Sildalis (Sildenafil Citrate 100 mg + Tadalafil 20 mg) — Patient Information (UK)
Sildalis is an oral medicine used to help men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It combines two active ingredients: sildenafil citrate and tadalafil. Together, these medicines can support achieving and maintaining an erection when sexual stimulation is present.
This page provides practical, patient-friendly information about how Sildalis works, when it can be taken, what to expect, important safety considerations, and how it fits into typical UK care pathways.
Basic product information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product name | Sildalis |
| Active ingredients | Sildenafil citrate 100 mg + Tadalafil 20 mg |
| Medicine type | Phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 inhibitor combination |
| How it’s taken | By mouth (tablets) |
| When it’s used | For erectile dysfunction (ED), in men able to receive PDE5 inhibitors |
Important: The combination strength (100 mg sildenafil + 20 mg tadalafil) is high. Many men will need a more tailored approach depending on age, other medicines, and health conditions. If you have any concerns, discuss them with a healthcare professional before use.
How Sildalis works (mechanism of action)
Erection depends on increased blood flow to the penis. PDE5 inhibitors help by relaxing smooth muscle and supporting blood flow in response to sexual stimulation.
- Sildenafil and tadalafil both inhibit PDE5, an enzyme that breaks down cGMP.
- When PDE5 is blocked, cGMP stays higher for longer, helping blood vessels relax and allowing improved erectile function.
- These medicines are not aphrodisiacs; they generally require sexual stimulation to work.
Using sildenafil and tadalafil together combines medicines with different onset and duration characteristics, which may suit some users’ preferences for timing and “coverage” across a sexual window.
Pharmacokinetics (how the body handles the medicines)
“Pharmacokinetics” describes absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. While exact figures can vary by individual, the following is a practical overview for understanding timing and effects.
-
Sildenafil
- Typically begins to work within about 30–60 minutes.
- Effects often last for several hours, commonly up to around 4 hours (varies by person).
- Metabolised primarily in the liver (CYP enzymes), with effects reduced by strong inhibitors of metabolism.
-
Tadalafil
- Often begins to work within about 30–60 minutes.
- Effects can last longer than sildenafil, often up to 24–36 hours (sometimes described as a “longer window”).
- Also metabolised via liver pathways (CYP enzymes), and interactions can be significant.
Because this product combines both, you may notice both earlier effects (from sildenafil) and more prolonged responsiveness (from tadalafil). Your experience can be influenced by age, liver and kidney function, and interaction with other medicines.
Typical use in ED (indications and when it may help)
Sildalis is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men who can take PDE5 inhibitors safely. It helps improve the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
ED can have many causes, including vascular conditions, diabetes, stress and anxiety, hormonal changes, neurological factors, and side effects of other medicines. PDE5 inhibitors treat the blood-flow component; they do not address every underlying cause.
When to take Sildalis (timing and onset)
Timing can affect how well you feel the benefit. In general:
- Consider taking it approximately 30–60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Because tadalafil can last longer, you may still have erectile support later in the day after taking the tablet.
- Effects generally require sexual stimulation.
If you are new to PDE5 inhibitors or have not used sildenafil/tadalafil before, start cautiously the first time (see “Practical use tips” below). Your clinician may advise a different approach based on your individual risk factors and tolerance.
Dosing guidance
This product contains a fixed combination strength: sildenafil citrate 100 mg + tadalafil 20 mg. Do not adjust doses by mixing multiple products unless advised by a healthcare professional.
- For most users, this type of ED medicine is used as needed before sexual activity.
- Do not take more than one dose within a 24-hour period.
- If you miss a dose, do not take extra to make up for it.
Critical safety note: Combining sildenafil and tadalafil at high strength increases the likelihood of side effects and interactions. If you have heart disease, low blood pressure, a history of stroke, or take nitrate medicines, you must seek medical advice before using PDE5 inhibitors.
Food interactions (including fatty meals)
Food can influence absorption, particularly for sildenafil. In practical terms:
- A heavy or high-fat meal may delay the onset of effect for sildenafil.
- If you want more predictable onset, consider taking the medicine with a lighter meal or on a relatively empty stomach.
- Tadalafil may be less affected by food than sildenafil, but individual responses vary.
If you notice reduced effectiveness after meals, try taking it earlier relative to eating next time (while keeping within safe dosing guidance).
