Erectile dysfunction treatment
Tadalafil tablets
Tadalafil is the generic form of Cialis. It relaxes the blood vessels supplying the penis so you can get and keep an erection when sexually aroused, with a much longer window of action than sildenafil.
- Starts working in about 30 minutes
- Effects can last up to 36 hours
- Available as an as-needed or low daily dose
Available doses
$24
Subscribe & Save treatment price
Indicative treatment price for reference. Tadalafil is a prescription-only medicine in Canada; your prescriber determines the appropriate strength and dosing pattern after an assessment.
About tadalafil
What is tadalafil and how does it work?
Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor, the same class as sildenafil and vardenafil. Blocking the PDE5 enzyme relaxes the smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis so more blood can flow in during sexual arousal. Arousal is still required for it to work.
The long-acting option
Its main advantage over sildenafil is duration. A single as-needed dose can remain effective for up to 36 hours, which removes the need to plan sex around a tablet.
How effective is it?
More than 80% of men report firmer, longer-lasting erections. If it does not work the first time, clinicians usually advise trying the same dose several more times.
Same medicine as Cialis
Cialis lost patent exclusivity in 2017, so generic tadalafil contains the identical active ingredient at a lower price.
At a glance
Tadalafil summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A prescription treatment for erectile dysfunction in men |
| Active ingredient | Tadalafil |
| Format | Film-coated tablet, taken as needed or once daily |
| As-needed dose | One 10mg or 20mg tablet about 30 minutes before sex, no more than one in 36 hours |
| Daily dose | One 2.5mg or 5mg tablet at the same time each day |
| How it works | PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis during arousal |
| Duration | Up to 36 hours from a single as-needed dose |
| Strengths | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
| Common side effects | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, back or muscle pain |
How to get tadalafil
Taking the first steps to feeling healthier overall.
Complete a simple assessment
Answer questions about your health, lifestyle, and goals.
Your assessment is reviewed by a clinician
A Canadian-licensed prescriber carefully reviews your assessment to ensure treatment is safe and suitable for you.
Receive discreet delivery
Your medication is dispensed by our registered pharmacy and delivered to your door in plain packaging.
Stay supported
Schedule reviews with our specialist teams to monitor progress and support you throughout your journey.
How to take and dosage
Tadalafil dosage
Tadalafil comes in two dosing patterns: as-needed before sex, or a lower dose taken every day so you are ready at any time.
| Strength | Dosing pattern | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg | Daily | Daily dose when 5mg is more than you need |
| 5mg | Daily | Standard daily dose for men who prefer not to plan around a tablet |
| 10mg | As needed | Common starting dose, taken about 30 minutes before sex |
| 20mg | As needed | Maximum single dose, used when 10mg is not effective |
Never take more than one as-needed tablet in any 36-hour period, and never combine as-needed and daily dosing. Doses may need reducing if you have kidney or liver problems.
How to take tadalafil
As-needed dosing
- Swallow one tablet whole with water
- Take it around 30 minutes before sex
- The window of effect can last up to 36 hours
- Maximum one dose in 36 hours
Daily dosing
- Take one 2.5mg or 5mg tablet at the same time every day
- Levels build up over several days, so allow up to a week for full effect
- Useful if you have sex more than twice a week
- Maximum daily dose is 5mg
Food and alcohol
Tadalafil can be taken with or without food, though a heavy meal may slow how quickly it starts working. Alcohol can make erections harder to achieve and worsen dizziness and headache.
Missed doses
If you are on daily tadalafil and miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due. Never double up. As-needed doses have no missed-dose schedule.
Side effects
Tadalafil is well tolerated by most men. Side effects are usually mild and tend to ease with continued use.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Flushing and warm skin
- Blocked or runny nose
- Indigestion or nausea
- Back pain or muscle aches, often 12 to 24 hours after a dose
- Dizziness
Seek urgent medical help
- An erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Chest pain during or after sex
Back pain explained
Back and muscle pain is more commonly reported with tadalafil than with other PDE5 inhibitors. It usually appears within a day of dosing and resolves within 48 hours; simple analgesia normally helps.
Reporting side effects
Side effects can be reported to Health Canada through the Canada Vigilance Program. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Eligibility
Erectile dysfunction can be an early marker of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, so our clinicians review your general health alongside your symptoms.
