family Chemist by filling in the consultation form above.
Is tadalafil available over the counter?
No, Tadalafil is a prescription only medicine. The Family Chemist provides a complete service: consultation, prescription, medicine and delivery all in one. No hidden charges unlike other companies. Our delivery is next day for free and we use well respected UK generic brands.
Do you need a prescription to buy tadalafil?
Certainly. To obtain Tadalafil, you will need a prescription from a clinician. If you complete the erectile dysfunction assessment and our UK registered clinician deems the medication appropriate for your needs, they can issue a prescription. Our in-house pharmacy will then prepare and dispense the medication based on the prescription. This will be delivered to you on the next day without even leaving your house.
Can you buy tadalafil legal in the UK?
Absolutely. Tadalafil is a legitimate medication that can be prescribed by authorized healthcare professionals. However, only pharmacies are authorized to dispense the drug. If someone offers you Tadalafil from another source without a prescription, it is illegal. Furthermore, the authenticity of the medication may be questionable, especially if you are purchasing it online. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the registration status of the pharmacy before making any purchases.
How much does tadalafil cost?
At The Family Chemist, you can purchase tadalafil for as low as 56p per tablet. Our online pharmacy is committed to making private healthcare affordable for everyone. We are proud to offer the lowest prices and if you happen to find a better deal elsewhere, we will match the price and give you an additional 10% discount. Visit our price match guarantee webpage for more details.
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