- Treatment for erectile dysfunction with Cialis®
- Access Cialis® following an online medical consultation
- What is Cialis®?
- What is the active substance in Cialis®?
- Who may be considered for treatment with Cialis®?
- What dosages are available?
- Can I change doses myself?
- How is Cialis® taken?
- What can affect the effect of Cialis®?
- When should Cialis® not be used?
- Warnings and precautions
- Interactions with other medicines, food and drink
- What side effects can occur?
- Driving and operating machinery
- Storage information
- Cialis® active substance and excipients
- Patient information leaflet
Treatment for erectile dysfunction with Cialis®
Cialis® is a prescription-only medicine used in adult men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
Cialis® contains tadalafil, which belongs to a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation and may help some men achieve and maintain an erection. Cialis® does not cause an erection on its own; sexual stimulation is required.
Cialis® tablets are available in different strengths. The dose prescribed depends on individual health factors, treatment goals and tolerability and must be determined by a clinician following a medical assessment.
Access Cialis® following an online medical consultation
Start the online consultation and complete a confidential medical questionnaire.
A UK-registered healthcare professional will review your information and determine whether treatment with Cialis® may be appropriate. If suitable, a prescription can be issued following clinical assessment.
Important information
DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered healthcare professionals. DoktorABC UK does not provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the prescribing clinician following an individual medical assessment.
What is Cialis®?
Cialis® is a prescription medicine used to treat 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 sometimes described as a longer-acting PDE-5 inhibitor because its effects may last for up to around 36 hours in some individuals, although this varies between patients.
What is the active substance in Cialis®?
The active substance in Cialis® is tadalafil.
Tadalafil inhibits the PDE-5 enzyme, which plays a role in regulating blood flow in the penis. By inhibiting this enzyme, tadalafil may enhance the natural erectile response to sexual stimulation.
Who may be considered for treatment with Cialis®?
Cialis® may be considered for adult men (aged 18 and over) with erectile dysfunction following an individual medical assessment.
A clinician will assess factors such as:
- cardiovascular health and fitness for sexual activity
- current medicines, including nitrate medicines
- relevant medical history, including liver or kidney function and eye conditions
Treatment may not be suitable for everyone.
What dosages are available?
Cialis® is commonly available in the following strengths:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Cialis® may be prescribed either as a lower daily dose (5 mg) or as an on-demand treatment (10 mg or 20 mg). Your clinician will advise which dosing approach may be suitable based on your individual circumstances.
Can I change doses myself?
No. Dose adjustments should be made only in consultation with the prescribing clinician.
How is Cialis® taken?
Always take Cialis® exactly as prescribed by the clinician and according to the patient information leaflet.
General guidance may include:
- Swallow the tablet whole with water
- Cialis® can be taken with or without food
- Very heavy or high-fat meals may delay the onset of effect
- Do not take more than one dose per day
- Sexual stimulation is required for Cialis® to work
Alcohol may reduce the ability to achieve an erection and may increase the risk of side effects.
What can affect the effect of Cialis®?
The effect of Cialis® can vary depending on individual factors and circumstances. Examples that may influence response include:
- Heavy alcohol consumption (may reduce erectile function and increase side effects)
- Very heavy or high-fat meals (may delay onset)
- Underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
- Certain medicines that interact with tadalafil
- Incorrect timing or dose (your clinician can advise)
When should Cialis® not be used?
Cialis® must not be used 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 certain serious heart conditions where sexual activity is not advised
- have recently had a heart attack or stroke
- have severe liver disease
- have very low blood pressure
- have certain rare inherited eye conditions or a history of sudden vision loss (e.g., NAION)
Always inform your clinician about your full medical history and current medicines before starting treatment.
Warnings and precautions
Speak to a clinician before using Cialis® if you:
- have heart problems or have been advised to avoid sexual activity
- have 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 treatments for erectile dysfunction or other PDE-5 inhibitors unless specifically advised by a clinician.
Interactions with other medicines, food and drink
Some medicines may interact with Cialis®. Tell your clinician if you take:
- medicines for high blood pressure
- alpha blockers
- certain antifungal or antibiotic medicines
- medicines used to treat HIV
- other medicines for erectile dysfunction
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may affect how tadalafil works in some people.
What side effects can occur?
Like all medicines, Cialis® can cause side effects, although 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.
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).
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cialis® take to work?
Cialis® typically starts working within 30–60 minutes, although timing varies between individuals.
How long do the effects last?
The effects may last for up to around 36 hours in some individuals, although this varies.
Does Cialis® work without sexual stimulation?
No. Sexual stimulation is required for Cialis® to be effective.
Can Cialis® be taken every day?
Some people may be prescribed a lower daily dose (usually 5 mg). This should only be taken as directed by the prescribing clinician.
Can I take Cialis® more than once per day?
No. Cialis® should not be taken more than once per day.
What is the difference between Cialis® and generic tadalafil?
Cialis® is the brand name for tadalafil manufactured by Lilly. Generic tadalafil contains the same active substance and works in the same way.
Leaflet info
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from the PDF-version from this website because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged or the medicine is from another brand.
