Plain, Discreet
Packaging
Tracked 24*7
Delivery
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
- Available in 10mg and 20mg strengths
- Remains active for up to 36 hours per dose
- Taken on demand, at least 30 minutes before sexual activity
- UK Pharmacy
- GPhC Registered
- Discreet Delivery
Overview
Tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It is the generic, unbranded version of Cialis, containing the same active ingredient — tadalafil. Both are clinically equivalent in strength, quality, and effectiveness.
Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines known as PDE5 inhibitors, the same family as sildenafil (Viagra) and avanafil (Spedra). What sets tadalafil apart is its duration — a single tablet can remain active in the body for up to 36 hours, offering a wider window of opportunity compared with shorter-acting alternatives.
This page covers the 10mg and 20mg on-demand strengths, designed to be taken only when needed before planned sexual activity.
Tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine (POM). It can only be supplied after an online clinical assessment has been reviewed and approved by a prescriber.
How Spedra Works
Like other PDE5 inhibitors, Spedra:
- Blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)
- Supports the natural process of arousal by improving blood flow
- Requires sexual stimulation to be effective — it will not cause an erection on its own
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TREATMENT
How Tadalafil Works
Tadalafil works by blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This enzyme normally causes blood vessels in the penis to return to their resting size, ending an erection. By inhibiting PDE5, tadalafil allows the blood vessels to stay relaxed for longer, improving blood flow when you are sexually aroused.
Like other PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil:
- Relaxes blood vessels in the penis to support improved blood flow
- Helps you achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity
- Requires sexual stimulation to be effective — it will not cause an erection on its own
Tadalafil does not increase sexual desire. Without arousal and normal foreplay, the effects of the tablet will simply wear off.
How to Take Tadalafil
Strengths available:
10mg, 20mg tablets (on-demand use).
Dosage guidance
- The usual starting dose is 10mg, taken at least 30 minutes before planned sexual activity.
- If the 10mg dose is not sufficient, your prescriber may increase this to 20mg.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- Do not take more than one tablet in any 24-hour period.
- Do not take tadalafil within 24 hours of another ED medication.
- Try the starting dose on at least four separate occasions before considering a dose change.
- Tadalafil typically becomes active within 30 minutes to 2 hours and remains active for up to 36 hours — this does not mean a continuous erection, but rather that you may find it easier to achieve an erection with sexual stimulation during this window.
- Sexual stimulation is required for the treatment to work.
Food and alcohol
- Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. Unlike some other ED treatments, food has a minimal effect on how tadalafil is absorbed — though a very large meal may slightly delay onset.
- Alcohol can reduce the ability to achieve an erection and may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, headache, and low blood pressure. Moderate your intake.
Choosing your strength
Safety and Side Effects
- Headache
- Flushing (face or skin going red)
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
- Muscle aches (these typically occur 12–24 hours after taking and resolve within 48 hours)
- An erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism) — this requires immediate treatment to prevent lasting damage
- Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness
- Chest pain during or after sexual activity
Who should not take tadalafil
- Take nitrates (used for angina or heart conditions) — this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Use recreational nitrate drugs (sometimes known as "poppers")
- Have recently had a stroke or heart attack
- Have severe heart or liver problems
- Have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Have been advised to avoid sexual activity for medical reasons
- Take alpha-blockers for prostate problems or high blood pressure (unless your prescriber confirms this is safe)
Patient Information Leaflet
For full usage and safety information, please read the official patient information leaflet provided with the product.
Tadalafil 10mg patient information leaflet
Tadalafil 20mg patient information leaflet
How Tadalafil Compares
| Feature | Tadalafil (on-demand) | Sildenafil | Spedra (avanafil) |
| Time to take effect | 30 minutes to 2 hours | 30–60 minutes | 15–30 minutes |
| Duration | Up to 36 hours | 4–6 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Food impact | Minimal effect | Delayed if taken with food | Delayed if taken with food |
| Typical use | On demand | On demand | On demand |
| Key advantage | Longest-lasting option | Most widely used, lowest cost | Fastest onset |
Author Information
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Authored by
Amit Raj
Superintendent Pharmacist
Reviewed by
XXXXXXXXXX
Medical Advisor / Pharmacist or Doctor
GPhC Number: 225377
Review Date:
XX March 2026
Next Review:
XX March 2027
Published on:
XX March 2026
Last Update:
XX March 2026
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A single dose of tadalafil can remain active in the body for up to 36 hours. This does not mean a continuous erection — it means you may find it easier to achieve an erection with sexual stimulation at any point during this window.
Tadalafil is the generic, unbranded version of Cialis. Both contain the same active ingredient and are clinically equivalent in strength, quality, and effectiveness. The main difference is price — generic tadalafil is typically less expensive.
Yes. Unlike some other ED treatments, food has minimal impact on how tadalafil works. However, a very large or heavy meal may slightly delay when it takes effect.
Both are PDE5 inhibitors used to treat ED. The main difference is duration — tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, while sildenafil lasts 4–6 hours. This makes tadalafil a popular choice for men who prefer not to plan the exact timing of sexual activity.
No. Tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine. At Vivamen, you can complete an online clinical assessment. If a prescriber finds it appropriate, a prescription will be issued and your medication dispensed by our pharmacy.
No. Tadalafil should not be taken within 24 hours of any other erectile dysfunction medication. This includes sildenafil, avanafil, and vardenafil. Combining PDE5 inhibitors can increase the risk of side effects.
