Tadalafil Tablets and Pills Explained

Tadalafil is available in the UK in tablet form, used primarily for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This guide explains what you need to know about tadalafil tablets, including strengths, generic versus brand options, and how they’re typically used.

What Are Tadalafil Tablets?

Tadalafil tablets contain the active pharmaceutical ingredient tadalafil, which belongs to a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. These tablets work by helping blood vessels relax, which can improve blood flow to certain areas of the body.

In the UK, tadalafil tablets are prescription-only medicines. They cannot be purchased over the counter without a valid prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.

Available Strengths

Tadalafil tablets are manufactured in several strengths to suit different treatment approaches:

2.5mg: Typically used for daily, low-dose regimens
5mg: Common for both daily use and as-needed treatment
10mg: Standard starting dose for on-demand use
20mg: Higher strength for on-demand use when lower doses prove insufficient

The appropriate strength depends on individual health factors, other medications being taken, and the prescriber’s clinical judgment. Only a qualified healthcare professional can determine the right dose for each person.

Generic vs Brand Name Tablets

Cialis (Brand Name)

Cialis was the original brand name under which tadalafil was marketed. Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Cialis tablets established tadalafil’s reputation as an effective treatment for ED.

Generic Tadalafil

Since the patent expired, numerous pharmaceutical companies now produce generic versions of tadalafil. These generics contain the same active ingredient and must meet the same regulatory standards as the branded version.

Key points about generic tadalafil:

Contains identical active ingredient to Cialis
Must demonstrate bioequivalence to the original
Regulated by the MHRA in the UK
Often significantly less expensive
May have different inactive ingredients (fillers, coatings)
Available from various manufacturers

Common generic tadalafil manufacturers in the UK include Mylan, Teva, Accord, and Crescent Pharma, among others.

Packaging and Appearance

Tadalafil tablets vary in appearance depending on the manufacturer. Common characteristics include:

Usually round or oval shaped
Colours may include yellow, orange, or white
Often film-coated for easier swallowing
Marked with dosage strength and manufacturer codes
Packaged in blister packs or bottles

The appearance of generic tablets differs between manufacturers, but this doesn’t affect their efficacy or safety.

Daily vs On-Demand Tablets

While the active ingredient is the same, tadalafil tablets are prescribed using two different approaches:

Daily Regimen

Lower-strength tablets (2.5mg or 5mg) taken once daily at approximately the same time each day. This approach provides continuous treatment rather than on-demand use.

On-Demand Use

Higher-strength tablets (10mg or 20mg) taken before anticipated sexual activity. This approach doesn’t require daily medication but needs advance planning.

Doctors choose between these regimens based on individual circumstances, frequency of sexual activity, and patient preference.

Storage and Handling

Proper storage of tadalafil tablets ensures they remain effective:

Store at room temperature (below 25°C)
Keep in original packaging to protect from moisture
Keep out of reach of children
Do not use past the expiry date
Dispose of unused medication properly through a pharmacy

Medical Supervision Is Essential

All use of tadalafil tablets must be under medical supervision. This requirement exists because:

Healthcare professionals need to assess whether tadalafil is suitable given other health conditions
Some medications interact dangerously with tadalafil
Certain cardiovascular conditions may make tadalafil unsafe
Regular monitoring may be needed for long-term use
The underlying cause of ED may require different treatment

Never take tadalafil tablets that haven’t been prescribed for you specifically, and never share your medication with others.

Getting Tadalafil Tablets in the UK

Legitimate routes to obtain tadalafil tablets include:

NHS prescription: Through your GP if you meet NHS criteria
Private prescription: Through a private doctor or specialist clinic
Regulated online clinics: UK-registered services with qualified prescribers
High street pharmacies: With a valid prescription

All these routes require a medical consultation and prescription. Any website or service offering tadalafil without proper medical oversight should be avoided.

For more information about obtaining tadalafil safely, see our guide on buying tadalafil online in the UK.

Quality and Safety Assurance

In the UK, all legitimate tadalafil tablets are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This regulation ensures:

Manufacturing standards are maintained
Active ingredient content is accurate
Quality control processes are followed
Packaging and labeling meet requirements
Supply chains are secure

Always purchase from registered UK pharmacies to ensure you receive genuine, quality-controlled medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are generic tadalafil tablets as effective as Cialis?

Yes. Generic tadalafil tablets must demonstrate bioequivalence to branded Cialis, meaning they deliver the same amount of active ingredient to the bloodstream. Regulatory authorities require this proof before approving generic versions.

Can I split tadalafil tablets to adjust my dose?

Only split tablets if your doctor specifically instructs you to do so and the tablets are scored for splitting. Many tadalafil tablets are film-coated and shouldn’t be split. Always follow your prescriber’s directions exactly.

How long do tadalafil tablets remain effective after opening the package?

Tadalafil tablets typically remain stable until the expiry date printed on the packaging, provided they’re stored correctly. Once you open a blister pack, use the tablet promptly. Don’t store tablets removed from their packaging for extended periods.

What should I do if my tadalafil tablets look different than usual?

If you receive tadalafil tablets that look different from what you expected, check with your pharmacist before taking them. Different manufacturers produce tablets with varying appearances, but your pharmacist can confirm you’ve received the correct medication.

Can I buy tadalafil tablets from any online pharmacy?

No. Only purchase from UK-registered online pharmacies that require a genuine medical consultation and prescription. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) maintains a register of legitimate online pharmacies. Unregulated websites may sell counterfeit or dangerous products.

Do I need to take tadalafil tablets with food?

Tadalafil tablets can be taken with or without food. Unlike some other ED medications, food doesn’t significantly affect how tadalafil is absorbed. However, excessive alcohol intake may reduce effectiveness and increase side effect risk.

To learn more about tadalafil treatment options, visit our other guides:

What Is Tadalafil? - Basic introduction to this medication
How Does Tadalafil Work? - Mechanism of action explained
Tadalafil Side Effects - Safety information and common reactions