Authored: 19/03/2023

Cialis (Tadalafil) is a trusted medication for treating erectile dysfunction. It offers long-lasting effects up to 36 hours. Ideal for a flexible and spontaneous lifestyle
Cialis is a trusted and clinically proven treatment for erectile dysfunction, offering long-lasting results when you need them. At Simple Online Pharmacy, our UK-registered online doctor service makes it easy to access genuine Cialis safely and discreetly.
Simply complete a quick online medical assessment, and our doctors will evaluate your suitability for treatment. If approved, your prescription is sent to our UK-registered pharmacy team, who will dispense and securely deliver your medication straight to your door.
With expert oversight and a seamless ordering process, getting effective ED treatment has never been easier.
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.
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.
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. If you would like to make an informed decision on whether to begin treatment with Cialis, we have a collection of real user reviews and articles on the subject.
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.
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.
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 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.
Dose | When required: Take ONE tablet 30 minutes before sexual activity. |
Type of medicine | Erection Pill - PDE-5 Inhibitor |
Mechanism | Increases blood flow to the genitals to assist with gaining and maintaining an erection |
Available Size | 4 to 84 tablets |
Available Strengths | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg & 20mg |
Active Ingredient | Tadalafil |
Price | From £8.95 (Generic) or £37.95 (Original) |
Side Effects | Can include headaches, facial flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Authored: 19/03/2023
Reviewed: 05/03/2025
![]() | 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. |
Sildenafil | Viagra | Tadalafil | Cialis | Vardenafil | Levitra | Spedra | |
Active Ingredient | Sildenafil | Sildenafil | Tadalafil | Tadalafil | Vardenafil | Vardenafil | Avanafil |
Time to Take Effect | 30-60 mins | 30-60 mins | 15-45 mins | 15-45 mins | 30-60 mins | 30-60 mins | 15-30 mins |
Duration of Action | 4-6 hours | 4-6 hours | 24-36 hours | 24-36 hours | 4-6 hours | 4-6 hours | 4-6 hours |
Unique Feature | Same active ingredient as Viagra | Most well known | Same active ingredient as Cialis | Longest Acting | Used for diabetics | Used for diabetics | Quickest Acting |
Price Per Tablet | From 78p | From £4.84 | From 67p | From £2.26 | From £2.74 | From £2.97 | From £2.97 |
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet.