Tadalafil
Tadalafil (generic Cialis) tablets to treat erectile dysfunction available to order online in daily 2.5mg & 5mg strength, or as required 10mg and 20mg strengths.
- Lasts up to 36 hours
- From 40p per tablet
Buy Tadalafil online in UK
How to order Tadalafil online for UK delivery:
- Read medical information about erectile dysfunction
- Answer medical questions to check for eligibility
- Reviewed by doctors - posted from UK pharmacy (Royal Mail Tracked 24 service)
Men should have an erectile dysfunction diagnosis from a GP before obtaining medication online.
Tadalafil Prices
| 36 hour tablet | 4 tablets | 8 tablets | 16 tablets | 24 tablets | 32 tablets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tadalafil 10mg | £6.90 | £12.70 | £21.90 | £31.50 | £39.90 |
| Tadalafil 20mg | £8.00 | £13.00 | £22.50 | £32.50 | £43.50 |
| Cialis 10mg | £35.40 | £67.50 | £129.60 | £192.00 | |
| Cialis 20mg | £36.20 | £68.80 | £133.20 | £198.40 | |
| Daily tablet | 28 tablets | 56 tablets | 84 tablets | 140 tablets | |
| Tadalafil 2.5mg | £16.90 | £29.50 | £37.50 | £56.00 | |
| Tadalafil 5mg | £17.90 | £32.00 | £46.00 | £75.00 | |
| Cialis 2.5mg | £66.50 | £128.30 | |||
| Cialis 5mg | £67.60 | £132.20 |
Price match guarantee
Prescription issued online - small prescription fee per order.
Compare prices: Dr Fox prices are lower cost than other online clinics.
| Medication | Dr Fox* | Chemist Click | Lloyds Online Doctor | Simple Online Pharmacy | Chemist4U | Oxford Online Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tadalafil 10mg x 4 | £6.90 | £8.89 | £25.00 | £8.95 | £6.99 | £8.95 |
| Tadalafil 10mg x 8 | £12.70 | £14.89 | £38.00 | £15.95 | £12.79 | £14.79 |
| Tadalafil 10mg x 16 | £21.90 | £25.49 | £62.00 | £25.45 | £20.99 | £24.89 |
| Tadalafil 20mg x 4 | £8.00 | £9.79 | £28.00 | £9.75 | £17.99 | £9.49 |
| Tadalafil 20mg x 8 | £13.00 | £16.89 | £50.00 | £15.95 | £24.99 | £14.98 |
| Tadalafil 20mg x 16 | £22.50 | £28.49 | £75.00 | £28.45 | £49.99 | £24.98 |
| Tadalafil 20mg x 24 | £32.50 | £39.89 | n/a | £53.95 | n/a | n/a |
| UK delivery | £2.90 | £2.99 | £4.95 | £3.20 | £4.95 | £4.99 |
Prescription fees
Dr Fox supplies medicine on prescription and charges a small prescription fee based on the order value of each prescription.
Prescriptions are issued by our doctors online and sent electronically to our pharmacy.
| Order value | Prescription fee |
|---|---|
| up to £10 | £1.00 |
| up to £20 | £2.00 |
| up to £40 | £3.00 |
| over £40 | £4.00 |
If you have your own private paper prescription please post to our pharmacy (details).
Dr Fox prices are 25%–50% lower than other UK online clinics.
Delivery charges
UK delivery only: £2.90 per consultation via Royal Mail Tracked 24 Signed For (1-3 working days with tracking).
Parcel forwarding services are not permitted. Use only UK home or work delivery address.
Returns and refunds - unwanted items can be returned within 14 working days for a full refund.
About tadalafil
- Tadalafil is a prescription-only oral tablet used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
- Generic tadalafil is a cheaper version of the original branded Cialis.
- Take a 10mg or 20mg tablet at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, lasts for up to 36 hours.
- Low dose daily tadalafil (2.5mg and 5mg) recommended for men regularly requiring treatment more than twice per week.
- Read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects, cautions, and interactions with other drugs.
Who can use tadalafil?
Tadalafil is suitable for adult men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction - the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. Tadalafil has been shown to significantly improve the ability of obtaining a hard erect penis suitable for sexual activity.
How tadalafil works
Tadalafil, like other erectile dysfunction tablet treatments such as Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Spedra (avanafil), works by helping the blood vessels in your penis to relax, allowing the flow of blood into your penis during sexual stimulation.
These medicines achieve this effect by blocking an enzyme called PDE5 - they are 'PDE5 inhibitors'. They have very little effect on other parts of the body.
