Cialis

Order Cialis Online UK

You can request to buy Cialis tablets in the UK from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. To order Cialis online, you will need to complete an online medical assessment so our doctors can assess your suitability for this treatment. If your order is approved, a prescription is passed to our UK registered pharmacy team, who will dispense and deliver your order.

What is Cialis?

Cialis is a brand name form of tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction treatment. It is part of a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors which are the family of tablet medicines that treat erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction tablets, such as Cialis, are highly effective (81%) in improving men's ability to gain and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. They have helped millions of men have normal sex lives. The ability to buy online after a consultation allows men who may not otherwise seek treatment, to access these medicines.

How Does Cialis work?

Cialis works by relaxing the muscles around the penis, promoting blood flow in the area. This allows the penis to fill with blood easier, making it significantly easier for men to gain and maintain an erection. Much like other erectile dysfunction tablets, Cialis will only give an erection when sexually stimulated.

How Long Does Cialis Last?

The main reason many men may choose Cialis over the other ED drugs available is its long-lasting effect. Tadalafil can be effective for up to 36 hours after dosing, and so men may be able to have regular sexual activity for days after taking a dose. This earned Cialis the nickname "The Weekend Pill", as it can last for almost a whole weekend. 

This long-lasting effect is the distinct difference between Viagra and Cialis, and the reason why men will select Cialis over the other PDE5 inhibitor drugs available.

How Long Does Cialis Take to Work?

It will take generally take between 30 to 60 minutes to get the maximum effect from Cialis. Some men may find it works in as little as 15 minutes. Time to effect will often depend on a number of factors including how full the stomach is, sexual arousal, energy levels and alcohol consumption.

The time for general absorption of tablets is about 15-30 minutes, but these other factors may change the blood concentration of Cialis needed to gain an erection on that occasion.

Generic Cialis

Tadalafil which is the active ingredient in Cialis is now available generically. In 2017, the patent for the exclusive manufacturer of this drug expired, and so Lilly was no longer the only company able to market this medication. 

When the patent expired the price for Tadalafil dropped drastically, making medication more affordable for patients. Tadalafil is available for as low as 67p per tablet compared to  £2.26 per tablet for branded Cialis. 'Generic Cialis' in the UK, is medically equivalent to Cialis and contains Tadalafil, the same ingredient.

Cialis Dosage

When using Cialis when required (10mg & 20mg Cialis tablets):

The general dose for Cialis is one tablet 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. You should not take more than one dose in a 24 hour period. If you do not get a sufficient erection from the 10mg dose, you use the higher dose Cialis 20mg tablet. 

Ideally use the lowest effective dose to minimise side effects from Cialis. You should ideally take tablets on an empty stomach for a faster time to effect.

When using Daily Cialis (2.5mg & 5mg tablets):

When using Cialis daily, you should aim to take one tablet at the same time each day. This will ensure that you maintain a constant level of Tadalafil in your system. Do not use any additional ED medicines with these treatments as 2.5mg-5mg of tadalafil should be sufficient for an erection. If not 10 or 20mg when required dosing should be considered.

Cialis Daily

Cialis is available as a regular daily dose in 2.5 and 5mg strengths. Men may consider using the daily dosage if they have more spontaneous, regular sex. The reason the daily form of the drug is advantageous is that men no longer need to always remember to take their Cialis dose 30 minutes before sexual activity. 

The daily dose is taken each day and maintains levels of Tadalafil in the blood. This means that an erection should be achieved at any time of day or night, without needing to remember to take your medication just before. This daily tablet is particularly useful for men with highly active sex lives.

Cialis Summary

Cialis Alternatives

Alternative treatment options to Cialis include the famous blue pill, Viagra. Sildenafil is a generic form of Viagra, which is cheaper. Both Viagra and Sildenafil contain the same active ingredient (Sildenafil Citrate). Spedra (the fastest working ED pill) and Vardenafil are two other ED drugs also available in the UK.

For those who are unsure what might be best for them, an ED trial pack can be useful to determine the best medicine for you.

Counselling can be effective in treating ED. For men whose erectile dysfunction is mainly down to nerves, or some other form of anxiety, psychologists can assist in developing techniques to better cope with situations where stress occurs. This, in turn, can help improve your sexual performance.

Lifestyle changes can help some men to overcome erectile dysfunction. Obesity, high blood pressure and alcohol consumption are factors that cause erectile dysfunction. Decreasing your alcohol intake managing underlying conditions, and exercising more, can have a positive impact on your ability to get and maintain an erection.

Cialis Myths

There is often misinformation online and in forums about sexual health and ED treatments. It’s important to establish the facts, so you can safely use the medication you are prescribed.

