- Treatment for erectile dysfunction with tadalafil
- Access tadalafil following an online medical consultation
- What is tadalafil?
- What is the active substance in tadalafil?
- Who may be considered for treatment with tadalafil?
- What dosages are available?
- Can I change doses myself?
- How is tadalafil taken?
- What can affect the effect of tadalafil?
- When should tadalafil not be used?
- Warnings and precautions
- Interactions with other medicines, food and drink
- What side effects can occur?
- Driving and operating machinery
- Storage information
- Tadalafil active substance and excipients
- Patient information leaflet
Treatment for erectile dysfunction with tadalafil
Tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine used in adult men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. It works by helping to increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, which may help some men achieve and maintain an erection. Tadalafil does not cause an erection on its own; sexual stimulation is required.
Tadalafil tablets are available in different strengths. The dose prescribed depends on individual health factors and response to treatment and must be determined by a clinician following a medical assessment.
Access tadalafil 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 tadalafil 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 tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a 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.
Tadalafil is sometimes referred to as a longer-acting PDE-5 inhibitor because its effects may last for up to around 36 hours in some individuals, although this varies.
What is the active substance in tadalafil?
The active substance 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 tadalafil?
Tadalafil may be considered for adult men (aged 18 and over) with erectile dysfunction, following an individual medical assessment.
A clinician will consider factors such as:
- cardiovascular health and fitness for sexual activity
- current medicines (including nitrate medicines)
- relevant medical history (including liver/kidney function and eye conditions)
What dosages are available?
Tadalafil is commonly available in strengths including:
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Dosing depends on whether tadalafil is prescribed as needed or as a lower daily dose. Your clinician will advise which option may be suitable.
Can I change doses myself?
No. Dose adjustments should be made only in consultation with the prescribing clinician.
How is tadalafil taken?
Follow the instructions provided by the prescribing clinician and the patient information leaflet.
Typical guidance may include:
- Take tadalafil before sexual activity as directed
- Swallow the tablet whole with water
- It can be taken with or without food
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose
- Tadalafil only works with sexual stimulation
A heavy meal may delay the onset of effect in some individuals. Heavy alcohol intake may reduce the ability to achieve an erection and may increase the risk of side effects.
What can affect the effect of tadalafil?
The effect of tadalafil 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)
- Underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
- Certain medicines that interact with tadalafil
- Incorrect timing or dose (your clinician can advise)
When should tadalafil not be used?
Tadalafil 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 had a recent heart attack or stroke (your clinician will assess suitability)
- 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 tadalafil 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
Do not use tadalafil 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 tadalafil. Tell your clinician if you take:
- medicines for high blood pressure
- alpha blockers
- certain antifungals or antibiotics
- medicines for HIV
- other medicines used for erectile dysfunction
Grapefruit juice may affect how tadalafil works in some people.
What side effects can occur?
Like all medicines, tadalafil 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 (e.g., swelling of face/lips/throat, breathing difficulty)
Reporting side effects (UK)
Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Driving and operating machinery
Tadalafil 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
Tadalafil active substance and excipients
Active substance:
Tadalafil (strength varies by product: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg per tablet)
Other ingredients:
Excipients vary by manufacturer and strength.
Full ingredient lists and marketing authorisation holder details can be found in the UK patient information leaflet for the specific tadalafil product dispensed.
Patient information leaflet
The UK patient information leaflet for tadalafil is available via the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).
Frequently asked questions
How long does tadalafil take to work?
Tadalafil typically starts working within 30–60 minutes, but timing varies between individuals. Some may notice effects sooner depending on dose and individual factors.
How long do the effects last?
The effects may last for up to around 36 hours in some individuals, although this varies. This longer duration distinguishes tadalafil from some other PDE-5 inhibitors.
Does tadalafil work without sexual stimulation?
No. Sexual stimulation is required for tadalafil to be effective.
Can I take tadalafil every day?
Some people may be prescribed a lower daily dose (typically 2.5 mg or 5 mg). This should only be taken as directed by the prescribing clinician.
What is the difference between tadalafil and Cialis®?
Cialis® is a brand of tadalafil. Generic tadalafil contains the same active substance and works in the same way.
Can I take tadalafil more than once per day?
No. Do not take tadalafil more than once per day, regardless of the dose prescribed.
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.