Tablet treatments for erectile dysfunction augment and support sexual performance and relationships.
The 'weekend pill'
Tadalafil is sometimes known as the weekend pill. This reflects its prolonged duration of action - up to 36 hours. A tablet taken on Friday night will still be active on Sunday morning.
This long duration of action, compared with 4 hours for Viagra (sildenafil) and Spedra (avanafil), and 4-5 hours for Levitra (vardenafil), has led to tadalafil becoming increasingly popular.
For further information read How long does tadalafil last?
How to take tadalafil for erectile dysfunction
Tadalafil tablets come in four strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. Most men take a 10mg or 20mg tablet when they need it. The lower doses of 2.5mg and 5mg are for daily use, although some men may find a single 5mg tablet taken on an occasional basis is all they need.
It is not recommended to take tadalafil 20mg on a regular daily basis.
For further information read NHS - How and when to take tadalafil
Tadalafil strengths
Daily tadalafil
2.5mg & 5mg daily tablets for continuous erectile dysfunction treatment.
Tadalafil 10mg
Recommended starting dose for most men taking tadalafil for the first time.
Tadalafil 20mg
High strength dose as required for when 10mg is insufficient.
Taking tadalafil for the first time
The normal starting dose is a single 10mg tablet taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Swallow tablets whole with water and can be taken with or without food.
Sexual stimulation is required for tadalafil to be effective.
Repeated trials of treatment at one dose are recommended before changing to a higher strength tablet. There is no benefit in taking a higher dose than is needed. Tadalafil should not be taken at the same time as, or within 24 hours of, taking other oral erectile dysfunction treatments.
As required dosage (10mg, 20mg)
Most men take tadalafil as and when they need it at least 30 mins before anticipated sexual activity.
A single tablet of tadalafil 10mg or 20mg remains active for up to 36 hours. Men usually take a tablet 'as required' when they expect to be sexually active in the following 36 hours. The maximum dose is 20mg in a 24 hour period. 10mg-20mg is not recommended for continuous daily use.
Continuous daily dosage (2.5mg, 5mg)
Men who require treatment twice weekly or more on a regular basis may prefer to take a 2.5mg or 5mg low dose tablet every day. Tadalafil (and branded Cialis) is the only type of ED tablet with a low-dose daily regime.
The recommended dose is 5mg taken once a day at approximately the same time of day. The dose may be decreased to 2.5mg daily based on individual tolerability. The low dose daily tablets provide treatment on a continuous basis, although it may take several days to build-up to an effective dose.
Men should consult their regular doctors before starting on regular daily treatment.
Effectiveness of tadalafil
Clinical studies show tadalafil significantly improves erectile dysfunction and the ability to have successful sexual intercourse.
| Erectile dysfunction category | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improved erections with tadalafil | 86% | 83% | 72% |
No dose adjustments are recommended in elderly or diabetic patients.
It is not known if tadalafil is effective in patients who have had pelvic surgery or removal of all or part of the prostate gland.
Read patient reviews of tadalafil below.
Who should NOT take tadalafil
All men with erectile dysfunction should consult a doctor face-to-face before obtaining supplies online. Dr Fox consultations check for contraindications and interactions with other medicines, but do not replace an initial consultation and diagnosis with your regular doctor where physical examination and tests can be carried out.
Warnings and precautions
Sexual activity carries a possible risk to patients with heart disease because it puts an extra strain on your heart.
Do not take tadalafil if you:
- Have serious heart disease or recently had a heart attack within the last 90 days.
- Had a stroke within the last 6 months.
- Have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Ever had loss of vision because of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition described as 'stroke of the eye'.
If you have any of the following conditions you should discuss with your regular doctor before taking tadalafil:
- Sickle cell anaemia (an abnormality of red blood cells).
- Multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow).
- Leukaemia (cancer of the blood cells).
- Any deformity of your penis.
- A serious liver or kidney problem.
Tadalafil and other medicines
Tadalafil should not be taken if on the following medication:
- Within 24 hours of taking Viagra/sildenafil, Levitra/vardenafil, or Spedra/avanafil.
- Indinavir and ritonavir for the treatment of HIV.
- Itraconazole or ketoconazole anti-fungals.
- Nitrates for angina, including isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, nicorandil, and glyceryl trinitrate - serious reactions possible.
- Recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate ('poppers') - serious reactions possible.
- Blood pressure tablets known as alpha-blockers, also sometimes used to treat prostate enlargement - includes doxazosin, prazosin, alfuzosin, terazosin, indoramin, and tamsulosin.
- Antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or rifampicin.
- Anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine.