To help establish facts and bust the myths, here are some important things to remember.

1. Cialis can help men to achieve and maintain an erection. It does not increase your sex drive. 
2. Cialis does not work immediately and may not work the first time you take it. It will take 30-60 minutes until the drug has been absorbed into your system. If it does not work, doctors advise taking on 3-4 different occasions before trying a different medicine. 
3. Cialis should not give you an erection for hours on end. You should get an erection in the presence of a sexual stimulus. If you do get a prolonged erection (4+ hours), seek medical help.

Cialis Side Effects

As with all medicines, there is always a risk of experiencing some side effects. While most are not serious, you should be aware of the potential side effects of any medication you take.

More common side effects of Cialis and other ED medications are headaches, facial flushing, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach upset, nose bleeds and nasal congestion.

If you experience any of the rare but serious side effects listed below, stop taking the medicine, and report these to your GP immediately.

• Priapism - An often painful erection that will not go away (lasts more than 4 hours). 
• Loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Sudden hearing loss or reduction in your ability to hear
• Prolonged chest pain

These side effects are very rare but may require medical attention. For a full list of potential side effects, read the patient information leaflet for different strengths of Cialis.

Author

	Name	Tyson Wilkman
	Role	Clinical Pharmacist
	Qual.	Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
	About	Tyson started with Simple Online Pharmacy in 2021. He's responsible for helping author and review accurate site content. He works with our GPs to make sure all aspects of the medicines are covered.

What is Cialis used for?

Cialis is a drug used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.

How Effective Is Cialis?

Up to 81% of men will notice a firmer and longer-lasting erection. If the treatment does not work, ask our doctors whether it would be appropriate to increase the dose.

What is the difference between Cialis and Viagra?

The largest difference is the duration of action of the medicines. Cialis will generally last between 24-36 hours whilst Viagra will only last 4-6 hours. For an in-depth look read, ‘Cialis vs Viagra’.

How long does the average erection last?

This can vary a lot depending on how quickly ejaculation occurs and sexual arousal. It can be anywhere between 3 and 30 minutes on average. For an in-depth look at this topic, you can read 'How long can the average man stay erect?'.

Can I take 20mg of Cialis?

Yes. While the starting dose of Cialis is generally 10mg, in men who do not get a response to this dosage, Cialis 20mg can be prescribed.

Can you get Cialis on the NHS?

Cialis can be prescribed on the NHS in men who have certain medication conditions, and other certain circumstances. You must fit all the NHS criteria for this type of prescription. Private prescriptions may be provided to anyone suitable for erectile dysfunction treatment.

Do you need a prescription to buy Cialis?

Cialis is a prescription-only medication, so a doctor must issue a prescription in order to dispense this medication. Our UK online doctor can issue a prescription if you complete an assessment, and it is judged that the medication is suitable for you. 

Can I buy Cialis over the counter?

No, Cialis is a prescription-only medication in the UK. You will have to have a UK registered doctor prescribe you this medication in person or online with a registered service.

Can I buy Cialis online?

Yes, you can use a UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service, to buy Cialis online in the UK. You should check the pharmacy service is registered, before buying any medications online.

How can I avoid Cialis side effects?

While it's not possible to guarantee to avoid side effects, you can help by avoiding recreational drugs when taking Cialis, making sure other medicines you take do not interact and using the lowest effective dose.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. 

• Cialis PIL

Cialis Warnings and Precautions

Cialis (tadalafil) may not be suitable for all people. Those with an allergic reaction to other PDE-5 inhibitors or any other listed ingredient should not take the medicine.

Other medicines and Cialis

Cialis cannot be prescribed by our doctor if you are taking nicorandil or nitrate-based medication, such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate tablets for angina. It is these nitrates that can interact dangerously in your system and can lead to severe drops in blood pressure.

If you are taking alpha-blocking medicines, such as tamsulosin or trazodone, you are advised to leave at least six hours between taking your alpha-blocker and Cialis.

Misuse

Cialis should be taken for therapeutic purposes only. Misuse of prescription medication can result in serious side effects. The 'recreational' use of the medicine to enhance sexual performance when you are already able to achieve a sufficient erection, should be avoided. 

If you are usually able to obtain an erection, you are more likely to suffer from a prolonged erection after taking ED medication. Prolonged erections (4+ hours) require you to seek medical help immediately. 

The supply of any prescription-only medicines are for personal use only, and should not be shared. Take the treatment as directed, and avoid any advice encountered in forums about combination use.

For additional warnings and precautions for Cialis, read the patient information leaflet.