- Fast, discreet delivery
Delivered in secure, plain packaging on fully tracked delivery from just £2.95
- 100% UK-based pharmacy
Our team of doctors and pharmacists, and our support staff, are all UK-based.
- Free advice and support
Have a question? Telephone support is always free; Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.
- We're rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on over 24,000 reviews collected on Google and Reviews.io.
Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg)
- Free standard delivery on orders over £40Spend £40.00 more for free delivery
About Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg)
Buy Cialis online from The Independent Pharmacy and enjoy fast, UK-wide delivery with discreet packaging.
Cialis tablets are a popular, long-lasting treatment for erectile dysfunction, often dubbed ‘the weekend pill’ they are the branded version of generic Tadalafil.
Cialis works by opening the blood vessels to the penis helping to produce and maintain a hard erection. It is a prescription-only treatment available in 10mg & 20mg tablets form. All you need to do to receive treatment is fill in a short medical questionnaire and they will be delivered quickly and discreetly.
- Suitable for age:18 Years +
- Maximums per order:Cialis 10mg Tablets8Cialis 20mg Tablets8
- Consultation required?YesThis treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
Type of medicine | PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor |
Works by | Increasing the blood flow to the penis helping you to achieve an errection |
Active ingredient | Tadalafil |
Effective within | 30 minutes |
Pack size | 4 tablets |
Strength | 10mg & 20mg |
Common side effects | Headache, Facial Flushing, Indigestion, Nasal Congestion, Dizziness |
Manufacturer | Eli Lilly and Company |
Generic | No |
Use with alcohol | No known issues |
We stock 2 different variants of Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg)
Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg) information
Cialis — the original & favourite 'weekend pill'
Cialis tablets are an ‘as required’ treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Cialis is a branded treatment made by pharmaceutical company Lilly, containing the active ingredient tadalafil, a longer-lasting version of sildenafil contained in Viagra.
Anyone who suffers with erectile dysfunction knows just how stressful it can be. There is often a stigma attached to men having any problems with sexual virility or potency. This sense of inadequacy leaves some men too embarrassed by the condition to seek the treatment they need. Thankfully, online pharmacies make it quick and painless to purchase ED treatments. For many men, ordering tablets from the comfort of their home is the best and most discreet option, reducing the barrier to seeking treatment.
How Cialis works
Cialis (tadalafil), like Viagra, is known as a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor and helps to relax the blood vessels that flow into the penis, allowing greater blood flow and a satisfactory erection to be achieved. Note: you will still need sexual stimulation to achieve a satisfactory erection.
You have two options when it comes to taking Cialis:
- The daily 2.5 or 5mg Cialis tablets that are for men who need help with achieving an erection a few times a week and regularly suffer from impotence (this is good for men who have regular sex).
- The 10mg or 20mg version that is to be taken as and when needed.
Your doctor can help you decide which course of treatment and dosage makes more sense for you.
You can find more information about the treatment on our what is Cialis? page.
Cialis 20mg tablets are the highest strength of Cialis/tadalafil available and are used if a man has not achieved satisfactory results from the starting dose of Cialis 10mg tablets after a number of attempts.
Cialis is not normally affected by food and should be taken with plenty of water. It is not affected by alcohol, however, alcohol can be a contributor to ED so it is best avoided or consumed in moderation.
Like all ED tablets, it may take a few attempts at taking Cialis before it becomes effective. You need to be patient, and take your time — this is totally normal — doctors recommend you try ED treatments up to eight times before giving up.
If you have tried Cialis 20mg on 8 separate occasions and not achieved satisfactory results, you may wish to consider trying a different erectile dysfunction treatment such as Sildenafil, Spedra or Levitra.
Cialis vs. Viagra
The main difference between Cialis and Viagra is the way that the active ingredient, the PDE-5 inhibitor, works in the body. Sildenafil, active in Viagra, wears off a lot quicker — meaning that men had to pop ‘a little blue pill’ close the to commencement of sexual activities. Cialis allows for a much more spontaneous and natural sex life, thanks to the 36-hour window afforded by tadalafil.