If in doubt please message our doctors or consult your regular doctor before ordering tadalafil online.
Other cautions
- Alcohol and Grapefruit juice may affect how well tadalafil works.
- A reduction in sperm was seen in some men. These effects are unlikely to lead to a lack of fertility.
- Some men taking tadalafil in clinical studies reported dizziness. Check carefully how you react to the tablets before driving or using machines.
- Tadalafil can contain lactose and negligible amounts of sodium.
- Severe renal impairment: 10mg is the maximum recommended dose; daily dosing is not recommended.
- Women and children: tadalafil is not intended for use by under 18s or by women. Keep all medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Possible side effects of tadalafil
Significant side effects are unusual. Side effects are more likely with higher strength tablets. The minimum effective strength tablet is therefore advised.
The most common side effect is a bluish or yellowish tinge to vision. This is not dangerous and fades as the tablets wear off. A similar visual discolouration is common with other erectile dysfunction treatments.
Other common side effects (affecting 1%-10%) include headache, back pain, muscle aches, pain in the arms or legs, nasal congestion, facial flushing, and indigestion.
A very rare but serious side effect is priapism - a continuous painful erection over a period of hours. Priapism can lead to permanent damage to the penis and is a medical emergency requiring urgent medical attention through a hospital A&E department.
The manufacturer's patient leaflet included in packs contains a full list of side effects.
Alternative treatments
Not all men need a tablet that works for up to 36 hours. Other oral PDE5 treatments include Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Spedra (avanafil) which typically last 4 hours.
Compare erectile dysfunction tablets
Other treatments for ED include topical applications, injections into the penis, and surgical devices. Counselling may help if psychological causes are causing ED. Improved diet and lifestyle choices can also help.
Tadalafil is also sometimes prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) symptoms, and under specialist supervision in higher doses for a condition called pulmonary hypertension.
Generic tadalafil or branded Cialis
Generic tadalafil became legally available in the UK in November 2017, after the exclusive license of the pharmaceutical company Lilly for branded Cialis ended. Cialis is the brand name used by Lilly for its original brand of the medicine tadalafil. Tadalafil is the medical name. They are the same medicine.
Up until its exclusive license ended, only the original developer Lilly was permitted sell tadalafil legally in the UK. After the exclusive license ended other pharmaceutical companies were able to legally supply tadalafil and the prices have dropped. These other brands of generic Cialis are usually marketed as 'tadalafil'.
Dr Fox may supply any UK licensed brand of tadalafil (Accord, Aspire, Bristol Labs, Cipla, Clydesdale, Crescent, Kosei, Medreich, Mercury, Milpharm, Mylan, Noumed, Strides Pharma, Sovereign, Sun, Teva). Patients can request a preferred brand of tadalafil after making an order.
The active ingredient and medical effects of original branded Cialis and generic tadalafil are the same because the active ingredient, tadalafil, is the same. Strict regulation and quality control apply to the manufacture and supply of both.
Generic medicines are medically identical to branded originals and are usually cheaper.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, affecting up to 40% of men by the age of fifty. Most men with erectile dysfunction are in reasonable health, although it may be a sign of poor circulation and narrowing of the arteries.
Diabetes, high cholesterol, low testosterone, low or high thyroid hormone, obesity, and reduced blood circulation can all contribute to erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can be associated with heart disease and stroke. Treatment of the underlying causes may improve symptoms and prevent associated disease.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by stress, psychosexual problems, and lifestyle choices such as smoking, heavy drinking, obesity, and lack of exercise. Symptoms may well improve when these issues are addressed. Other causes may include spinal injury or operations on the prostate or bowel. Regular cycling for 3 or more hours a day may also contribute to ED.
It is important to have a face-to-face consultation with a GP, particularly if erectile dysfunction has started recently or is worsening. GPs will undertake an assessment, possibly perform tests, and provide advice.
Patient Information Leaflet
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.
Tadalafil 10mg Patient Leaflet
Tadalafil 20mg Patient Leaflet
Tadalafil 5mg Patient Leaflet
Tadalafil 2.5mg Patient Leaflet
Generic tadalafil FAQs
Does tadalafil really last 36 hours?
Yes. Keeping it simple, tadalafil lasts for 36 hours and sometimes longer, and has the longest duration of action of all the PDE5 inhibitors. This compares for example to sildenafil (Viagra) which lasts for around 4 hours.
Like all PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil requires sexual stimulation to work - ie: you only get an erection when you want to during the 36 hours.
The graph below demonstrates the study data of the bioavailability over 96 hours of a single dose of tadalafil 20mg. Tadalafil levels are still around 100µg/l even 36 hours post dose.
