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Find out how Cialis® can help treat erectile dysfunction
Cialis® is a medicine for men aged 18 or over who are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It comes in the form of a tablet which is taken orally, and can allow you to achieve and maintain an erection hard enough for sexual activity. You’ll need to be sexually stimulated for it to work.
How does Cialis® work?
Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis®, is a PDE-5 inhibitor. Tadalafil can help to relax the blood vessels in the penis, resulting in increased blood flow and allowing for a man to get an erection.
It works in a similar way to other erectile dysfunction oral medicines.
Cialis® is not an aphrodisiac; it can’t increase sexual pleasure or delay orgasm. It won’t work if you aren’t sexually stimulated, so you and your partner will still need to engage in foreplay as you would normally before sex.
Cialis® prescription & over-the-counter options
Cialis® is a prescription-only medicine that may be prescribed to you via a service like the Boots Online Doctor – Erectile Dysfunction Treatment service.*
Cialis® Together^ tablets are available without a prescription to buy over-the-counter from your pharmacist in Great Britain (it’s not available in Northern Ireland). This is subject to a consultation with the pharmacist to establish whether the medicine is suitable for you
Who is Cialis® suitable for?
Cialis® and Cialis® Together^ are is intended for use by adult men with erectile dysfunction. They aren't suitable for anyone under the age of 18 or women.
You shouldn’t take Cialis® or Cialis® Together^ if you’re allergic to tadalafil or any of the other ingredients or if you’re taking any form of medicines called ‘nitrates’ – these are used in the treatment of chest pain.
Before prescribing you Cialis® the prescriber will always check to make sure that the medicine is suitable for you. If you’re purchasing Cialis® Together^ over the counter, your pharmacist will also ensure it is suitable for you. Conditions such as heart problems or a deformation of the penis are some reasons why you may not be prescribed Cialis®.
Some medication may also interact with Cialis® or Cialis® Together^, or affect how well they work. Please read the relevant patient information leaflet (Cialis® 2.5mg/5mg, Cialis® 10mg/20mg or Cialis® Together), for a full list of who the medication isn’t suitable for.
How do I access Cialis®?
Cialis® is available through the Boots Online Doctor – Erectile Dysfunction Treatment service*, which allows you access to advice and a number of treatments for ED without needing to see your GP.
If you have erection problems it’s important to speak to your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be caused by an underlying health condition so it’s important that your GP can rule out any conditions that may be causing your erection problems.
Cialis® Together^ is a pharmacy-only medicine which is available to purchase over the counter without a prescription. However, you will need to complete a consultation with your pharmacist first to ensure that it is suitable for you. Cialis® Together^ is only available for purchase in Great Britain (it’s not available in Northern Ireland).
Does the Boots Online Doctor offer a generic unbranded version of Cialis®?
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis® and is also available as generic tadalafil. Tadalafil is also available through the Boots Online Doctor – Erectile Dysfunction Treatment service.*
How do I take Cialis®?
Cialis® is available in the following strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. For more information, read the relevant patient information leaflet.
Cialis® 2.5mg & 5mg
Cialis® 2.5mg and 5mg are taken daily. They are better suited for men who anticipate having more frequent sexual activity of at least twice weekly. This may support more sexual spontaneity, as when taken once daily, Cialis® 2.5mg and 5mg allows you to obtain an erection, when sexually stimulated, at any time point during the 24 hours of the day. The recommended starting dose is 5mg taken daily at around the same time each day. Cialis® 2.5mg may be suitable for those who have experienced side effects with the 5mg starter dose. No matter what strength you’ve been prescribed, only ever take one tablet of Cialis® in a 24-hour period.
Cialis® 10mg & 20mg
Cialis® 10mg and 20mg are taken when required at least 30 minutes before you intend to have sex. These strengths aren’t intended for daily use and you shouldn’t take more than once a day. Cialis® at these doses can be effective for up to 36 hours from taking the tablet. The standard starting dose is 10mg. The 20mg dose may be considered for men who find that the 10mg dose isn’t working for them as they would’ve hoped.
You should take the tablet whole with water, with or without food. It’s recommended that you avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while taking Cialis®, as this may affect your ability to obtain an erection.
Cialis® Together^ 10mg
Cialis® Together^ 10mg is taken when required at least 30 minutes before you intend to have sex. This strength isn’t intended for daily use and you shouldn’t take more than once a day. Cialis® Together^ at this dose can be effective for up to 36 hours from taking the tablet.
You should take the tablet whole with water, with or without food. It will only help you get an erection if you are sexually aroused.
If you take more than the recommended dose, contact your GP or call 111 immediately.
What are the possible side effects of taking Cialis®?
As with all medicines, there can be potential side effects to taking Cialis® or Cialis® Together^. While not everyone will experience them, there is a risk of the following:
Common side effects
• Headache
• Back pain
• Muscle aches
• Facial flushing
• Indigestion
Uncommon side effects
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Fast heart rate
• Changes in blood pressure
Rare side effects
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Hives
• Sweating
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should stop taking Cialis® or Cialis Together^ immediately and seek medical help or advice as soon as possible:
• Chest pains
• Allergic reactions including rashes
• Sudden loss of vision
• Priapism (a prolonged and painful erection) – if you experience an erection that lasts continuously for more than four hours seek medical attention immediately
For a full list of side effects please see the patient information leaflet (Cialis® 2.5mg/5mg, Cialis® 10mg/20mg or Cialis® Together^).
What if Cialis® doesn’t work for me?
Cialis® may not start to work for you the first time you try it. If it’s not working as you would’ve liked after four different attempts, you may consider moving onto a higher strength (if suitable for you) or trying a different oral ED medicine. The Boots Online Doctor – Erectile Dysfunction Treatment service* offers a number of oral ED treatments, including Sildenafil and Spedra. We also offer generic Tadalafil, but – as that is the same active ingredient as Cialis® – it’s unlikely to work if Cialis® didn’t. If you have taken Cialis® Together^ tablets as directed and are still not able to get and keep an erection, or you feel the effect of Cialis® Together^ tablets are too strong or too weak, talk to your pharmacist or GP.
There are also a number of other ways you can treat ED without oral drugs.
