Tadalafil (Cialis) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). When taken 30-60 minutes before you plan to have sex, it increases blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection. It is also used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Yes, Tadalafil and Cialis are the same medication. Tadalafil is the generic drug name, while Cialis is a branded version. While they contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way to treat erectile dysfunction, they may differ in manufacturer, packaging, and price.

Tadalafil works to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing the blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE-5).

An erection occurs when sexual arousal stimulates the brain. Tadalafil inhibits PDE-5, leading to increased levels of the substance cGMP within the chambers of the penis, known as the corpus cavernosum. This causes the smooth muscle in the penis to relax and an inflow of blood to the area. This increased blood flow causes an erection.

Tadalafil can only cause an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. After ejaculation, the effects will wear off, but it will work if you are aroused again.

Tadalafil has been proven to be extremely effective, with clinical studies showing improved erections in 81% of patients taking it, compared to 35% of patients taking a placebo (an inactive drug).

Tadalafil and Cialis dosages include 10mg and 20mg tablets.

The recommended starting dose is 10mg. This can be increased to 20mg based on its effect and your ability to tolerate it.

Tadalafil (Cialis) vs Placebo

• Take one tablet with a glass of water at least 30 minutes before having sex
• Take the tablet with or without food
• Swallow the tablets whole, do not crush, chew or halve the tablets
• Do not take more than one tablet within a 24-hour period

Always follow the advice of your doctor and the details provided in your medication's instructions. Your doctor can also adjust the dose if you experience side effects or if your prescribed dose isn’t effective.

The time it takes for this treatment to work varies between men. It will normally work within 30 minutes.

Tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours however, this doesn't mean you'll be erect throughout this time period. After you climax, your penis will return to its flaccid state until you are aroused again. As long as Tadalafil is active in your body, you can achieve multiple erections. This is why it is sometimes called the "weekend pill".

The duration of Tadalafil (Cialis) vs Placebo

You can take Tadalafil with or without food. Taking Tadalafil with a meal does not affect its absorption.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol when planning to use Tadalafil as this may temporarily reduce the ability to get an erection. Heavy drinking may also increase the chance of experiencing side effects such as dizziness, headache, fast heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Tadalafil (Cialis) and increase the risk of side effects. Avoid grapefruit products while taking this medicine.

Tadalafil is a prescription drug, and whilst it is generally very tolerable, it may not be suitable for every man.

You should not take Tadalafil if you:

• are allergic to tadalafil or any of the ingredients in this medicine
• take medicines called nitrates
• have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• are already taking other PDE-5 inhibitors including Adcirca or Cialis
• have non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) - the loss of vision in one eye
• have been told by your doctor to avoid sexual activity for medical reasons
• take riociguat or other guanylate cyclase stimulators
• are a woman
• are under 18 years of age
• have a deformed penis

To ensure this medicine is safe for you, tell our doctors at SpeedyHealth if you have or have ever had any heart disease or heart surgery. For example:

• a heart attack within the last 90 days
• chest pain
• heart failure within the last 6 months
• an uncontrolled irregular heart beat
• a stroke within the last 6 months

Tadalafil should be used with caution in those with:

• bleeding problems or problems with your blood cells (sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia)
• liver or kidney disease - as you might require a lower dose of Tadalafil.

If any of these conditions apply to you, or if you have other medical conditions, contact your doctor to discuss other ED treatments.

Tadalafil can interact with both prescription medicine and over-the-counter medicine. You should not take Tadalafil with medications containing nitrates, as your blood pressure could become dangerously low. Nitrates are usually prescribed to treat chest pain.

Also, avoid drugs known as “poppers” which contain amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite. A sudden drop in blood pressure could occur and make you feel dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke.

Tadalafil also interacts with:

• medications known as alpha-blockers (including doxazosin, tamsulosin, or alfuzosin)
• high blood pressure medication
• some antibiotics and antifungals
• medicines used to treat HIV
• certain medicines used to treat epilepsy

This is not a comprehensive list of interactions. For a full list, refer to the medicines information sheet included with your order.

When completing your consultation, tell your doctor about all medications or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medications purchased without a prescription.

Like all prescription drugs, Tadalafil can cause side effects. However, it is usually well-tolerated. If you experience these you should consult your doctor, who may change your dose.

The most common Tadalafil (Cialis) side effects are

• headache
• indigestion
• back or limb pain
• muscle aches
• nasal congestion
• Flushing

Common side effects of Tadalafil (Cialis)

If you experience any troublesome side effects, speak to your doctor.

You should stop treatment and seek immediate medical attention if you experience more rare but serious side effects, such as:

• an allergic reaction (signs may include: a rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips)
• chest pain
• a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)
• sudden loss of vision, in one or both eyes
• sudden decrease or loss of hearing (or ringing in the ears)

Viagra is an alternative medication used to treat ED. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate and is taken as needed, with effects lasting up to 4 hours. One advantage of Cialis over Viagra is its longer duration of action.

Another option is Tadalafil Daily, which is taken once a day at a low dose. This allows for greater spontaneity, as the medication works continuously in the background, and the lower daily dose is often associated with fewer side effects.

You can purchase Cialis, or the more cost-effective option, Tadalafil, online from Speedy Health.

To order Tadalafil or Cialis online, you will need to complete an online consultation. This is a quick and easy process, and is completely confidential. Simply go to the checkout page for your chosen dosage, and follow the instructions on screen.

Once completed, our doctors will assess if Tadalafil or Cialis is appropriate for you. If our doctors believe this treatment is unsuitable for you, you will not be charged.

If our doctors approve you for treatment, they will send a prescription to our pharmacy. The pharmacy will then dispatch your FDA-approved ED treatment direct to your door in discreet packaging.