Tadalafil
Tadalafil (generic Cialis) is a prescription only medication used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is effective for up to 36 hours after taking it.
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Tadalafil is the longest-lasting erectile dysfunction treatment, and is the generic version of the popular medication Cialis. Tadalafil lasts for up to 36 hours, works for up to 86% of men who try it, and is cheaper than many other erectile dysfunction treatments.
Tadalafil tablets are available in 10mg or 20mg doses. You can also get 2.5mg and 5mg tablets which you can take daily.
Prices
Out of stock - £29.00
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56 tablet(s) - £55.00
4 tablet(s) - £19.00
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16 tablet(s) - £49.00
4 tablet(s) - £19.00
8 tablet(s) - £29.00
12 tablet(s) - £39.00
16 tablet(s) - £49.00



About Tadalafil
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Tadalafil is a generic medication used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is when you find it difficult to get and maintain an erection during sex.
Taking tadalafil before having sex will help you to get and keep an erection. You must be sexually stimulated for tadalafil to work.
Remember that tadalafil will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can avoid STIs by practising safe sex, including using condoms. If you think you may have an STI, or need more information, talk to your healthcare professional.
Are tadalafil and Cialis the same?
Yes, tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis. Both tadalafil and Cialis contain the same active ingredient and work exactly the same way. The side effects and available dosages of Cialis and tadalafil are the same. The only difference is that Tadalafil is available at a cheaper price, as it is a generic medication. The only difference between Cialis and tadalafil is branding and price.
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Tadalafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in your penis, which increases blood flow. This helps you to get and keep an erection that’s hard enough to have sex with.
Tadalafil only works when you are sexually aroused, and therefore will not cause you to have erections when you don’t want them. While the effects of tadalafil lasts for up to 36 hours, it does not mean you will have an erection for the entire time it is effective.
How long does tadalafil take to work?
Tadalafil usually works within 30 minutes of taking it, but this can vary depending on what you’ve eaten, your metabolism, and how sexually aroused you are. Try to avoid fatty meals before taking Tadalafil and try to relax to get the most out of it.
How long do the effects of tadalafil last?
Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours (1.5 days) after taking it, but this can vary from person to person. Tadalafil may gradually lose its effectiveness towards the end of the 36-hour window. If you find that tadalafil isn’t working for you, you may not have waited long enough for it to take effect before having sex. If you have any specific questions about how long tadalafil will last that relates to your personal health, speak with your doctor.
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To take tadalafil:
- the usual starting dose is one 10mg tablet
- swallow one tablet with water at least 30 minutes before having sex
- make sure you’re sexually aroused when you take tadalafil
If you don’t think that the effect of the 10mg tablet is strong enough for you, speak to your doctor. They may give you 20mg tablets instead
When taking tadalafil, you should avoid drinking lots of alcohol as this can make tadalafil less effective when you take it. You should also avoid drinking grapefruit juice as this can interfere with how it works.
It’s important that you do not take more than one tadalafil tablet a day. If you take too much tadalafil, please get in touch with your doctor straight away. You may experience side effects if you take too much tadalafil.
You can find more information about how to take tadalafil in the patient information leaflet that should come with the medication.
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Yes, you can buy Tadalafil online. Tadalafil is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional before you are able to buy it.
You should only request Tadalafil online from trusted online doctor services like ZAVA. We are monitored and regulated to ensure you receive safe and genuine medication.
Getting Tadalafil with a prescription from ZAVA is quick and convenient, with no need for a face-to-face appointment.
- Complete a short online medical questionnaire – Share details about your health so our doctors can ensure Tadalafil is right for you.
- Order and pay online – Sign in or create your ZAVA account, select Tadalafil, and securely make your payment.
- Doctor review and approval – A UK-licensed doctor will check your health information and approve your prescription request if Tadalafil is safe and appropriate for you.
- Fast and discreet delivery – If approved, Tadalafil will be delivered discreetly to your home or a local post office for collection.
Can I buy Tadalafil over-the-counter?
No, you cannot buy Tadalafil over-the-counter as it is a prescription medication. While you cannot get Tadalafil without a prescription, you can get a similar medication called Cialis Together over-the-counter, which works in the same way and contains the same active ingredient.
Can I get Tadalafil on the NHS?
You may be able to get Tadalafil on the NHS, depending on the prescribing guidelines of your local GP practice. According to the NHS website, you can only get tadalafil on an NHS prescription for erectile dysfunction if you have conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. You will need to contact your practice, as it will vary from region to region. You may need to arrange an appointment with your GP to get a prescription.
