What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments Explained
13/04/2026
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Tadalafil Tablets
Available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets
Tadalafil is the generic, unbranded version of Cialis and is used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men.
- Lasts up to 36 hours
- Starts working within around 30 minutes
- Can be taken with or without food
Pricing
| 2.5mg | 5mg | |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Tablets | £24.99 | £19.99 |
| 56 Tablets | £39.99 | £34.99 |
| 84 Tablets | £62.99 | £48.99 |
| 168 Tablets | £119.99 | £89.99 |
| 10mg | 20mg | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Tablets | £7.49 | £7.49 |
| 8 Tablets | £12.99 | £13.99 |
| 16 Tablets | £23.99 | £23.99 |
| 24 Tablets | £32.99 | £32.99 |
| 32 Tablets | £40.99 | £40.99 |
| 64 Tablets | £71.99 | £71.99 |
NOTE: Brands and packaging may differ from picture.
When starting the consultation you will be redirected to the treatments page where you can start the short questionnaire.
Same day dispatch if ordered before 2pm
Discreet and plain packaging
Free expert support & advice
Buy Tadalafil
How to order Tadalafil online:
- Complete a short online assessment to see if you’re eligible for treatment
- Reviewed by one of our clinicians
- If approved, we’ll send your treatment by tracked delivery in discreet packaging
What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil tablets treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis, and it works by relaxing the blood vessels that supply the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.
One tablet can remain effective for up to 36 hours, which is longer than shorter-acting treatments such as sildenafil (Viagra).
How does Tadalafil work?
Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors. It works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which helps the blood vessels in the penis stay relaxed so blood can flow more easily during sexual stimulation.
Like other PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil only works when you are sexually stimulated. It will not produce an erection on its own.
How do I take Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is available in four strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. It can be taken with or without food.
- 10mg or 20mg, as required: take one tablet at least 30 minutes before sex. Most men start with 10mg, with the dose increased to 20mg if needed and appropriate. Take no more than one dose in 24 hours.
- 2.5mg or 5mg, once daily: this option may be more suitable if you expect to have sex regularly. Take one tablet at around the same time each day.
Do not take tadalafil alongside another erectile dysfunction medicine unless a clinician has specifically advised you to do so.
Who is Tadalafil for, and how effective is it?
Tadalafil is licensed for adult men with erectile dysfunction, which means difficulty getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for sex. Clinical studies have found that tadalafil can improve erectile function in men with mild, moderate and severe erectile dysfunction.
What are the side effects of Tadalafil?
Like all medicines, tadalafil can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them and most are mild.
Common (affecting up to 1 in 10 people): headache, back pain, muscle aches, pain in the arms or legs, facial flushing, nasal congestion and indigestion.
Less common: dizziness, stomach ache, feeling sick, blurred vision, a fast or pounding heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, nosebleeds, ringing in the ears, swollen hands, feet or ankles, and tiredness.
Rare but serious: an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), or sudden loss of vision or hearing. Both require urgent medical attention.
A long-term study of tadalafil in more than 1,000 men found a similar overall safety profile during 18 to 24 months of treatment.
Always check the patient information leaflet in your pack for the full list of side effects. You can also report suspected side effects through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
Who shouldn’t take Tadalafil?
Don’t take tadalafil if you:
- Are allergic to tadalafil or any of its ingredients
- Take nitrates, for example for angina, or recreational “poppers” such as amyl nitrite, as combining these with tadalafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Have serious heart disease or have had a heart attack in the last 90 days
- Have had a stroke in the last 6 months
- Have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Have previously lost vision due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Take riociguat for pulmonary hypertension
Tell your doctor or clinician about any other medicines you take, including alpha-blockers, HIV medicines and antifungals, as these can interact with tadalafil.
Tadalafil daily vs tadalafil as required
It depends on a few things:
- How often you have sex: If you have sex twice a week or more, the daily dose may be more suitable. If you have sex less often, the 10mg or 20mg as-required dose may be more appropriate.
- How spontaneous you want to be: The as-required dose can remain effective for up to 36 hours, while daily tadalafil is taken every day so you do not need to plan each dose around sex.
- Side effects: A lower daily dose may cause fewer side effects for some men, although this varies from person to person.
