Everything you need to know about tadalafil

What is tadalafil?

Tadalafil is a vasodilating medication belonging to a class of PDE5 inhibitors. 

Vasodilating medication such as tadalafil relaxes the muscle walls in blood vessels, allowing the muscle walls to widen and blood to flow.

Temporarily increasing blood flow to areas in the body where blood flow is restricted can help treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction, benign prostate enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)), and pulmonary hypertension. 

What is tadalafil used for?

Tadalafil is the active ingredient in the brand-name erectile dysfunction medication Cialis. This active ingredient widens the blood vessels in the penis, allowing for improved blood flow. The increased blood flow helps men to achieve and maintain an erection and can lead men to feel more confident.

Although Tadalafil is mainly prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction it can also be used to treat pulmonary hypertension and benign prostate enlargement.

Who can and cannot take tadalafil?

Your doctor or healthcare provider will always check your eligibility before prescribing you with tadalafil. Even though your GP will have checked your eligibility, we recommend that you read the patient information leaflet before starting your tadalafil treatment. 

The leaflet states that you should not take tadalafil if you are already taking nitrates, riociguat or you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed. You also shouldn't take tadalafil if you have serious heart complications, have recently had a stroke, you have low blood pressure or NAION (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy).

The leaflet lists medications that can interact with tadalafil such as high blood pressure medication, ketoconazole tablets, other erectile dysfunction medication and anticonvulsant medicines. 

How to take tadalafil?

Tadalafil is one of the faster-acting erectile dysfunction medications and can be taken in as little as 30 minutes before you plan on engaging in sexual activity. This medication can be taken with or without food and can last for up to 36 hours depending on the dosage your doctor has prescribed to you. 

Tadalafil will not work if you’re not sexually stimulated and you will need to engage in foreplay for tadalafil to work for erectile dysfunction. 

We recommend avoiding alcohol as this can lower your blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. 

How well does tadalafil work?

Tadalafil is a popular erectile dysfunction medication due to its effectiveness in helping men to achieve and maintain an erection. If tadalafil doesn't work for you it may be that you need to wait longer after taking the medication before engaging in sexual intercourse. It may also be that you’re not sexually aroused enough so you need to explore foreplay with your partner. 

If you have tried taking tadalafil a few times and it still hasn't worked, you may need to discuss your dosage or discuss switching your erectile dysfunction medication with your GP. 

What is the dosage for tadalafil?

Tadalafil comes in four dosages - 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. 

For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the initial starting dosage is usually 10mg which shouldn’t be taken more than once a day. Your doctor can increase this to 20mg to be taken no more than once a day if needed.

As tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours it’s recommended to only take the 10mg and 20mg dosage when needed. 

Tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction can also be taken daily at lower doses of 2.5mg and 5mg. 2.5mg is usually the initial starting dosage but can be increased to 5mg by your GP.

For the treatment of benign prostate enlargement, the usual dosage is 5mg taken once per day.

For the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, the usual dosage is 40mg (two 20mg tablets taken once per day).

What to avoid when taking tadalafil?

When taking tadalafil it is best to avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice. 

Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and reduce how well tadalafil works and grapefruit juice is known to cause an interaction with tadalafil.

Tadalafil should be stored in the original container in a cool dry place and you must not use the tablets after the expiry date shown on the carton and blister.

How long does tadalafil last?

At doses of 10mg and 20mg, tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. This is why tadalafil is referred to as ‘the weekend pill’ as it can last for the whole weekend. 

At lower doses of 2.5mg and 5mg, taken daily, the effects of tadalafil will last continually. 

What are the different types of tadalafil?

Tadalafil is only approved in tablet form and at doses of 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. 

You should only purchase tadalafil from a registered GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) approved pharmacy.

What are the side effects of tadalafil?

Although tadalafil is generally received well and most men won't experience side effects. 

It is always best to read your patient information leaflet to see the full list of side effects.

The most common side effects that can affect up to 1 in 10 people are:

• Headaches

• Muscle aches 

• Facial flushing

• Arm, leg & back pain

• Nasal congestion

• Indigestion
  

Where can I buy tadalafil?

You can purchase tadalafil with a private or NHS GP prescription.

You must speak to your GP or healthcare provider before receiving tadalafil medication. 

At Pharmacy2U, we have an electronic prescription service that can have your NHS prescription delivered straight to your door. As well as online doctors who can review your eligibility for tadalafil medication.