Tadalafil in the UK: Uses, Access and Treatment Options

Tadalafil is one of the most widely used medicines for erectile dysfunction (ED) in the UK. It’s also prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension. This guide explains what tadalafil is, how it works, and the various ways UK patients can access it.

What Is Tadalafil?

Tadalafil belongs to a class of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It was originally developed by pharmaceutical companies and is now available as both a branded medicine (Cialis) and as generic tadalafil from multiple manufacturers.

The medication is licensed in the UK for three main uses:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) – difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlarged prostate causing urinary symptoms
Pulmonary arterial hypertension – high blood pressure in the lungs (under specialist care)

This article focuses primarily on tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, which is its most common use.

How Tadalafil Works

Tadalafil works by improving blood flow to specific areas of the body. In the case of erectile dysfunction, it helps relax blood vessels in the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated.

It’s important to understand that tadalafil doesn’t cause an erection on its own – sexual stimulation is still required. The medication simply makes the natural erectile response more reliable.

For more detailed information, see our guide on how tadalafil works.

Accessing Tadalafil in the UK

There are three main pathways to obtaining tadalafil in the UK:

NHS Prescriptions

The NHS can prescribe tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, but availability varies by region and clinical commissioning group (CCG). Some areas restrict NHS prescriptions to men with specific underlying health conditions such as diabetes, prostate cancer, or severe distress.

Your GP will assess whether you’re eligible for NHS-funded treatment. Even if you don’t qualify for NHS funding, your GP can still issue a private prescription that you pay for yourself.

Read more in our article on tadalafil on the NHS vs private prescriptions.

Private GP or Clinic Prescriptions

Many men choose to see a private GP or visit a specialist men’s health clinic. Private consultations typically involve a health assessment, discussion of your medical history, and a prescription if appropriate.

Private prescriptions allow you to choose where to have the medicine dispensed, and you’ll pay the full cost of both the consultation and the medication.

Online Clinics and Pharmacies

Regulated online clinics have become a popular and convenient option. These services typically work as follows:

You complete a detailed medical questionnaire online
A UK-registered doctor or prescriber reviews your answers
If approved, a prescription is issued
The medication is dispensed by a registered UK pharmacy and delivered to your address

Only use online clinics that are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) where applicable. Legitimate services will always require a proper medical assessment – no prescription should be issued without reviewing your health information.

For guidance on choosing safe providers, see our article on how to buy tadalafil online safely in the UK.

Treatment Options: Daily vs On-Demand

Tadalafil can be prescribed in two main ways:

Daily Low-Dose Treatment

Some men take a lower dose (typically 2.5mg or 5mg) every day. This approach means the medication is always in your system, allowing for more spontaneity without having to plan around tablet-taking.

Doctors might suggest daily treatment for men who:

Have sex more than twice a week
Prefer not to plan when they’ll be sexually active
Also have BPH symptoms

Learn more in our guide to tadalafil 5mg daily treatment.

On-Demand Treatment

The alternative is to take a higher dose (usually 10mg or 20mg) roughly 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. The effects can last up to 36 hours, which is why tadalafil is sometimes called “the weekend pill”.

On-demand treatment may suit men who:

Have sex less frequently
Prefer to take medication only when needed
Want the flexibility of a longer duration of action

See our article on tadalafil 10mg and 20mg on-demand treatment for more details.

Who Can Take Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is only available on prescription because it’s not suitable for everyone. A prescriber needs to check:

Your overall health and any existing medical conditions
Other medications you’re taking (some drugs can interact dangerously with tadalafil)
Your cardiovascular health (heart and blood vessels)
Whether you’ve had recent stroke, heart attack, or other serious events

Men taking nitrate medicines (often prescribed for chest pain) must never take tadalafil, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Similarly, certain blood pressure medications and alpha-blockers require careful consideration.

Understanding Side Effects

Like all medicines, tadalafil can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects are usually mild and may include headaches, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, and facial flushing.

Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. These include sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain during or after sex, and erections lasting more than four hours (priapism).

For comprehensive information, read our guide on tadalafil side effects.