- Cost: A month’s supply of daily tadalafil may cost a similar amount to several as-required tablets, depending on the strength and quantity prescribed.
Your clinician can help you decide which option is more suitable during your consultation.
FAQs
How long does Tadalafil take to work, and how long does it last?
Most men notice it working within 30 minutes, reaching full effect within about 2 hours. Once it’s active, it stays in your system for up to 36 hours, so a tablet taken Friday evening can still work Sunday morning.
That doesn’t mean a continuous erection for 36 hours – you’ll still need to be sexually aroused each time.
Can I drink alcohol with Tadalafil?
Yes, in moderation. Alcohol can make side effects like dizziness, and low blood pressure more likely, and drinking heavily can stop tadalafil working as well as it should.
Should I switch from sildenafil to tadalafil?
In a European study of men already taking sildenafil who were given a trial of tadalafil, 133 of 147 chose to switch and stay on tadalafil once the trial ended.
Both medicines are generally well tolerated, so the choice may come down to personal preference, including how long you want the effects to last. Speak to your clinician if you’re thinking about changing treatment.
Generic Tadalafil or Cialis?
Cialis is the original brand name for tadalafil, developed by Lilly. Its patent expired in 2017, allowing generic versions to become available from manufacturers such as Teva, Mylan and Accord.
Generic tadalafil contains the same active ingredient at the same strength and works in the same way as Cialis. It is sold under its generic name rather than a brand name, which can make it more affordable. Different manufacturers may use different inactive ingredients, so check the patient information leaflet if you have any known allergies.
The Family Chemist offers tadalafil following a short online assessment. If you have a preferred manufacturer or brand, you can request this in the notes section at checkout.
Can you split Tadalafil tablets?
It’s not generally recommended, but some men do it anyway. Certain brands have a score line down the middle to make this easier. If yours aren’t scored, take the whole tablet, since that’s the minimum effective dose – a hand-split half can end up uneven or crumble. We’ll send a free pill cutter on request; add a note at checkout.
Is Tadalafil available on the NHS?
GPs can prescribe tadalafil on the NHS, but this may depend on whether you meet specific eligibility criteria. In some cases, NHS prescribing may also be subject to quantity restrictions.
If you do not meet the NHS criteria, you can buy tadalafil online from The Family Chemist following a short online consultation.
Alternative erectile dysfunction treatments
Sildenafil, vardenafil and avanafil are shorter-acting treatments, while tadalafil lasts much longer and can be taken either as required or as a low daily dose. This can make tadalafil a more flexible option for some men.
| Sildenafil/Viagra | Tadalafil/Cialis | Daily Tadalafil/Cialis | Levitra/Vardenafil | Spedra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Sildenafil | Tadalafil | Tadalafil | Vardenafil | Avanafil |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 10mg, 20mg | 2.5mg, 5mg | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg |
| How long it takes to work | Around 30 to 60 minutes | Around 30 minutes | Taken once daily for continuous effect | Around 30 minutes | 15 to 30 minutes |
| How long it lasts | Around 4 hours | Up to 36 hours | Continuous effect when taken daily | Around 5 hours | Around 5 hours |
| Effect of food | A high-fat meal may delay how quickly it works | Not significantly affected by food | Not significantly affected by food | A high-fat meal may delay how quickly it works | A high-fat meal may delay how quickly it works |
If tadalafil is not suitable or does not provide the desired effect, your clinician can discuss other options such as vardenafil, avanafil or Vitaros.
References
- Tadalafil 10mg Film-coated Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics, Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) [accessed 25th September 2026]
- Erectile dysfunction, NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries [accessed 25th September 2026]
- Tadalafil, British National Formulary (BNF), NICE [accessed 25th September 2026]
- Yellow Card Scheme, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) [accessed 25th September 2026]
- Montorsi F, et al. Long-term safety and tolerability of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (2004) European Urology [accessed 25th September 2026]
- Ströberg P, et al. Switching patients with erectile dysfunction from sildenafil citrate to tadalafil: results of a European multicenter, open-label study of patient preference (2003) Clinical Therapeutics [accessed 25th September 2026]
- Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: an overview of the clinical evidence, PubMed Central (PMC) [accessed 25th September 2026]
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