Cialis can have an effect in as little as 30 minutes in some men and the effects can last for up to 36 hours, allowing it to be used just before sex or taken discreetly well in advance. This flexibility in dosing makes it a popular choice with men looking for an ED treatment that fits into their life. The patent on Cialis expired in November 2017 and the treatment is now also available as the generic Tadalafil 10mg & 20mg tablets.
Visit our Cialis vs Viagra page for a more detailed breakdown.
Does Cialis always work?
Cialis tablets help to resolve the physical symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, some cases of ED can be caused by psychological issues such as anxiety. Even if the cause of your ED is psychological, Cialis can help to break the cycle of anxiety associated with being unable to achieve and maintain a satisfactory erection.
If you think the cause of your ED is psychological and you have tried Cialis with no effect you should see your GP as counselling may be more appropriate for you.
Cialis is now available to buy online as the generic or unbranded version called tadalafil.
There are a number of Non-Prescription Alternatives for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction such as:
- Changes to diet (cutting down alcohol and fat consumption)
- Stopping Smoking
- Reducing Stress
- Counselling
- Vacuum Devices (Penis Pumps)
Sources
Cialis Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7430/pil
BNF: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/tadalafil.html
European Medicines Agency: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/cialis
See what other users think by reading our Cialis reviews.
Cialis Directions
- You should take one Cialis tablet at least 30 minutes before sex.
- Cialis can take up to an hour to take effect in some men, with the greatest effect after a few hours.
- Cialis can produce an effect for up to 36 hours.
- You should never take more than one Cialis or other treatment for erectile dysfunction (Viagra, Spedra, or Levitra) in a 36-hour period.
- You can take Cialis with or without food however you should try to limit your alcohol intake to ensure it remains effective.
Cialis does not always work for everyone the first time they use it. If this is the case you should not give up, guidance states that you should try Cialis at least 8 times before trying a higher strength or an alternative ED treatment. If you find Cialis effective and do not experience any serious side effects you can request a repeat order via your online account.
Cialis Ingredients
Cialis tablets contain the active ingredient tadalafil at a strength of either 10mg or 20mg.
Each tablet also contains: lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, triacetin, titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide yellow (E172) & talc.Cialis Side Effects
As with all medicines Cialis tablets can potentially cause side-effects. Fortunately, the few people who suffer side-effects will usually find them to be brief and mild. The most common side-effects for those taking Cialis tablets are:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion
- Dizziness
Other medicines can interact with Cialis tablets. You should not take Cialis if you are taking medicines called ‘nitrates’, which are often prescribed for chest pain. You should not use other erectile dysfunction medicines while taking Cialis. It is not recommended to drink excessive amounts of alcohol when taking Cialis tablets. Drinking too much alcohol can increase the likelihood of experiencing side-effects, such as headaches and dizziness. It is important to seek medical advice immediately if you experience an erection that lasts more than four hours.
Find a more in-depth guide to Cialis side effects here.
Cialis warnings
Cialis 20mg Tablets may not be suitable for you if:
- You suffer heart problems, such as angina, heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
- You have had a heart attack or stroke within the last six months
- You have high or low blood pressure
- You suffer from liver or kidney disease
- You are a hemophiliac
- You suffer from sickle cell anemia or leukemia
- There is a physical deformity of the penis
- You suffer from retinitis pigmentosa
- You have a stomach ulcer
If any of the above apply, it is important to let your prescriber know so they can judge whether Cialis tablets will be safe for you to use.
When combined with nitrates or alpha-blockers, Cialis can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. You should have checked this during your consultation but if you are in any doubt do not take Cialis and contact us via your online account. You should also avoid using the recreational drug ‘Poppers’, also called ‘Aromas’ or ‘Room Odourisers’ as these also contain nitrates.
Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg) Price Comparison
View all the available prices for Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg) from The Independent Pharmacy
Cialis 10mg Tablets
- 1 x 4 tablets£44.60 per pack£44.60
- 2 x 4 tablets£40.49 per pack£80.98Save £8.22
- 3 x 4 tablets£39.00 per pack£117.00Save £16.80
- 4 x 4 tablets£37.99 per pack£151.96Save £26.44
- 5 x 4 tablets£37.50 per pack£187.50Save £35.50
- 6 x 4 tablets£37.00 per pack£222.00Save £45.60
- 7 x 4 tablets£37.00 per pack£259.00Save £53.20
- 8 x 4 tablets£36.50 per pack£292.00Save £64.80
Cialis 20mg Tablets
- 1 x 4 tablets£44.99 per pack£44.99
- 2 x 4 tablets£42.49 per pack£84.98Save £5.00
- 3 x 4 tablets£41.49 per pack£124.47Save £10.50
- 4 x 4 tablets£40.49 per pack£161.96Save £18.00
- 5 x 4 tablets£39.99 per pack£199.95Save £25.00
- 6 x 4 tablets£39.49 per pack£236.94Save £33.00
- 7 x 4 tablets£38.99 per pack£272.93Save £42.00
- 8 x 4 tablets£37.99 per pack£303.92Save £56.00
Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg) reviews
Cialis Tablets (10mg & 20mg) FAQs
As a new user, you may be wondering what Cialis dose is best. If this is your first time using Cialis then you will usually be starting with the 10mg version. If this level of medication works then you will stay on this course. If not you will normally try a few more times. If this fails you can then move up to the higher strength version which is 20 mg.
If you have tried Cialis 10mg and it was unsuccessful it is important to try it again a few more times in order to make sure. If this still isn’t successful then it is recommended to take a higher dosage. You should speak to your doctor about this but the higher dosage will usually be 20mg.
Alternatively you could try taking a higher dosage of Viagra (100mg) or Levitra (20mg). These medications should also be tried at least four, but up to eight individual times.
Approximately 25% of men will be unsuccessful when using Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra or unable to use them due to their side effects and other associated adverse health conditions.
If you fall into this category do not give up – there are other options available to try.
It might be an idea to try a treatment that can be applied directly to the penis. Vitaros, for example, is a cream containing the active ingredient alprostadil and can be applied directly to the tip of the penis.
These methods work properly in around 65% of men, providing an erection within 5 to 30 minutes and lasting for up to 2 hours.
If these treatments don’t work, then you can consider medications which are directly injected into the penis. This method is effective in around 80% of men. This kind of treatment will usually be undertaken in a hospital so you can be shown how to use them safely and effectively. Some of the most common types include Caverject and Viridal which make use of the ingredient alprostadil as well as Invicorp which makes use of the ingredients aviptadil and phentolamine.
For most men, Cialis can be taken as and when needed. If you need regular treatment for erectile dysfunction (more than two or three times a week) then the low-dose Cialis Once Daily tablets might be a better option. Cialis daily tablets of 2.5mg or 5mg can be taken every day to provide a continuous treatment for your erectile dysfunction - without peaks and troughs.
Cialis makes use of an active ingredient known as tadalafil, which is a PDE5 inhibitor. This means that tadalafil will inhibit your body’s PDE5 enzyme which is responsible for regulating the way that blood flows into the penis. When using Cialis it is important to bear in mind that sexual stimulation is also required in order for it to work. In this way Cialis will support your relationships and sexual performance.
Cialis is also an effective treatment for symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate.
There are a wide range of factors which can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Some of these include:
- Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and smoking
- Your mental state
- Certain chronic diseases
- Certain injuries or operations
- Emotional stress of anxiety
In some cases, erectile dysfunction is an indicator of other underlying health problems, including:
- Diabetes
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart disease
You should speak to your doctor if you suffer from erectile dysfunction as they will want to assess your situation and perform tests.
People often ask: is Cialis better than Viagra? When you compare one vs. the other, Cialis is often a popular choice, as its effects last for a relatively long duration. The effects of Viagra, for example, last around four hours while Levitra lasts for twelve. On the other hand, Cialis lasts for 36 hours which is why it is known as the ‘weekend pill’. It is important to note that you will not have a continuous erection for 36 hours, they will only occur during regular sexual arousal.
There are other alternative tablet based medications for treating erectile dysfunction which can be purchased in a wide range of sizes and strengths. Some of these include:
- Viagra
- Sildenafil
- Levitra
- Spedra
Vitaros cream is also an available treatment for those who cannot use oral medication.
