What Is Cialis Professional?
Cialis Professional is a branded version of the well‑known erectile dysfunction (ED) medication tadalafil. The active ingredient, tadalafil, belongs to the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class and works by relaxing smooth muscle in the penis, allowing increased blood flow when sexual stimulation occurs.
Although marketed under different brand names such as Apcalis SX Oral Jelly or generic Cialis, the pharmacology remains identical. The drug is manufactured by Ajanta Pharma and sold across the United Kingdom through licensed pharmacies and vetted online outlets.
Cialis Professional treats erectile dysfunction in men and is also approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes urinary symptoms in older males. By improving blood flow, it eases both sexual and urinary complaints without affecting other bodily systems.
Forms and Dosages
The product is available primarily in oral jelly sachets, each containing 20 mg of tadalafil. A typical box holds seven sachets, though larger packs (21 or 35 sachets) are offered for long‑term therapy.
- Oral Jelly (20 mg) – Single sachet per dose; no need to split.
- Tablet form – 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg strengths are available for those who prefer tablets. Tablets can be scored at the line but should not be broken into halves due to uneven dosing.
- No injectable or capsule forms are currently sold in the UK market.
Each sachet is designed for oral consumption; you may swallow it whole or dissolve it in a small amount of water. The jelly format offers a quick onset (15‑30 min) and a long duration (up to 36 h).
Who Can Take It?
Cialis Professional is indicated for adult men aged 18 years and older who experience erectile dysfunction. Women are not approved users of tadalafil in the UK, although some clinical studies explore its use for female sexual arousal disorders.
Special caution is advised for:
- Elderly patients – reduced clearance may increase sensitivity to side effects.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women – contraindicated; no safety data available.
- Patients with severe cardiovascular disease – risk of hypotension if combined with nitrates.
How to Take Cialis Professional
Take one sachet orally as needed, preferably 30 minutes before sexual activity. If you prefer a daily regimen, the lower dose (5 mg) can be taken once every 24 hours for continuous coverage.
- With food? No special requirement; food may delay onset slightly but does not reduce efficacy.
- Missed dose? Skip it – do not double up the next day. The drug’s long half‑life ensures that a single missed dose will not compromise performance.
- Treatment duration is typically 12–24 weeks, after which you should reassess with your clinician.
How It Works
Tadalafil blocks the enzyme PDE5 in the corpus cavernosum. Normally, PDE5 breaks down cyclic GMP (cGMP), a molecule that promotes smooth‑muscle relaxation. By inhibiting PDE5, tadalafil preserves cGMP levels, allowing blood vessels to dilate when sexual arousal triggers nitric oxide release.
The result is an easier and longer‑lasting erection without the need for constant stimulation – hence its nickname “weekend pill.”
Contraindications
| Condition | Reason |
|---|---|
| Nitrate or nitrite therapy (e.g., angina) | Can cause severe hypotension. |
| Severe liver impairment | Metabolism may be altered, increasing exposure. |
| Recent myocardial infarction (<3 months) | Risk of cardiac events increases. |
| Hypersensitivity to tadalafil or any excipient | Allergic reaction risk. |
| Severe renal disease (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) | Dosing adjustments required; not recommended. |
Interactions
- Antihypertensives – May augment blood‑pressure lowering effects.
- Grapefruit juice – Inhibits CYP3A4, raising tadalafil levels.
- Alcohol – Enhances side effects such as dizziness and hypotension.
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) – May increase risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulants.
- Blood thinners (warfarin, rivaroxaban) – Potential for increased bleeding; monitor INR closely.
Side Effects
Most common adverse events include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, back pain and nasal congestion. These usually resolve within a few hours.
- Less common: visual disturbances (blurred vision), muscle aches, and rash.
- Serious: priapism (prolonged erection >4 h), sudden vision loss, severe hypotension. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.
Overdose Risks
An accidental intake of more than the prescribed dose may lead to excessive hypotension, dizziness, fainting and in rare cases, cardiac arrhythmias. If you suspect an overdose:
- Call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department.
- Inform medical staff of the exact amount taken and time of ingestion.
Price and Availability
The cost varies with dose strength and quantity. A standard box of seven 20 mg sachets typically ranges from £35 to £45, depending on the retailer. Larger packs offer better value per sachet but require more upfront payment.
Cialis Professional is sold through:
- Licensed UK pharmacies (online or in‑store).
- Reputable prescription‑only online sites such as Medicade.co.uk, which provide home delivery within 48 h.
Buying Drugs without Prescription (UK)
The medication is prescription‑only in the UK; however, certain online pharmacies partner with doctors to issue a valid prescription before shipping. Medicade.co.uk offers this service.
| City | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| London | 24–48 h |
| Manchester | 36–72 h |
| Birmingham | 48–96 h |
| Edinburgh | 48–96 h |
Alternatives
Pharmaceutical:
- Viagra (sildenafil) – shorter duration (~4 h) but faster onset.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) – not for ED but may improve cardiovascular health, indirectly benefiting sexual function.
Natural:
- Panax ginseng (“red ginseng”) – modest improvement in erectile hardness; limited evidence and lower potency.
- L-arginine supplements – boosts nitric oxide but requires high doses with variable efficacy.
Precautions
- Storage: Keep out of reach of children, in a cool dry place; avoid temperatures above 30 °C.
- Dietary restrictions: Avoid grapefruit and large amounts of alcohol when taking tadalafil.
- Before starting therapy: Discuss any heart disease, liver or kidney problems, current medications (especially nitrates, anticoagulants) with your GP.
FAQ
- Can I take Cialis Professional if I have high blood pressure? Yes, but only after consulting a doctor; you may need dose adjustments.
- How long does the effect last? Up to 36 hours; however, sexual stimulation is still required.
- Is it safe for people with diabetes? Generally yes; monitor blood glucose as erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of diabetic complications.
Reviewed by a medical professional: Isabel D White
