In this article, we'll take you through the similarities and differences between Cialis and its active ingredient tadalafil. We'll discuss how tadalafil works, what sets Cialis apart from other ED medications, its benefits, and what the potential side effects are.
Cialis is a brand name for tadalafil, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and the symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection, also known as impotence, in men. It is often the sign of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. BPH is when the prostate gland becomes enlarged, which can lead to urinary problems and anxiety in men.
As the name implies, Cialis and tadalafil come from the same medication. This means that Cialis is used to treat both erectile dysfunction and BPH. In fact, the active ingredient in Cialis is called tadalafil, which is found in both brand names. While these medications work in the same way, they are fundamentally different medications.
Cialis and tadalafil are two medications used to treat ED. While tadalafil belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, Cialis came into being as an oral medication for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
By lowering blood flow to the penis, tadalafil helps men achieve and maintain an erection. Tadalafil is also used to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), which is a high blood pressure in the lungs that often leads to death. By lowering blood flow, tadalafil helps lower blood pressure, which is also the symptom of BPH.
When you take Cialis, it works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow and a firmer erection. On the other hand, tadalafil is usually only effective for treating ED when taken as prescribed. When taken at the same time, Cialis can be taken with or without food.
Cialis and tadalafil are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They work by blocking the enzyme PDE5, which is responsible for breaking down a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is needed to pump blood to the muscles in the blood vessels in the penis.
By preventing the breakdown of cGMP, tadalafil helps dilate the blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow and a stronger erection. However, tadalafil has a longer half-life, which means that it is metabolized by the liver and can have side effects in some individuals.
Like all medications, Cialis can cause side effects. However, more serious side effects may occur in some individuals. In these cases, it's important to tell your healthcare provider immediately.
Although tadalafil may be a safer medication than Cialis, it can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of tadalafil include:
Other potential side effects of tadalafil may include:
It's important to talk to your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. If you do experience these, see a doctor right away.
Whether you can take Tadalafil at the same time as your other medications will depend on which medications you are taking.
You are required to complete a short medical consultation questionnaire that asks for any medications that you are prescribed from your GP and will indicate the medications that can’t be taken alongside Tadalafil.
There are several medicines which should not be taken concurrently with Tadalafil. Medicines which can have potentially serious interactions with Tadalafil include :-
• Any alpha-blocker medicines e.g. doxazosin (Cardura), alfuzosin (Xatral), tamsulosin, terazosin, or Flomax, that you can buy in the pharmacy. (These medicines may be used to treat prostate problems or high blood pressure).
• Isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, or use a GTN spray or tablets
for chest pain or use Rectogesic ointment?
• Nicorandil (Ikorel), used to treat angina
• Cimetidine, used to treat stomach or duodenal (peptic) ulcers
• Theophylline, used to treat asthma
• Antibiotics:- Clarithromycin, Erythromycin and Telithromycin
• Anti-fungals such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Seizure medication:- carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone
• Heart or blood pressure medication:- disopyramide, amiodarone, quinidine and procainamide
• Anti-viral medication:- telaprevir, atazanavir, retonavir, indinavir, saquinavir and cobicistat
• Recreational drugs:- amyl nitrate (poppers)
If you are taking any prescribed medication from your GP then you can simply write those in the “Is there any other medical information that you think our doctor should know?” section on the medical questionnaire. Then, our doctor will know whether the Tadalafil is safe for you to take.
Read available consultation questionnaire information online for “Tadalafil for Men”You are required to answer the before and after questions about any medicines, includingTadalafil for Men’s Health questions. Any medicines that you are taking should not be taken alongside Tadalafil. Any medicines that you are taking should be taken on a daily basis.
We will beat this into the bloodstream if there is a vein in the patient’s body which could potentially cause an erection if it becomes difficult to produce one.
How to ask medical questionnaire to askTadalafil for Men’s HealthBefore you are treated with Tadalafil for Men’s HealthYou are required to read the patient information that comes with the packaging. Be sure to read this before taking this medicine if you have a atrial fibrillation or a non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy you may have experienced before your medicine is taken.