Trust and Regulation
- UK Clinicians
- Regulated Pharmacy
- Discreet Delivery
Overview
Plain, Discreet
Packaging
Tracked 24*7
Delivery
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
- Available in 10mg and 20mg strengths
- Remains active for up to 36 hours per dose
- Taken on demand, at least 30 minutes before sexual activity
- UK Pharmacy
- GPhC Registered
- Discreet Delivery
Overview
Tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It is the generic, unbranded version of Cialis, containing the same active ingredient — tadalafil. Both are clinically equivalent in strength, quality, and effectiveness.
Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines known as PDE5 inhibitors, the same family as sildenafil (Viagra) and avanafil (Spedra). What sets tadalafil apart is its duration — a single tablet can remain active in the body for up to 36 hours, offering a wider window of opportunity compared with shorter-acting alternatives.
This page covers the 10mg and 20mg on-demand strengths, designed to be taken only when needed before planned sexual activity.
Tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine (POM). It can only be supplied after an online clinical assessment has been reviewed and approved by a prescriber.
How Spedra Works
Like other PDE5 inhibitors, Spedra:
- Blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)
- Supports the natural process of arousal by improving blood flow
- Requires sexual stimulation to be effective — it will not cause an erection on its own
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TREATMENT
How Tadalafil Works
Tadalafil works by blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This enzyme normally causes blood vessels in the penis to return to their resting size, ending an erection. By inhibiting PDE5, tadalafil allows the blood vessels to stay relaxed for longer, improving blood flow when you are sexually aroused.
Like other PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil:
- Relaxes blood vessels in the penis to support improved blood flow
- Helps you achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity
- Requires sexual stimulation to be effective — it will not cause an erection on its own
Tadalafil does not increase sexual desire. Without arousal and normal foreplay, the effects of the tablet will simply wear off.
How to Take Tadalafil
Strengths available:
10mg, 20mg tablets (on-demand use).
Dosage guidance
- The usual starting dose is 10mg, taken at least 30 minutes before planned sexual activity.
- If the 10mg dose is not sufficient, your prescriber may increase this to 20mg.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- Do not take more than one tablet in any 24-hour period.
- Do not take tadalafil within 24 hours of another ED medication.
- Try the starting dose on at least four separate occasions before considering a dose change.
- Tadalafil typically becomes active within 30 minutes to 2 hours and remains active for up to 36 hours — this does not mean a continuous erection, but rather that you may find it easier to achieve an erection with sexual stimulation during this window.
- Sexual stimulation is required for the treatment to work.
Food and alcohol
- Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. Unlike some other ED treatments, food has a minimal effect on how tadalafil is absorbed — though a very large meal may slightly delay onset.
- Alcohol can reduce the ability to achieve an erection and may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, headache, and low blood pressure. Moderate your intake.
Choosing your strength
Safety and Side Effects
- Headache
- Flushing (face or skin going red)
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
- Muscle aches (these typically occur 12–24 hours after taking and resolve within 48 hours)
- An erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism) — this requires immediate treatment to prevent lasting damage
- Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness
- Chest pain during or after sexual activity
Who should not take tadalafil
- Take nitrates (used for angina or heart conditions) — this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Use recreational nitrate drugs (sometimes known as "poppers")
- Have recently had a stroke or heart attack
- Have severe heart or liver problems
- Have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Have been advised to avoid sexual activity for medical reasons
- Take alpha-blockers for prostate problems or high blood pressure (unless your prescriber confirms this is safe)
Patient Information Leaflet
For full usage and safety information, please read the official patient information leaflet provided with the product.
Tadalafil 10mg patient information leaflet
Tadalafil 20mg patient information leaflet
How Tadalafil Compares
| Feature | Tadalafil (on-demand) | Sildenafil | Spedra (avanafil) |
| Time to take effect | 30 minutes to 2 hours | 30–60 minutes | 15–30 minutes |
| Duration | Up to 36 hours | 4–6 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Food impact | Minimal effect | Delayed if taken with food | Delayed if taken with food |
| Typical use | On demand | On demand | On demand |
| Key advantage | Longest-lasting option | Most widely used, lowest cost | Fastest onset |
Author Information
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Authored by
Amit Raj
Superintendent Pharmacist
Reviewed by
XXXXXXXXXX
Medical Advisor / Pharmacist or Doctor
GPhC Number: 225377
Review Date:
XX March 2026
Next Review:
XX March 2027
Published on:
XX March 2026
Last Update:
XX March 2026
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A single dose of tadalafil can remain active in the body for up to 36 hours. This does not mean a continuous erection — it means you may find it easier to achieve an erection with sexual stimulation at any point during this window.
Tadalafil is the generic, unbranded version of Cialis. Both contain the same active ingredient and are clinically equivalent in strength, quality, and effectiveness. The main difference is price — generic tadalafil is typically less expensive.
Yes. Unlike some other ED treatments, food has minimal impact on how tadalafil works. However, a very large or heavy meal may slightly delay when it takes effect.
Both are PDE5 inhibitors used to treat ED. The main difference is duration — tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, while sildenafil lasts 4–6 hours. This makes tadalafil a popular choice for men who prefer not to plan the exact timing of sexual activity.
No. Tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine. At Vivamen, you can complete an online clinical assessment. If a prescriber finds it appropriate, a prescription will be issued and your medication dispensed by our pharmacy.
No. Tadalafil should not be taken within 24 hours of any other erectile dysfunction medication. This includes sildenafil, avanafil, and vardenafil. Combining PDE5 inhibitors can increase the risk of side effects.
Trust and Regulation
- UK Clinicians
- Regulated Pharmacy
- Discreet Delivery