For further details see How long does tadalafil last?
Is tadalafil available on the NHS?
Tadalafil is available on the NHS for men with erectile dysfunction for certain conditions that are causing their symptoms such as MS or a spinal injury.
See NHS - Tadalafil.
Can tadalafil tablets be split?
Generally no, but in practice many men split them anyway! Some tadalafil brands are 'scored' with an indented line in the middle of the tablet to enable splitting. The usual advice for tadalafil tablets that are not scored, is that patients should use the minimum effective dose as a whole tablet. Tadalafil tablets are film-coated, however this is not an extended or delayed release coating (to achieve delayed absorption), so tablets should actually be safe to split. It has been suggested that tablet 'halves' may not contain equal doses but in reality any discrepancy is likely to be minimal. It can therefore be difficult to make an even break and sometimes the 'halves' may crumble. Purchasing a pill-splitter can help the process.
Why is generic tadalafil so much cheaper than original Cialis?
When a pharmaceutical company develops a medicine it incurs research, testing, and licensing costs. In return an exclusive marketing license is given, which usually lasts about 15 years. During this period no other drug companies can legally supply the same medicine and the original developer is free to set the price as it sees fit. This price is usually much higher than the production cost.
Pharmaceutical companies which produce generic copies of existing medicines do not incur the high initial research and development costs. Their medicines still need to be licensed in the countries where they are supplied, but this is not such an expensive process if the same medicine has already been licensed by another drug company. Most medicines cost a lot less to produce and market than they sell for, but the margins on generic medicines are usually much lower. Generic suppliers can undercut the more expensive brands, but their profit margins tend to be lower.
How much tadalafil can I order?
- 'As required' 10mg-20mg tablets: up to 32 tablets per order.
- Daily tadalafil 2.5mg-5mg tablets: up to 84 tablets per order.
- Dr Fox prescribing protocols allow for 1 treatment per day.
Is tadalafil available 'over the counter'?
Yes, in the UK since June 2023 after Cialis Together was given 'over the counter' (OTC or 'P') status approval by the MHRA. Sildenafil 50mg is already available without a prescription, sold as Viagra Connect and other generic versions.
See also erectile dysfunction FAQs.
Authored 14 November 2017 by Dr Tony Steele
MB ChB Sheffield University 1983. Former hospital doctor and GP. GMC no. 2825328
Reviewed by Dr C. Pugh, Dr B. Babor, Dr A. Wood
Last reviewed 10 August 2021
Last updated 15 October 2024
References
- Mylan, 2018, Tadalafil Mylan 10 mg film-coated tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics, accessed 13 September 2023
- BNF/NICE, 2023, TADALAFIL, accessed 13 September 2023
Recent Tadalafil reviews
Tadalafil rated 4.48/5 in 2921 product reviews
See over 40,000 service reviews of Dr Fox
This worked better for me than viagra. I experienced less dramatic side effects with this product (higher heart rate, red face and the occasional headache with viagra). Using the 10mg product required less considerations for timing of the dose before sex, I generally take one 10mg dose on Friday afternoon for a whole weekend of "on demand" erections.
24 October 2024
Anonymous
Verified
Excellent product. Tadalafil is generic Cialis, same drug but not branded, and therefore less costly. The 5mg dailies is an excellent choice. It takes maybe a few days and perhaps weeks to see the benefits of the drug for ED, but the good news is that the side effects are minimised over taking higher one off dosages. Tadalafil is easy the best ED medication on the market, primarily because of its long half-life, but from my personal experience, the side effects are a lot milder than Sildnenafil (generic Viagra), and is just as effective for ED but lasts longer.
30 June 2024
Anonymous
Verified
Excellent product, very effective within a few days of starting taking it. It does not have the same side effect as Sildenafil which used to cause a little flushing of my skin and chest especially if I had any sun exposure earlier in the day. Also Tadalafil is taken every day at bedtime and does not need to be taken 40 minutes before intimacy, which was an occasionally an issue with Sildenafil.
25 June 2024
Anonymous
Verified
How this called a 36 hour treatment is a mystery! Failed to work an hour after taking. Will stick with siladenfil in future
Dr Fox response:
Hello, Thank you for leaving your review. Please message one of our Doctors via your account if you would like further guidance. We would be happy for you to return any unused medication for a refund or exchange.
19 November 2024
Anonymous
Verified
Excellent
19 November 2024
Anonymous
Verified
The order process
Choose medication, register, and pay
Dr Fox issues prescription online
Pharmacy team post medication direct