Tadalafil may suit you if
- You are a man aged 18 or over with difficulty getting or keeping an erection
- You want a longer window of effect and less planning around a tablet
- You have sex more than twice a week and would prefer a low daily dose
- Your blood pressure and cardiovascular health are stable
Do not take tadalafil if you
- Take nitrates such as glyceryl trinitrate or isosorbide, or recreational poppers (amyl nitrite)
- Take riociguat for pulmonary hypertension
- Have had a heart attack in the last 3 months or a stroke in the last 6 months
- Have uncontrolled high or very low blood pressure, or unstable angina
- Have severe liver disease or severe kidney impairment
- Have had non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
Important safety information
Interactions to flag
- Nitrates and nitric oxide donors — risk of a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin or doxazosin — risk of dizziness and fainting
- Some HIV protease inhibitors and azole antifungals raise tadalafil levels
- Never combine tadalafil with another ED medicine
Tadalafil and prostate symptoms
Tadalafil 5mg daily is also used to treat the urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Tell your prescriber if you are being treated for prostate problems so doses are not duplicated.
Buy from a licensed pharmacy
Counterfeit ED tablets are widespread online. Miva dispenses from a Canadian-registered pharmacy against a valid prescription issued after a clinical assessment.
When to see your own doctor
Arrange a face-to-face appointment if ED came on suddenly, follows surgery or injury, or comes with chest pain, breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance.
Tadalafil vs sildenafil
Both are effective PDE5 inhibitors. The practical difference is how long they last and how you prefer to plan.
Choose tadalafil if
- You want spontaneity over a longer window
- You have sex more than twice a week and would consider a daily dose
- You also have urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate
Choose sildenafil if
- You have sex less often and prefer a short-acting tablet
- You want the lowest-cost option
- You experienced back pain or prolonged side effects with tadalafil
Rated excellent
47,000+ verified customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 47,000 reviews.
AI generated summary
Reviewers overwhelmingly report a great experience. Customers praise the efficiency and professionalism of the service, a straightforward ordering process, fast and reliable delivery, and a support team that is helpful, responsive and genuinely guiding.
Verified
Their service is exceptional
Their service is exceptional, very thorough, and efficient.
Verified
Best online pharmacy I have ever used
They are so supportive, efficient and reactive. Will definitely use again in the future.
Verified
Very reputable company
I was assessed by a doctor before any decision was made. It proves you are a reputable company. It arrived in a padded box with a cool pack, and my order went through nice and smooth.
Verified
The experience has been life changing
I have lost a significant amount of weight and I'm not hungry, so I'm not overeating. The support along the way has kept me going.
Verified
Fast, efficient and knowledgeable
Miva has seen me through my weight loss journey. The service is quick, but there is always knowledgeable support in the background.
Verified
Quick and simple
Filled out an in-depth questionnaire, uploaded images and the prescription was dispatched within the hour. Very detailed how-to-use guide.
Our expert team
Our clinical team of doctors, pharmacists, dietitians and health coaches supports you at every stage. Join over 1,000,000 Canadian patients who trust Miva with their health.
Abdal Alvi
Chief Clinical Officer
MPharm, IP, MRPharmS
Laura Perez
Clinical Nutrition Lead
BSc (Hons), MSc, MSc
Aamina Rafiq
Superintendent Pharmacist
MPharm
Ayisha Mushtaq
Registered Associate Nutritionist
MSc Human Nutrition
Zahra Qureshi
Clinical Pharmacist
MPharm, IP
Richard Wood
Pharmacist
BSc (Hons)
Rebekkah Shaw
Patient Care Lead
BSc (Hons)
Jane Miller
Registered Dietitian
MSc, RD
Tadalafil frequently asked questions
Related treatments
Medically reviewed by
Aamina Rafiq
Superintendent Pharmacist
This page has been reviewed by our clinical team to ensure it is clear, accurate and up to date. Last updated: 10 February 2026.
Join the Miva list
Sign up now
Leave your email and we’ll let you know the moment consultations open, plus early access to Miva treatment pricing.
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time. We never share your details.
Start your tadalafil assessment
Complete your assessment today and a Canadian-licensed clinician will review it, often within 2 hours.