Alcohol and medicine interactions
Alcohol
Alcohol can worsen erectile dysfunction by affecting blood flow and sexual performance, and it may increase dizziness or lower blood pressure. For best results:
- Keep alcohol intake moderate.
- Avoid binge drinking, especially if you feel light-headed after PDE5 inhibitors.
- If you experience headache, flushing, dizziness, or faintness, stop alcohol and seek advice.
Medicines that must not be combined
Some medicines can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure or other severe effects when used with PDE5 inhibitors. Do not use Sildalis if you take:
- Nitrates (for chest pain/angina), such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate
- “Poppers” containing amyl nitrite or similar substances
- Certain drugs that increase nitric oxide in a way that can cause unsafe blood-pressure changes
If you are not sure whether your medicines contain nitrates, check the label or ask a pharmacist.
Common interaction concerns
Several medicines can alter how sildenafil or tadalafil are metabolised, increasing side effects or reducing effectiveness. Discuss before use if you take any of the following:
- Alpha-blockers used for prostate symptoms or hypertension (e.g., tamsulosin, doxazosin). This can increase dizziness/low blood pressure.
- Antifungal medicines (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- HIV medicines protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir-based regimens)
- Some antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin) and other CYP inhibitors
- Rifampicin and certain inducers that may reduce effectiveness
- Other ED medicines or other PDE5 inhibitors (avoid double dosing)
Blood pressure and heart medicines
- PDE5 inhibitors can cause mild reductions in blood pressure.
- Caution is needed if you take multiple antihypertensives or have baseline low blood pressure.
- If you have heart conditions, the safety of sexual activity and PDE5 use should be considered with a clinician.
Safety profile and possible side effects
Like all medicines, Sildalis can cause side effects. Many are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Flushing (warmth, redness)
- Dizziness
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain or muscle aches (more typical of tadalafil-related effects)
- Visual disturbance (e.g., blurred vision or increased light sensitivity)
Seek urgent medical help if you experience
- Chest pain that doesn’t quickly settle, or symptoms suggesting a heart problem
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or collapse
-
Priapism (an erection lasting 4 hours or more
- Sudden vision loss or sudden hearing changes
These are uncommon but important warnings for PDE5 inhibitors.
Special cautions
- Low blood pressure or a history of fainting
- Serious heart disease or recent cardiac event
- Severe liver or kidney impairment
- Blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia or multiple myeloma
- Anatomical penile problems (e.g., Peyronie’s disease)
If any of these apply, you may need a different dosing strategy or alternative treatment.
Practical use tips (to get the best results safely)
- Start with caution: If you’re new to PDE5 inhibitors, your first experience may be stronger or cause more side effects than you expect. Consider planning the first dose on a day when you can rest.
- Allow time: Take the tablet about 30–60 minutes before sex. If you eat a heavy meal, consider allowing extra time.
- Use only once in 24 hours: Do not take repeated doses the same day.
- Sexual stimulation is required: The medicine helps the response; it doesn’t create arousal by itself.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen headaches and dizziness.
- Avoid nitrates and “poppers” completely: This is a key safety rule for PDE5 inhibitors.
- Don’t combine with other ED medicines: Using multiple PDE5 inhibitors can raise the risk of adverse effects.
- If it doesn’t work: ED can be multifactorial. Don’t keep escalating doses. Consider addressing lifestyle factors (smoking, weight, exercise) and discuss options.
Alternative options for erectile dysfunction (UK overview)
If Sildalis is not suitable or doesn’t suit your lifestyle, there are other treatment options for ED. Options include:
- Single-ingredient PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil alone, tadalafil alone, vardenafil, etc.).
-
Other ED treatments such as:
- Vacuum erection devices
- Intra-cavernosal injections (given under medical guidance)
- Intraurethral therapy
- Hormonal evaluation if low testosterone is suspected
- Psychosexual support if anxiety, stress, or relationship factors contribute.
- Lifestyle measures such as reducing smoking, improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing cardiovascular risk factors.
In many cases, a clinician may recommend starting with a lower-dose PDE5 inhibitor or adjusting timing and food/alcohol patterns before considering alternatives.
