- Limit your alcohol intake
- Exercise regularly
- Take it with smaller meals
Sometimes, though, it might be that you need a higher dose or different medication. If you’re having any problems, let your doctor know and they’ll discuss it with you.
Authorised and Regulated by:
2-5 day shipping by secure courier
Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.
Last updated on Feb 18, 2025.
Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis. It works within 30 to 60 minutes and can last up to 36 hours.
2-5 day shipping by secure courier
Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.
Tadalafil is an erectile dysfunction (ED) pill that helps you achieve an erection. It’s the generic version of Cialis, making it more affordable.
Tadalafil works by increasing blood flow to your penis, helping you get and maintain your erection when you become aroused.
There are two versions of tadalafil: daily and on-demand. The daily pill (2.5mg or 5mg) is taken every day, so you’re always ready to go.
The on-demand pill (10mg and 20mg), however, is taken before you have sex and can last up to 36 hours. This is great for men planning to have sex multiple times over a few days.[1]
Yes, you might experience side effects when taking Tadalafil. Some of the most common ones include headache, back pain, muscle aches, facial flushing and nasal congestion.
If your side effects persist or become unmanageable, let your doctor know.
Tadalafil is available in 4 doses: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. The recommended starting dose is 10 mg, which can be increased to 20 mg if the 10 mg dose is ineffective.
The 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses are intended for daily use for men who require ED treatment frequently.
Tadalafil and Sildenafil are both drugs called PDE5 inhibitors, so they work in pretty similar ways. But where tadalafil’s effects last up to 36 hours,[1] sildenafil only works for around 3-5 hours.
A meta-analysis comparing Tadalafil and Sildenafil found that while both treatments were similarly effective, more people preferred Tadalafil over Sildenafil.[2]
Tadalafil and Cialis are essentially the same medication with different branding. Cialis is the branded version of Tadalafil, making it slightly more expensive.
Aside from the price, the manufacturer and packaging will also vary. However, both drugs work in the same way and have the same effectiveness, so you shouldn’t notice much difference.

How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Swallow one Tadalafil tablet whole with water. Ideally, you should take an hour before you plan to have sex to give it time to start working.
Never take more than one pill in any 24 hours. If you find the tablet isn’t working for you, let your doctor know.
Swallow one Tadalafil tablet whole with water at the same time each day. It’s best to take Tadalafil one hour before you plan to have sex as it takes 30 to 60 minutes to work.

How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Tadalafil isn’t the best choice for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Last updated on Feb 18, 2025.
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Why this page was updated on Feb 18, 2025
Current version (Feb 18, 2025)
Edited by: The Treated Content Team. Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content ReviewerAug 01, 2022
Published by: The Treated Content Team. Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content ReviewerHow we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
All from the comfort of your device. Get access to what you need, when you need it.
Ask questions and get expert recommendations, at the touch of a button.
We'll narrow down some treatments for you to choose from based on your medical profile.
Receive your treatment by express delivery, in discreet packaging.
Set your own delivery schedule and pause or make changes any time you like.
Get to know our clinical team. They review our info, prescribe and dispense your treatments.
Registered with NPI (No. 1043478878)
Meet Joseph
Registered with NPI (No. 1376740092)
Meet Rami
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet Craig
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielErectile dysfunction: Here are your other options.
Comes as an on-demand pill that lasts for 36 hours, or as a daily dose that's active all the time.
Lower dose pill. Better option if you're older or have a pre-existing condition like diabetes.
Like Viagra, but cheaper and works in the same way. Non-branded version of the original ED drug.
An orodispersible ED medication you don't have to swallow. The tablet melts in your mouth.
Tablet that works from just 15 minutes. Works in the same way as Viagra and lasts for 5 hours.
Non-branded version of Levitra. Works in the same way, but cheaper.
The one you've heard of. Works in 30-60 minutes and lasts for up to 5 hours.
Tadalafil is generally highly effective for erectile dysfunction, lasting up to 30 hours for some. Some users experienced mild side effects like headache, flushing, or stuffy nose, while others had no side effects. A few reported it didn't work for them or wasn't as strong as other brands. Some users found the lower dose (5mg) sufficient.
Very convenient and time saver makes things easier
Treatment is going great! Fantastic service.
Understood my needs. Worked very fast. Script showed up quickly. Very satisfied. Highly recommend.
Ordered 8/21 and arrived 8/24. Always great service.
All worked as planned.
Everything is working very well thank you so much
Take a look at our helpful health guides related to erectile dysfunction.
The highest dose ED medication available isn’t the same as the ‘strongest’ treatment. Here’s…
In the US, you can get ED medication privately, online or in person with a prescription. On this pag…
If you’re having sex, chances are you’re thinking about birth control. But besides condoms, most…
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Cristina writes content for Treated, and reviews content produced by our other writers to make sure it’s clinically accurate.
Meet Alexandra CristinaHow we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
We couldn't find what you're looking for.
Here's everything we treat. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something.