Do not take Tadalafil for Men’s Health if you are being treated with alpha-blockers e.g. (Cialis, Levitra, Vardenafil)
You are required to answer the before and after questions about any medicinal items, includingTadalafil for Men’s Health questions. You are asked to read the information about medicinal items they contain.
Last updated 14 September 2023
On 14 March 2023, the UK Medicines regulator approved an application to reclassify the erectile dysfunction medication Cialis. When marketed asCialis Together(tadalafil 10mg), it will be a ‘P’ (pharmacy) medication, and so available ‘over the counter’ in pharmacies – see. This follows the 2018, ‘P’ classification of (sildenafil 50mg) which has been available OTC, without a prescription, since then.
This decision is good news for men’s health …. Erectile dysfunction can be a debilitating condition, so it’s important men feel they have fast access to quality and legitimate care
Dr Laura Squire, MHRA’s Chief Officer for Healthcare, Quality and Access
Unfortunately, there is a strong black market in the UK for ED medicines, which are often unlicensed or counterfeit. UK Border Force and the MHRA seize millions of pounds of these fake products from criminals annually. This new classification of tadalafil 10mg will enable men who suffer from ED to obtain it safely from a local pharmacy.
Sanofi, the drug manufacturer, is expected to launch Cialis Together later in 2023. Cialis Together will be available to purchase in pharmacies without a prescription by men over 18 with erectile dysfunction. Cialis Together tablets will contain 10mg tadalafil and the maximum pack size will be 8 tablets. Other doses and pack sizes of Cialis and tadalafil will still be available on prescription through doctors and specially trained pharmacists. Before purchase in a pharmacy there must be an assessment with a pharmacist, who will check that Cialis Together is appropriate and safe, or whether consultation with a GP is necessary.
Men suffering with ED will have another treatment option with the convenience of purchasing it in their local pharmacy, including pharmacies found inside supermarkets (eg. Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s). The pharmacist will ask some health questions, may check blood pressure, and will advise on treatment with Cialis Together or Viagra Connect, or the need to consult a GP. Pharmacies usually have a private room for such discussions.
Cialis Together is a 10mg tadalafil product for use at least 30 minutes prior to anticipated sexual activity. Its effects can last. It is not recommended for daily use. The maximum recommended dose of Cialis Together will be one tablet in 24 hours. Prescription Cialis and tadalafil will still be available at different doses.
Dr Fox welcomes the wider access to ED medication for men that Cialis Together classified as a ‘P’ OTC medication will provide. We at Dr Fox are aware of the difficulties men have in discussing ED with their GPs and in accessing ED medication. We know that Cialis is effective and safe for most men and this change provides another option for obtaining ED treatment. Pharmacists are health professionals who are able to give ED advice but they will also know when to refer men who would benefit from a doctor’s assessment. ‘P’ medicines can also be supplied on prescription, and we will offer Cialis Together, when available, alongside our other competitively priced ED products.
Dr Claire Pugh, Dr Fox Medical Director
In the UK have 3 categories:
1.Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate): Cialis and nitrates both lower blood pressure. Taking them together can cause a significant and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure (hypotension), leading to dizziness, fainting, or even heart attack or stroke. It is contraindicated to use Cialis with nitrates or recreational "poppers" (amyl nitrites).
2.Alpha-blockers (e.g., prazosin, terazosin, tamsulosin): Both Cialis and alpha-blockers relax blood vessels, which can lead to excessive blood pressure reduction when used together. This may result in dizziness, fainting, or orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing). If needed, your doctor may adjust the dosage or recommend spacing the medications.
3.Other antihypertensive drugs (e.g., atenolol, propranolol, enalapril, lisinopril): Cialis can enhance the blood-pressure-lowering effects of these medications. While this interaction is usually less severe than with nitrates or alpha-blockers, it can still cause dizziness or fainting in sensitive individuals. Close monitoring of blood pressure is recommended.
Cialis (tadalafil) can interact with certain foods and beverages, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Here are the key drug-food interactions to be aware of:
Cialis (tadalafil) can interact with certain foods and beverages, possibly altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Here are the key drug-food Interactions:
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