Dosage and Duration

The appropriate dose varies between individuals and depends on factors such as age, other medications, kidney or liver function, and how well you respond to treatment.

Tadalafil has a relatively long half-life compared to other ED medications. This means it stays active in the body for an extended period – up to 36 hours for higher doses taken on-demand.

For detailed information about dosing and how long effects last, see our article on tadalafil dosage and duration.

Tadalafil vs Other ED Treatments

Tadalafil is one of several PDE5 inhibitors available in the UK. The main alternatives are sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra).

Each medication has different characteristics in terms of onset time, duration, and how food affects absorption. Some men respond better to one medication than another.

Compare tadalafil with other options in our articles:

Generic vs Branded Tadalafil

Cialis is the original branded version of tadalafil. When the patent expired, other manufacturers began producing generic versions containing the same active ingredient.

Generic tadalafil must meet the same quality, safety, and efficacy standards as the branded version, but it’s usually significantly cheaper. Both branded Cialis and generic tadalafil are widely available in the UK.

Learn more in our article on tadalafil vs Cialis.

Cost Considerations

The price of tadalafil varies considerably depending on:

Whether you use the NHS, private prescription, or online clinic
Whether you choose branded or generic medication
The dose and quantity prescribed
Which provider you use

For current pricing information, see our guide to tadalafil prices in the UK.

Safety and Long-Term Use

Many men take tadalafil regularly over months or years. Research shows that tadalafil can be used long-term when prescribed and monitored appropriately.

However, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your prescriber to:

Ensure the medication is still working effectively
Monitor for any new side effects or health changes
Review any new medications you’re taking
Discuss any underlying health issues that may need attention

Read more about long-term tadalafil use and safety.

Information About This Site

This website provides educational information about tadalafil to help UK patients understand their treatment options. The content here covers:

How tadalafil works and what it’s used for
Different dosing approaches (daily vs on-demand)
Potential side effects and safety considerations
How to access tadalafil through various UK pathways
Comparisons with other ED medications
Guidance on choosing safe providers

You’ll find detailed articles on each of these topics in our articles section.

Important Disclaimers

This website provides information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always:

Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medication
Discuss your individual health circumstances and any concerns with your doctor
Follow the specific advice and dosage instructions provided by your prescriber
Read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication
Seek immediate medical help if you experience serious side effects

Only a qualified healthcare professional who has assessed your individual circumstances can determine whether tadalafil is appropriate for you and what dose you should take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy tadalafil without a prescription in the UK?

No. Tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. Any website claiming to sell it without a prescription is operating illegally and should be avoided. Legitimate online clinics will always require you to complete a medical questionnaire reviewed by a prescriber before issuing a prescription.

How quickly does tadalafil work?

The effects of tadalafil can begin within 30 minutes to an hour, though this varies between individuals. Taking it with a large or high-fat meal may delay absorption. The medication can remain effective for up to 36 hours.

Can I take tadalafil every day?

Yes, but only if prescribed that way by your doctor. Daily tadalafil typically involves lower doses (2.5mg or 5mg) taken at the same time each day. This approach is different from on-demand use and should only be started following medical advice.

Does tadalafil work for everyone?

Tadalafil is effective for many men with ED, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Some men may respond better to alternative medications, or may need to address underlying health issues or psychological factors contributing to their erectile difficulties.

What’s the difference between Cialis and tadalafil?

Cialis is a brand name, and tadalafil is the active ingredient. Generic tadalafil contains the same active substance and works in the same way, but it’s typically less expensive than branded Cialis.

Can I drink alcohol while taking tadalafil?

Small amounts of alcohol are generally considered acceptable, but excessive drinking can increase the risk of side effects and may make it harder to get an erection. For more information, see our article on tadalafil and alcohol.

Next Steps

If you’re considering tadalafil treatment:

Book an appointment with your GP or a private doctor to discuss whether tadalafil might be suitable for you
Be prepared to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any health concerns
If you’re considering an online clinic, research providers carefully and ensure they’re properly regulated
Read the patient information that comes with any medication you’re prescribed
Report any side effects to your prescriber

For more detailed information on specific aspects of tadalafil treatment, explore the other articles on this site.