Find out which of our ED treatments is suitable for you, online and for free.
What is tadalafil?
Tadalafil can be utilised as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Tadalafil can be taken in the form of a tablet and should only be used by men over the age of 18.
Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is additionally sold under the brand name Cialis. Tadalafil and Cialis acquire the same active ingredient and work in the same way.
If your libido has decreased, you might find that getting help to understand the cause of this will improve your desire for sex. This in turn may help to improve your erection problems. There is support available that may help, including talking to a professional, your doctor may be able to refer you for counselling, or you can refer yourself through the NHS.
Erectile dysfunction treatments at Well Pharmacy
Erectile dysfunction treatments are available from our online shop. Our products include sildenafil, Viagra Connect, Cialis, and tadalafil.
Find out more
How does tadalafil work?
Tadalafil works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis to increase blood flow.1 This should help you get, and keep, an erection for sex or masturbation.
Please note, you need to be sexually aroused for tadalafil to work. If you’re not sexually aroused, or your desire for sex (libido) is low, then tadalafil may not work for you.
How should I take tadalafil?
If you’ve decided to take tadalafil to treat your erection problems you should swallow one whole tablet with some water at least 30 minutes before you want to have sex.2 You should not take more than one tablet a day.1
For some men, a pharmacist or their doctor may suggest that they take a low dose of tadalafil every day. If you’d like to try taking a low, daily dose you can ask your GP if this is suitable for you.
It’s important to read the instructions that come with the medicine carefully because strength and dosage instructions can vary.2
If you suffer from health conditions such as heart problems, tadalafil may not be suitable for you to take.1,2 For further advice on whether tadalafil is the best treatment for you, talk to your GP or a pharmacist.
How long does it take for tadalafil to work?
It usually takes at least 30 minutes for tadalafil to work.2 Everyone is different and for some men it may take more or less time to get an erection after taking tadalafil.
How long does tadalafil last?
Tadalafil can work for up to 36 hours after taking a tablet,3 this can allow for more spontaneity than with some other treatments.
Why buy from Well?
- Instant online consultation results
- Trusted treatment recommendations
- Free delivery in discreet packaging
What are the common side effects of tadalafil?
You might experience some side effects from taking tadalafil. Side effects can include:1,2
- headaches
- sickness (nausea)
- red or flushed face
- indigestion
- stuffy nose
- muscle aches.
Talk to your GP or a pharmacist if you experience any side effects after taking tadalafil. Find out more about all the possible side effects on the NHS website.
If tadalafil isn’t suitable for you, there are other treatment options available that may help.
Is there a difference between tadalafil and viagra?
Viagra is a brand name medication produced by Pfizer that contains the active ingredient sildenafil. Both tadalafil and sildenafil are active ingredients found in erectile dysfunction medication that are responsible for producing the desired effect of the medications.1, 4
Another difference between tadalafil and Viagra is how long their effects last, tadalafil lasts for up to 36 hours, whereas Viagra is effective for 4 – 6 hours.1, 4
Frequently asked questions about tadalafil
Always make sure tadalafil is kept out of sight and reach from children. The medicine does not require any special storage conditions and must be used before the expiry date shown on the packaging.3
As well as speaking to your GP for information and support, there are a number or charities and organisations you may find helpful.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
01455 883 300
Find a registered counsellor or psychologist near you.
NHS Website
Information about erectile dysfunction.
- Tadalafil 10 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). Accessed June 15, 2021.
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8636/smpc -
Tadalafil: a medicine to treat erection problems and symptoms of an enlarged prostate. nhs.uk. Published September 10, 2019. Accessed June 10, 2021.
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tadalafil/ -
Cialis 10mg film-coated tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc). Accessed June 15, 2021.
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7431/pil -
Viagra 100 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). Accessed September 4, 2020.
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7978/smpc
Published: April 2022
Next review: April 2025
Reviewer: Mital Thakrar, Pharmacist
Visit your nearest pharmacy
Get support and advice from your local Well pharmacist
Help us improve our health information
If you have the lived experience of a health condition and want to help shape the direction of our future content, get in touch. Help us create meaningful and accurate health-related articles and informative content by joining our community.