Market and legal context in the United Kingdom
In the UK, medicines are regulated under national and EU-retained frameworks. Erectile dysfunction treatments are commonly offered through pharmacy services and private consultations, and some products may be treated as prescription-only depending on strength and formulation. Availability and classification can vary by specific product and packaging.
When buying medicines online, choose reputable providers that:
- Source medicines from licensed wholesalers
- Provide clear product information, active ingredients, strength, and safety guidance
- Have appropriate identity and age checks where required
- Comply with UK medicines legislation and relevant advertising standards
This information page is provided to help you understand the medicine and use it more safely. Always read the leaflet supplied with your product.
Recent guidance and safety updates (practical interpretation)
While guidance can evolve, the key, consistently reinforced safety principles for PDE5 inhibitors remain:
- Never combine PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates due to the risk of severe blood pressure lowering.
- Be cautious with strong CYP inhibitors (some antifungals and HIV medicines) because they can increase PDE5 inhibitor exposure.
- Do not delay urgent care if symptoms like chest pain, sudden vision loss, or priapism occur.
- Use the lowest effective approach: many men may do better with appropriately adjusted dosing rather than high fixed combinations.
If you are taking other medications, or have heart/vascular risk factors, consider speaking with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Delivery and availability (UK)
Availability may vary depending on stock levels and regulatory status. For UK customers, many online pharmacy services aim to provide:
- Discrete, trackable delivery to a UK address
- Clear delivery timelines at checkout
- Secure packaging to protect tablets during transit
Please check the ordering page for: current stock, delivery options, fees, and estimated dispatch dates.
If you need this medicine for a specific date, consider ordering early to avoid delays and account for delivery lead times.
FAQ — Common questions about Sildalis
How long before sex should I take Sildalis?
Many people take it about 30–60 minutes before sexual activity. If you’ve eaten a heavy, high-fat meal, the onset may be delayed. Because tadalafil can last longer, you may still notice benefit later after dosing.
How often can I take Sildalis?
Do not take more than one dose within 24 hours. Using it more frequently increases the risk of side effects and dangerous interactions.
Can I take it with food?
Yes, but a heavy or high-fat meal may delay the onset of sildenafil. For more predictable timing, consider taking it with a lighter meal or not immediately after a large meal.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Sildalis?
Moderate alcohol is generally less risky than heavy drinking, but alcohol can worsen ED and increase dizziness or flushing. Keep alcohol moderate and avoid binge drinking.
What medicines should I avoid?
Avoid PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates (for angina) and “poppers”. Take extra care with alpha-blockers and with medicines that affect liver metabolism (for example, some antifungals, HIV medicines, or clarithromycin). If unsure, check with a pharmacist.
What should I do if I get an erection that lasts too long?
If you have an erection lasting 4 hours or more (priapism), seek urgent medical help. This is a medical emergency.
Will it work every time?
It improves erectile response in many men, but results vary. ED may be influenced by stress, relationship factors, smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and medication side effects. If Sildalis doesn’t help, don’t keep escalating—consider alternative options and get medical advice.
Can women take Sildalis?
This product is intended for men with erectile dysfunction. It is not generally used for women.
Are there any warning signs that mean I should stop?
Stop using PDE5 inhibitors and seek medical advice if you experience chest pain, severe dizziness/fainting, sudden vision or hearing changes, or symptoms suggestive of a serious reaction.
Is Sildalis the same as sildenafil or tadalafil alone?
Not exactly. Sildalis combines both sildenafil and tadalafil in a fixed strength. Single-ingredient products may offer a different onset/duration pattern and may be easier to tailor to your situation.
What if I have kidney or liver problems?
People with significant kidney or liver impairment may be at higher risk of side effects. Your clinician may recommend a different strategy. If you have known liver or kidney disease, do not self-adjust—seek medical advice.
Storage and handling (general guidance)
- Store tablets in the original packaging.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.
- Check the expiry date on the box or blister pack and do not use after expiry.
Key takeaways
- Sildalis combines sildenafil 100 mg and tadalafil 20 mg to support erections in ED.
- It helps only with sexual stimulation; it is not a standalone arousal product.
- Take it roughly 30–60 minutes before sex (food and individual response can change timing).
- Do not combine with nitrates or “poppers”.
- Watch for warning symptoms and seek urgent care if needed.
Always read the package leaflet for the full list of contraindications, side effects, and additional safety information specific to your product.
