Cialis — the original & favourite 'weekend pill'

Cialis tablets are an ‘as required’ treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Cialis is a branded treatment made by pharmaceutical company Lilly, containing the active ingredient tadalafil, a longer-lasting version of sildenafil contained in Viagra.

Anyone who suffers with erectile dysfunction knows just how stressful it can be. There is often a stigma attached to men having any problems with sexual virility or potency. This sense of inadequacy leaves some men too embarrassed by the condition to seek the treatment they need. Thankfully, online pharmacies make it quick and painless to purchase ED treatments. For many men, ordering tablets from the comfort of their home is the best and most discreet option, reducing the barrier to seeking treatment.

How Cialis works

Cialis (tadalafil), like Viagra, is known as a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor and helps to relax the blood vessels that flow into the penis, allowing greater blood flow and a satisfactory erection to be achieved. Note: you will still need sexual stimulation to achieve a satisfactory erection.

You have two options when it comes to taking Cialis:

The daily 2.5 or 5mg Cialis tablets that are for men who need help with achieving an erection a few times a week and regularly suffer from impotence (this is good for men who have regular sex).

The 10mg or 20mg version that is to be taken as and when needed.

Your doctor can help you decide which course of treatment and dosage makes more sense for you.

You can find more information about the treatment on our what is Cialis? page.

Cialis 20mg tablets are the highest strength of Cialis/tadalafil available and are used if a man has not achieved satisfactory results from the starting dose of Cialis 10mg tablets after a number of attempts.

Cialis is not normally affected by food and should be taken with plenty of water. It is not affected by alcohol, however, alcohol can be a contributor to ED so it is best avoided or consumed in moderation.

Like all ED tablets, it may take a few attempts at taking Cialis before it becomes effective. You need to be patient, and take your time — this is totally normal — doctors recommend you try ED treatments up to eight times before giving up.

If you have tried Cialis 20mg on 8 separate occasions and not achieved satisfactory results, you may wish to consider trying a different erectile dysfunction treatment such as Sildenafil, Spedra or Levitra.

Cialis vs. Viagra

The main difference between Cialis and Viagra is the way that the active ingredient, the PDE-5 inhibitor, works in the body. Sildenafil, active in Viagra, wears off a lot quicker — meaning that men had to pop ‘a little blue pill’ close the to commencement of sexual activities. Cialis allows for a much more spontaneous and natural sex life, thanks to the 36-hour window afforded by tadalafil.

Cialis can have an effect in as little as 30 minutes in some men and the effects can last for up to 36 hours, allowing it to be used just before sex or taken discreetly well in advance. This flexibility in dosing makes it a popular choice with men looking for an ED treatment that fits into their life. The patent on Cialis expired in November 2017 and the treatment is now also available as the generic Tadalafil 10mg & 20mg tablets.

Does Cialis always work?

Cialis tablets help to resolve the physical symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, some cases of ED can be caused by psychological issues such as anxiety. Even if the cause of your ED is psychological, Cialis can help to break the cycle of anxiety associated with being unable to achieve and maintain a satisfactory erection.

If you think the cause of your ED is psychological and you have tried Cialis with no effect you should see your GP as counselling may be more appropriate for you.

Cialis is now available to buy online as the generic or unbranded version called tadalafil.

There are a number of Non-Prescription Alternatives for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction such as:

Changes to diet (cutting down alcohol and fat consumption)

Stopping Smoking

Reducing Stress

Counselling

Vacuum Devices (Penis Pumps)

Sources

Cialis Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7430/pil

BNF: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/tadalafil.html

European Medicines Agency: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/cialis

 Cialis Side Effects

As with all medicines Cialis tablets can potentially cause side-effects. Fortunately, the few people who suffer side-effects will usually find them to be brief and mild. The most common side-effects for those taking Cialis tablets are:

· Headache

· Facial flushing

· Indigestion

· Nasal congestion

· Dizziness

Other medicines can interact with Cialis tablets. You should not take Cialis if you are taking medicines called ‘nitrates’, which are often prescribed for chest pain. You should not use other erectile dysfunction medicines while taking Cialis. It is not recommended to drink excessive amounts of alcohol when taking Cialis tablets. Drinking too much alcohol can increase the likelihood of experiencing side-effects, such as headaches and dizziness. It is important to seek medical advice immediately if you experience an erection that lasts more than four hours.

Cialis 10mg & 20mg Directions

· You should take one Cialis tablet at least 30 minutes before sex.

· Cialis can take up to an hour to take effect in some men, with the greatest effect after a few hours.

· Cialis can produce an effect for up to 36 hours.

· You should never take more than one Cialis or other treatment for erectile dysfunction (Viagra, Spedra, or Levitra) in a 36-hour period.

· You can take Cialis with or without food however you should try to limit your alcohol intake to ensure it remains effective.

Cialis does not always work for everyone the first time they use it. If this is the case you should not give up, guidance states that you should try Cialis at least 8 times before trying a higher strength or an alternative ED treatment. If you find Cialis effective and do not experience any serious side effects you can request a repeat order via your online account.

Cialis 2.5mg & 5mg (Once Daily) Directions

Take ONE Cialis Once Daily tablet at the same time each day. Your prescription may be changed depending on the effectiveness of Cialis Once Daily, and on the extent of side effects.

Do not skip doses. Do not take more than one tablet in one day, even if you have missed a dose.

Patient information leaflets

2.5mg: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6747.pdf

5mg: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7432.pdf

10mg: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7431.pdf

20mg: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7430.pdf