Tadalafil

Tadalafil is a prescription only medicine (POM). It is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men (impotence), it is the active ingredient of the popular branded medicine called Cialis. Tadalafil and Cialis therefore have identical effects.

It has a long duration of activity a feature that makes this a very popular medication for use in Erectile Dysfunction.

Key advantages of Tadalafil

1. Long duration of activity of upto 36 hours
2. Short duration to act after taking the pill ~ 20-30mins
3. Extensive research and real-life experiences of success rate
4. Men with diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure can take the lower dosage form of this medication.

Tadalafil is a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) Phosphodiesterase Type inhibitor. Its mechanism of action is by dilating the blood vessels within the penis. During sexual arousal (sexual stimuli) process, a nucleotide called cGMP is released in your bloodstream. This relaxes the blood vessels within the penis, this in turn leads to an increase in blood flow and volume within the penis helping to achieve and sustain an erection.

To return to a non-erect state, cGMP is broken down by the naturally occurring enzyme PDE-5, this reduces blood flow in the penis. Tadalafil works by blocking the actions of PDE-5, this maintains a larger volume of cGMP within the bloodstream resulting in the effect of prolonging the erection (achieve a fuller and firmer erection). Tadalafil can start working within 30minutes after use and can last for upto 36hours. This however does not mean the user will maintain an erection for 36 hours, Tadalafil only works when the user is aroused (encounters sexual stimulation).

Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, this is not for every individual as factors such as weight, existing medical conditions and use of other medications will have an effect on duration. The diagram below shows the typical concentration of Tadalafil in the blood, peak concentration is reached between 5-6 hours.

The dosage that is prescribed depends on many factors such as age, medical conditions and other medications being taken. The severity of your Erectile Dysfunction (impotence) is also a key consideration too.

Our doctors will take these and other factors into account when prescribing the treatment.

Currently there are FOUR different dosages of Tadalafil available in the UK.

• 2.5mg
• 5mg
• 10mg
• 20mg

In the majority of patients, a standard dose of 10mg is found to be beneficial.

Lower dosage of 2.5mg and 5mg are prescribed for individuals who are more susceptible to side-effects.

The higher dosage of 20mg is only recommended after treatment failure with the lower dosages and the patient experienced no side-effects.

We always recommend that you inform your doctor before starting on any new treatment to rule out potential side effects or interactions with other medications that you are taking.

It is very important to disclose any cardiac (heart) problems you currently have or are being investigated for, this is crucial to avoid any serious harm prior to starting this treatment. This is information is critical if you are taking any nitrates as Tadalafil can cause low blood pressure when used together.

With any active medical products there are risks of side-effects.

Common side-effects

If you do experience any of the following common side effects on a regular basis, a lower dose may be more beneficial for you.

• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Back pain · Muscle aches
• Flushing (reddish skin)
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Diarrhoea

Unusual side-effects If you experience any of these side-effects, immediately stop taking your medication and consult medical advice as soon as possible. In cases of emergency contact 999.

• Priapism
• Vision changes
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting
• Angina (chest pain)

Allergies to Tadalafil is not common, in its most severe form it is life-threatening.

Ensure you seek medical advice before purchasing this treatment, especially if you have high or low blood pressure or any heart or liver issues. Download the attached patient information leaflet for more information.

The maximum dose of Tadalafil is 20mg, Tadalafil is the active ingredient for Cialis, therefore a combined maximum dose of 20mg a day is allowed. Please note, taking higher doses of these drugs will not help to improve your erection, it will certainly increase your risks of serious side-effects.

It is vitally important you have an assessment with a doctor before using this medication. It may be important for you to have some physical tests before being allowed to take this medication.

Under NO circumstances should you take Tadalafil when:

Also taking Viagra/Sildenafil, Levitra/Vardenafil, or Spedra/Avanafil

You are also on Itraconazole or Ketoconazole or other anti-fungals

You are also on Nitrates for angina (e.g. of a nitrate is isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate glyceryl trinitrate

You are taking Nicorandil

Using amyl nitrate (poppers)

Always consult a doctor before taking Tadalafil/Cialis with any other medications whether over the counter, recreational or prescribed by your doctor.

Yes, you can.

For us to make this available for you in a safe manner, you are required to complete a short medical questionnaire after you click Select Treatment. This will give our doctor enough information to decide if this is suitable for you.  

If you are not benefiting from your current dose of Tadalafil, i.e. not achieving the erection you desire then you should speak with your own Doctor.

The options are that they may increase your dosage or offer you an alternative ED medication.

Yes, but this depends on what other treatments you are on.

Include a full and complete list of all your current medications, allergies and medical conditions to enable our doctor to review if this medication is suitable for you.

Please note that Grapefruit juice can affect how your body breaks down Cialis/Tadalafil.

Grapefruit juice reduces your normal capacity to breakdown Tadalafil, this in turn leads to a higher dose in the blood which can increase the risk of side effects.

Some men who are taking Tadalafil regularly (more than 2 times a week) are suited to a daily lower dose tablet (either 2.5mg or 5mg).

This keeps the levels of tadalafil constant in the body. Tadalafil is the only ED medication available in the daily dosage form.

Some people refer to Tadalafil as the ‘weekend’ pill. The effects of Tadalafil can last for 36 hours. This would help you to achieve an erection across a 2/3 day period. Therefore, if you took it on Friday evening, the medication would be effective for the whole weekend. It is only effective when there is sexual stimulation or sexual activity.

Tadalafil should only be taken to treat the symptoms of ED.

Drinking one or two units of alcohol with Tadalafil should not be a problem. Excess alcohol usage will lead to poor outcomes from this treatment.

Please note, Tadalafil can cause your blood pressure to be lowered, this is also the effect alcohol has on your blood pressure therefore this combined effect could be dangerous.  

The ED drugs all work in a similar way. One medication is not ‘stronger’ or more ‘potent’ than another. The duration of action is different, for example Tadalafil lasts for upto 72 Hours in your blood stream.

There are no guarantees that any medication will work for you. We understand the clinical effectiveness of medications from Clinical trials. Tadalafil has shown to be effective in most men. In a recent study 84% of men taking 20mg reported improved erections. For Tadalafil to work, you need to have sexual stimuli,

Yes, it is.

The generic medications are available in the same strengths and pack sized as the Branded medications.

Most of them are similar, however, they are not identical.

Some patients are put-off when they see a tablet that does not look like what they are use to. However, this is common with generic medications as they are made by many different manufacturers. Please note, the generic drugs meet all the high standards set out by the UK regulators.

The active ingredient Tadalafil is the same the medical effects are also identical. Some patients do show a preference for certain brands, but most get over it as they see the benefits are the same once they have taken it.