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Tadalafil is a highly effective medication, and works for up to 86% of people who try it. Tadalafil can be effective for up to 36 hours after taking it, though it is important to remember that tadalafil will only help you get an erection if you are sexually aroused.
If you try tadalafil and find it isn’t effective for you, then you may need to try a higher dose of the medication. If you are taking the highest dose and still find that tadalafil isn’t helping you to get and keep an erection, you should speak with your doctor and they may suggest alternative erectile dysfunction medications.
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Tadalafil is a commonly prescribed medication for erectile dysfunction, and is proven to be safe and effective for most people. Patient reviews for Tadalafil are positive overall, with an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 on drugs.com. 81% of patients reported a positive experience while using tadalafil, and only 11% reported a negative experience.
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Like with all medications, tadalafil has side effects – however, not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects of tadalafil include:
- headache
- back pain
- muscle aches
- nasal congestion
- facial flushing
- pain in your arms and legs
- indigestion
Uncommon side effects of tadalafil:
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach ache
- reflux
- eye pain
- blurred vision
- difficulty breathing
- blood in your urine
- prolonged erection
- fast heartbeat
- pounding heartbeat
- changes in blood pressure
- tiredness
- swelling
- nose bleeds
For a full list of the possible side effects of tadalafil, you can find more information in the patient information leaflet.
If you experience any bothersome side effects that do not go away, and begin to affect your daily life, you should speak with your. They may advise that you stop taking the medication, and suggest an alternative treatment.
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You can take tadalafil if you’re over 18 years old and have erectile dysfunction.
Do not take tadalafil if you:
- are genetically female
- are allergic to any of the ingredients in tadalafil
- are under 18 years old
- are taking a medication called nitrates, for example, to treat angina
- have had a heart attack in the past 90 days
- have had a stroke in the past 6 months
- have serious heart disease
- have low blood pressure
- have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- have ever had vision loss from non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- are taking a medicine called riociguat
Speak to your doctor before taking tadalafil if you have:
- a heart problem
- sickle cell anaemia
- multiple myeloma
- leukaemia
- a deformation of your penis
- persistent erections which last longer than 4 hours (priapism)
- a serious liver or kidney problem
- an intolerance to some sugars
If you’re not sure whether you can take tadalafil, speak to your doctor.
For further information on effects of tadalafil with certain health conditions, please read the patient information leaflet that should come with your medication.
Tadalafil interactions
Some other medications can interact with how tadalafil works. So tell your doctor if you’re taking, thinking of taking or have recently taken any other medications.
Some of these medications include:
- alpha blockers
- high blood pressure medications
- riociguat
- 5 alpha reductase inhibitors for benign prostatic hyperplasia
- ketoconazole
- some HIV medications such as protease inhibitors
- epilepsy medications such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine
- rifampicin
- erythromycin
- clarithromycin
- itraconazole
- other erectile dysfunction medications
For more information about tadalafil interactions, you can read the patient information leaflet.
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Alternative treatments to tadalafil include:
- Viagra (sildenafil)
- Cialis (tadalafil)
- Spedra (avanafil)
- Generic sildenafil
- Levitra (vardenafil)
If you do not think tadalafil is right for you, speak to your doctor and they can give you advice on an alternative treatment that might work better for you.
Tadalafil vs Sildenafil vs Vardenafil
Tadalafil, Sildenafil, and Vardenafil are erectile dysfunction medications that all work by relaxing blood vessels in your penis to help improve blood flow. This makes it easier for you to get and keep an erection. However, there are some slight differences in how long these medications take to work, how long the effects last, and what dosages they come in.
If you want more information about the differences between Tadalafil, Sildenafil and Vardenafil, here is a breakdown at a glance:
Tadalafil:
- Time it takes to start working – 30 minutes
- How long it lasts – Up to 36 hours
- Available dosages – 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg
Sildenafil
- Time it takes to start working – 30-60 minutes
- How long it lasts – 4-6 hours
- Available dosages – 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
Vardenafil
- Time it takes to start working – 30-60 minutes
- How long it lasts – 4-6 hours
- Available dosages - 5mg, 10mg, 20mg
Is tadalafil the same as Viagra?
Tadalafil and Viagra are not the same medication, but they do belong to the same group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, and they are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Medications in this group all work in the same way by helping relax your blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to your penis to make it easier to get and keep an erection hard enough for sex.
Viagra has a different active ingredient to Tadalafil. The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. Other differences:
- Viagra can take around 30 to 60 minutes to work and lasts for around 4 hours.
