What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments Explained
13/04/2026
No Comments
Learn More
Tadalafil Tablets
Available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets
Tadalafil is the generic, unbranded version of Cialis, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men.
- Lasts up to 36 hours
- Starts working within 30 minutes of taking it
- 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
GPhC Registered
Free Delivery (Orders Over £20)
Confidential & Discreet
Last reviewed: 25th September 2026
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 post it to you with tracked delivery and discreetly
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 keep an erection once you’re sexually aroused.
One tablet can stay active for up to 36 hours, far longer than treatments like sildenafil (Viagra).
How does Tadalafil work?
Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors. Normally, an enzyme called PDE5 causes the blood vessels in the penis to narrow again once an erection ends. Tadalafil blocks this enzyme, so the vessels stay relaxed and blood can flow in more easily.
Like every PDE5 inhibitor, it only works alongside sexual stimulation – it won’t produce an erection on its own.
How do I take Tadalafil?
Tadalafil comes in four strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. You can take it with or without food.
- 10mg or 20mg, as required: take one tablet at least 30 minutes before sex. Most men start on 10mg and only move up to 20mg if that’s not enough. Give each dose a few tries before switching, and stick to one tablet within 24 hours.
- 2.5mg or 5mg, daily: better suited if you’re sexually active twice a week or more. Take one tablet at the same time each day – it can take a few days to build up to full effect, after which you’re ready for sex whenever you like.
Don’t combine tadalafil with another ED medicine, and leave at least 36 hours before trying a different one.
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.
Who is Tadalafil for, and how effective is it?
Tadalafil is licensed for adult men with erectile dysfunction: difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It’s one of the most widely prescribed ED treatments in the UK, and clinical studies have found it improves erections in the large majority of men who take it, across mild, moderate and severe cases.
Tadalafil daily vs tadalafil as required
It depends on a few things:
- How often you have sex. Twice a week or more usually suits the daily dose better; less often, the 10mg/20mg as-required dose makes more sense.
- How spontaneous you want to be. The 36-hour window of the as-required dose means less planning around a daily tablet.
- Side effects. A lower daily dose can mean fewer side effects for some men, though this varies from person to person.
- Cost. A month’s supply of the daily dose costs roughly the same as eight as-required tablets.
Your clinician can help you weigh these up as part of your consultation.
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 need urgent medical attention.
A long-term study of tadalafil in over 1,000 men backs up this safety profile, finding similarly low rates of side effects after 18 to 24 months of regular use.
Always check the patient information leaflet in your pack for the full list, and you can report side effects yourself 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” (amyl nitrite) – combined with tadalafil, these can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- have serious heart disease, or 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 NAION, sometimes called a “stroke of the eye”
- take riociguat for pulmonary hypertension
Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take, too, including alpha-blockers, HIV medicines and antifungals – these can interact with tadalafil.
FAQs
Can I drink alcohol with Tadalafil?
Yes, in moderation. Alcohol can make side effects like dizziness, headaches 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?
Quite possibly. 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 drugs are well tolerated, so it often comes down to personal preference over how long the effect lasts. Speak to your clinician if you’re thinking about changing.
Generic Tadalafil or Cialis?
Cialis is the original brand name for tadalafil, developed by Lilly. Its patent expired in 2017, opening the market to generic manufacturers such as Teva, Mylan and Accord.
Generic tadalafil has the same active ingredient, at the same strength, and works the same way as Cialis. It’s sold under its medical name rather than a brand, which helps keep the price down. Different manufacturers use different fillers, so check the patient leaflet if you have any known allergies.
The Family Chemist offers tadalafil after a short online assessment, and you can request a specific brand 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 usually only for men who meet specific criteria – for example, certain neurological conditions, kidney dialysis or transplant, or previous prostate surgery – and supply is capped at one pack of 8 tablets a month.
If you don’t meet these criteria, or you’d rather skip the wait, you can buy tadalafil online from The Family Chemist after a short consultation.
Alternative erectile dysfunction treatments
Sildenafil, vardenafil and avanafil work faster but wear off sooner, so they suit occasional use. Tadalafil lasts much longer and can be taken as needed or as a low daily dose, giving you more flexibility.
| 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 |
We suggest trying tadalafil at least eight times before ruling it out. If it’s not for you, vardenafil or avanafil are worth a go instead. A cream-based alternative, Vitaros, is also available from The Family Chemist.
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]
You may also like...
More treatments available
Read more about Men's Health
Regulated care you can trust
MHRA-approved and GPhC regulated; we strive to provide the highest standards of care.
General Pharmaceutical Council
General Pharmaceutical Council
The GPhC is the regulator that inspects pharmacies to make sure they meet the highest standards, keeping your safety their top priority.
National Pharmacy Association
The NPA represents independent pharmacies across the UK, offering advice, support, and providing our professional indemnity cover.
Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
The MHRA makes sure medicines and medical devices are safe and effective. They approve licenses and monitor safety through the Yellow Card scheme. All our products are MHRA approved.
Digital Clinical Excellence
DiCE is a UK network that works to improve safety and quality in digital healthcare.
Meet our medical professionals
Our clinicians are experts in medicines, nutrition, patient care, and governance.
Aaliyah Nelson
Nutritionist