Cialis

Treatment for erectile dysfunction with Cialis®

Cialis® is a prescription-only medicine used in adult men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.

Cialis® contains tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It does not cause an erection on its own, sexual stimulation is required.

Cialis® is available in several strengths. The appropriate dose is determined by a UK-registered prescriber based on your health, treatment goals, and tolerability.

Access Cialis® following an online medical consultation

Complete a confidential medical questionnaire through our online consultation service.

A UK-registered prescriber will review your responses and if  Cialis® is clinically appropriate, issue a prescription.

Important information

DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered prescribers. DoktorABC UK does not itself provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the UK-registered prescriber following an individual medical assessment.

What is Cialis®?

Cialis® is a prescription medicine used for erectile dysfunction in adult men. It supports the natural erectile response by relaxing blood vessels in the penis and improving blood flow during sexual stimulation.

Cialis® is a longer-acting PDE-5 inhibitor.  Its effects may last for up to around 36 hours, though this varies between men.

What is the active substance in Cialis®?

The active substance in Cialis® is tadalafil, a PDE-5 inhibitor.

Tadalafil works by  inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme, which regulates blood flow in the penis,enhancing the natural erectile response to sexual stimulation.

Who may be considered for treatment with Cialis®?

Cialis® may be suitable for adult men (aged 18 and over)  following an individual medical assessment.

A UK-registered prescriber will consider:

• Cardiovascular health and fitness for sexual activity
• Current medicines, including nitrate medicines
• Relevant medical history, including liver or kidney function and eye conditions

Treatment is not suitable for everyone.

What dosages are available?

Cialis® is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.  

It can be prescribed as a low daily dose (5 mg) or as an on-demand treatment (10 mg or 20 mg). Your UK-registered prescriber will advise on the right approach for you.

Can I change doses myself?

No. Any dose adjustments should be made in consultation with the UK-registered prescriber.

How is Cialis® taken?

Always take Cialis® exactly as prescribed and in accordance with   the patient information leaflet.

General guidance include:

• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Avoid very heavy or high-fat meals before taking as these may delay the onset of effect. 
• Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. 
• Sexual stimulation is required for Cialis® to work.

Alcohol may reduce the ability to achieve an erection and increase the risk of side effects.

What can affect how well Cialis® works?

A number of factors influence your response to  Cialis® including underlying health conditions (such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease), certain medicines, and incorrect timing or dosage. Heavy alcohol consumption  or high-fat meals may also reduce effectiveness or delay onset. Your UK-registered prescriber can advise you if you are concerned.

When should Cialis® not be used?

You should not take Cialis®  if you:

• Are allergic to tadalafil or any of its ingredients.
• Take nitrate medicines for chest pain (angina).
• Use nitric oxide donors (such as amyl nitrite, "poppers").
• Take Riociguat.
• Have serious heart conditions where sexual activity is not advised, or have recently had a heart attack or stroke.
• Have severe liver disease or very low blood pressure.
• Have certain rare inherited eye conditions or a history of sudden vision loss (e.g., NAION).

Always tell your UK-registered prescriber about your full medical history and current medicines before starting treatment.

Warnings and precautions

Speak to a UK-registered prescriber before using Cialis® if you:

• Have heart problems or have been advised to avoid sexual activity.
• Have a kidney or liver impairment.
• Have blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia or multiple myeloma.
• Have anatomical deformation of the penis or Peyronie's disease.
• Have a stomach ulcer or a bleeding disorder.
• Notice changes in vision or hearing.

Cialis® should not be used with other erectile dysfunction treatment or PDE-5 inhibitors unless specifically advised by your UK-registered prescriber.

Interactions with other medicines, food and drink

Tell your UK-registered prescriber if you take medicines for high blood pressure, alpha blockers, certain antifungal or antibiotic medicines, medicines used to treat HIV, or other medicines for erectile dysfunction. 

Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may affect how tadalafil works and are best avoided.

What side effects can occur?

Like all medicines, Cialis® can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Indigestion
• Nasal congestion
• Back pain or muscle aches
• Dizziness

Serious side effects (seek urgent medical help):

• Chest pain.
• Sudden loss of vision or hearing.
• Prolonged or painful erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism).
• Severe allergic reactions (swelling of the face, lips or throat, breathing difficulties).

Reporting side effects (UK)

Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme or by searching for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Driving and operating machinery

Cialis® may cause dizziness or visual disturbances in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected.

Storage information

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging
• Store as directed in the patient information leaflet
• Dispose of unused medicines safely; ask a pharmacist if unsure

Cialis® active substance and excipients

Active substance:

Tadalafil (5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg per tablet)

Other ingredients:

Excipients vary by strength and manufacturer.

Full ingredient lists and marketing authorisation holder details can be found in the UK patient information leaflet for the specific Cialis® product dispensed.

Patient information leaflet

The UK patient information leaflet for Cialis® is available via the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).