- Tadalafil takes around 30 minutes to take effect and can last up to 36 hours. Tadalafil comes in 10mg or 20mg tablets and Viagra comes in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets.
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Frequently asked questions
Can tadalafil cause high blood pressure?
In some cases, tadalafil can cause high blood pressure, but this is uncommon. You shouldn’t take tadalafil if you have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Speak with your doctor if you have any questions about this before taking tadalafil.
Are tadalafil tablets safe?
Yes, tadalafil tablets are safe and effective for men who have erectile dysfunction. You should only take tadalafil tablets if they have been prescribed to you, and you should never take more than your prescribed dose. Your doctor will make sure tadalafil is a safe and suitable treatment for you before prescribing it.
Can tadalafil and sildenafil be taken together?
No, you should not take more than one erectile dysfunction medication at a time. This could increase the risk of serious side effects and could be dangerous, especially if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.
If you think your ED treatment is not working and you want to try another medication or change your dose, speak to your doctor.
Why does tadalafil cause headaches?
Tadalafil relaxes the blood vessels in your body, which can also affect the blood vessels in your brain. This is why tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors commonly cause headaches.
If you get headaches whilst taking tadalafil, they often go away or become milder once your body gets used to the treatment. You can use over the counter painkillers like paracetamol to treat headaches. You can also try drinking plenty of water and resting in a dark, quiet room until your symptoms improve.
Speak to your doctor if you keep getting headaches when taking tadalafil or if they become unbearable.
Can tadalafil cause heartburn?
Tadalafil can cause heartburn, but it does tend to go away on its own within a few hours of taking the medication. If you do get heartburn with tadalafil, try taking the tablet with a large glass of water or eating a small meal beforehand. Avoid taking antacids with tadalafil, as these can affect how it is absorbed, making it less likely to work effectively.
Why isn’t tadalafil working for me?
If tadalafil is not working, it might be because you:
- haven’t waited long enough between taking the tablet and having sex
- are not on the correct dose
- are not sexually aroused
- have waited too long after taking the tablet to have sex
- have consumed alcohol, as this can affect your ability to get and maintain an erection
If tadalafil isn’t working for you, it may be because you need to give it more time. You should take tadalafil on 8 different occasions before trying another ED treatment or increasing the dose with your doctor.
Does tadalafil make you harder?
Tadalafil can make it easier for you to get and maintain an erection, but it cannot make your erection harder than it normally would be.
Can tadalafil be split in half?
No, you should always take your tablet whole. Splitting it in half can make it less effective. If you think your dose is too high, you should speak to your doctor before attempting to adjust it yourself.
Can tadalafil be taken with alcohol?
You can drink alcohol whilst taking tadalafil, but it can affect how well it works and make side effects more likely. Drinking alcohol makes it harder to get an erection whether you’re taking ED treatment or not, so drinking alcohol with tadalafil will make it harder to get an erection.
You should not drink alcohol excessively when taking tadalafil as this can increase the risk of certain side effects, such as low blood pressure and dizziness when standing up.
Can tadalafil be taken daily?
Tadalafil is not recommended for daily use when prescribed in 10mg or 20mg tablets. If you are taking tadalafil almost every day, speak to your doctor. There are alternative daily ED treatments that may be more suitable, such as Cialis Daily, which contains 5 mg of tadalafil.
How long does tadalafil stay in your system?
Tadalafil can stay in your system for up to 36 hours.
How often can you take tadalafil?
You should not take more than 1 tadalafil dose in 24 hours. If you think tadalafil is not working for you or you are taking it often, speak to your doctor.
Is tadalafil stronger than sildenafil?
Tadalafil is not stronger than sildenafil, tadalafil just lasts longer. Both medications are just as effective in treating ED. What’s important is finding which treatment works best for you and matches your needs. ED treatments vary in how they work from person to person, so you may need to try a few to find the one that gives you the best results.
Will tadalafil make you last longer in bed?
Tadalafil can help you to get and maintain an erection easier, but it cannot make you last longer in bed or treat premature ejaculation. If you are having problems with premature ejaculation, there are treatments that can help.

Brenda studied medicine at St Georges University of London and has most recently worked in John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospitals, covering acute and general medicine.
Meet our doctorsLast reviewed: 14 Aug 2024
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Sildenafil 50 mg film-coated tablets, Patient Information Leaflet, EMC [accessed August 2024]
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Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets, Patient Information Leaflet, EMC [accessed August 2024]
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Erectile dysfunction (impotence), National Health Service [accessed August 2024]
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Tadalafil, National Health Service [accessed August 2024]
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Tadalafil, NICE/British National Formulary [accessed August 2024]