The Complete Guide to Cialis: Usage, Side Effects and Beyond

How does Cialis work?

Cialis medication contains the active ingredient tadalafil. Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure. 

Cialis is mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction as Tadalafil can be used to increase blood flow to the penis. The increase in blood flow helps men to achieve and maintain an erection once they are sexually aroused. 

Cialis is also clinically approved to treat pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). 

Who can use Cialis?

You can only use Cialis if it has been prescribed to you by your GP or healthcare professional.

Your GP will check to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for Cialis medication and will also confirm that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients, not currently taking medication that may interact with Cialis, and do not have any health conditions or underlying health conditions that would put you at risk.

Cialis is usually prescribed to men above the age of 18 who have erectile dysfunction and no medications or pre-existing health conditions that will interact. 

Who shouldn’t use Cialis?

You shouldn’t use Cialis if you haven't been prescribed it by your GP or healthcare provider.  

We always recommend reading your Cialis patient information leaflet once you have received the medication as this includes some of the criteria for Cialis medication. 

Some of the specific Cialis medication interactions include:

• Nitrates

• Some antibiotics

• Antifungals

• Antivirals

• Alpha Blockers

• Other erectile dysfunction medication

Some of the pre-existing conditions which might indicate you can not take Cialis include:

• Peyronie’s disease

• Heart problems or history of stroke

• Certain visual/eye conditions

• Kidney or liver disease

• Sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia 

Cialis dosage

Cialis comes in doses of 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg.

If you wish to take Cialis daily then you can take the lower doses daily (2.5mg and 5mg) once per day at the same time each day. Your GP will usually start you at 2.5mg but this can be increased to 5mg if you find the medication hasn't worked for you at the lower daily dose. 

As Cialis can last for up to 36 hours you can take the higher doses (10mg and 20mg) as and when needed but no more than once in 24 hours. Your GP will usually start you at 10mg but this can be increased to 20mg if you find the medication hasn’t worked for you.

Never take more Cialis than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.

How long does Cialis take to work?

Cialis is one of the faster-working and longer-lasting erectile dysfunction medications.

It is recommended that you take Cialis at least 30 minutes before you plan on engaging in sexual activity. 

Once you have taken your Cialis medication you can engage in sexual activity at any time during the 36-hour window. 

Food and drink to avoid while on Cialis

It is always best to avoid drinking alcohol or grapefruit juice when taking any erectile dysfunction medication as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medication or increase undesirable effects. 

Cialis can be taken with or without food so there is no need to avoid taking it with food.

It is always best to evaluate your health and lifestyle when taking Cialis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as smoking and high stress levels can be underlying causes. 

How to take Cialis

Cialis comes in tablet form so you should swallow the tablet with a glass of water.

There is no specific time when Cialis medication works best so you can take it at any time of night or day at least 30 minutes before you plan on engaging in sexual activity.

Cialis side effects

Although Cialis is usually well tolerated and side effects do not occur for the majority of men who take it, it's important that you are aware of all of the possible side effects.

Higher doses come with an increased chance of side effects so you may wish to ask that your GP lower your dose if you experience some of the common but less serious side effects such as:

• Headache

• Runny nose

• Flushing

• Indigestion

• Muscle aches
  

Is Cialis effective?

Cialis is amongst some of the most effective erectile dysfunction medications on the market today. 

Cialis has been licensed in the UK for the treatment of erectile dysfunction since 2003 and has remained among the most popular ED treatments on the market.

The main reason why men may prefer Cialis over other ED medications is its ability to last up to 36 hours - allowing enough time for sex more than once.

What should I do if Cialis doesn’t work?

If you have taken Cialis more than once and have found that it still hasn't worked for you then you should discuss your treatment options with your GP or Clinician.

Your GP or healthcare provider may suggest switching your ED medication, increasing your dosage, or improving other factors in your life such as your health and lifestyle to address the underlying cause of your ED.

Cialis vs Viagra

Although Cialis works for most men you may find that another erectile dysfunction medication works best for you, such as Viagra.

Both Cialis and Viagra are used to treat erectile dysfunction but they differ in their ingredients, time taken to work and duration of effect. 

Cialis is usually the best option if you don’t know when you will be engaging in sexual activity within 36 hours or if you plan on having sex more than once. 

Viagra is usually a better option if you don't want the medication to last as long and you only plan on having sex once. 

Can you take Cialis long-term?

Cialis can be used to treat erectile dysfunction long term.   

Although Cialis can be used long term, it’s always best to talk to a GP to discuss how long you have been on your medication and that you still fit the criteria, and to investigate and treat any possible underlying conditions that may be causing ED.

Where can I purchase Cialis?

Once you have been prescribed Cialis you can collect your prescription from your local pharmacy or order your NHS prescriptions online.

At Pharmacy2U we can deliver one-off and repeat prescriptions straight to your door.

You may also wish to discuss erectile dysfunction treatment options with one of our online clinicians.

Cialis can also be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription under the brand Cialis Together.