Read about Cialis vs Viagra here.
It is important to familiarise yourself with the various strengths that Cialis is available in:
Generally, most men will start using a 10 mg dosage roughly an hour before required. If this dose seems to work very effectively then following doses may be lowered to 5mg for a trial period. Likewise if the 10 mg dose is not effective, you will be able to increase the dose to 20 mg.
No benefit will be gained by using a higher dose than is necessary. It is important to trial each strength multiple times before switching in order to fully make sure that it doesn’t work.
The effectiveness of Cialis is usually consistent and predictable - if it works once then it will work again. Depending on the cause of your erectile dysfunction you may need to undergo other therapies such as injections or penile implants.
It is possible that your erectile dysfunction might need a specialist treatment aside from a course of Cialis. If your erectile dysfunction is as a result of a psychological problem, for example, then counselling might be required.
As erectile dysfunction can be a distressing time, it is recommended that all men visit their doctor for a full and thorough assessment.
Cialis is the first ED drug that has been approved by the FDA for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH often causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as a constant need to go, and usually affects men above the age of 50. Cialis is now prescribed to counteract the symptoms of BPH, which it does by relaxing the muscle cells in the bladder and prostate. Studies have shown that men who take just 5 mg of Cialis per day see improvements in both ED and BPH symptoms.
For those prescribed the typical 10-20 mg dosage of Cialis, you should expect to pay around £45 for a pack of 4 tablets – or just over £11 per tablet. Viagra and Levitra both work out slightly cheaper, but since Cialis lasts for a longer period of time, some men may consider it worth the extra cost. The Independent Pharmacy offers free standard tracked delivery on orders over £40.
Generic Cialis is not available yet, but it could be within the year. Generic Cialis will become available under the name Tadalafil, and may be cheaper as a result of being generic rather than branded – in a similar way to branded Viagra vs. generic Sildenafil. However, users should always be wary about buying fake or generic medicines online, when not purchasing through a trusted and regulated supplier. If you are not asked for a prescription, or offered a secure means of getting one (such as through an online doctor service), then there is reason to be concerned about the product you are getting. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Certain other drugs should not be taken in combination with Cialis. It should also not be combined with alcohol, as this can worsen the side effects. You should always consult a doctor (online or otherwise) before taking Cialis, especially if you suffer from any of the following:
Pulmonary Disease
Renal Dysfunction
Cardiovascular DiseaseYour doctor or pharmacist will be able to go into detail about which medications and ingredients are known to interact with Cialis, and tell you what to avoid. They include (but are not limited to):
Amyl nitrite
Boceprevir
Hydralazine
Isosorbide
Nitroglycerin
Riociguat
TelaprevirCialis has been effective when used by most men. In clinical trials, after 36 hours, men who had used Cialis 10mg or 20mg were 88% more likely to have had successful intercourse at least once compared to men who did not take Cialis (source).
20 mg is the maximum dosage of Cialis and should not be exceeded. Rather than taking more pills, it’s recommended you up your dosage.
Tadalafil (the active ingredient) stays active in the body for up to 36 hours. Remember that Cialis only works to produce an erection when you are sufficiently sexually stimulated.
Yes, but you will have to undertake a short medical consultation with an online doctor first, as Cialis is only available on prescription in the UK.
Yes, it is (at least in the UK). This means that you should have a short medical consultation before ordering your pills online, or see your local GP or doctor. You should not buy unlicensed ED treatments like Kamagra off websites.
Whether you take Cialis 10mg, or Cialis 20mg, the treatment will start to work about half an hour after taking the pill. The effect wears off after about 36 hours.
We stock 13 other treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Visit our Erectile Dysfunction (ED) page for treatments, advice and FAQs.
Ordering as easy as 1, 2, 3...
- Find the ideal treatment
We can provide over 1078 leading medicines to treat over 90 conditions.
- Get a free consultation
Our qualified healthcare professionals will assess your condition and needs.
- Enjoy our speedy delivery
And when the time comes to re-order, it'll only take a couple of clicks.
Authored by
Andy is a co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director at The Independent Pharmacy.
Reviewed by
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.
Need something else?
Or browse all treatments or conditions