Tadalafil, better known by its brand name Cialis®, is an FDA-approved prescription drug for erectile dysfunction (ED) first introduced by Eli Lilly and Co in 2003. It’s known for being the ED drug with the longest-lasting duration of effects, clocking in at 36 hours. In comparison, sildenafil (Viagra®) lasts only for up to four to six hours.
Like most other ED treatments, tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Tadalafil is also used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Tadalafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension (20 mg) is marketed by Eli Lilly as Adcirca®.
Tadalafil works by giving a boost to blood flow to the erectile tissues of your penis. Upon sexual stimulation and arousal, tadalafil allows you to produce and keep an erection more easily.
Tadalafil has been proven to be a safe, suitable treatment for most individuals across age groups and backgrounds.
How and when do I take tadalafil?
Only take tadalafil as prescribed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Tadalafil is available in different doses. Swallow the tablet whole with water. You can take tadalafil with or without food.
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How much tadalafil do I take for erectile dysfunction?
Tadalafil is usually taken before engaging in sexual activity. Take a tablet at least 30 minutes to an hour before you intend to be sexually active. Regardless of how you perceive tadalafil’s effects (e.g., whether you experience its effects or not), do not take more than one tablet daily.
In general, the starting tadalafil dose most doctors prescribe for ED patients is 10 mg. This dose may be increased or reduced based on how well you respond to it and how frequently you use it.
Moreover, since tadalafil has a longer effect (up to 36 hours), it isn’t generally recommended to take 10 mg or 20 mg doses daily.
If your doctor has prescribed you tadalafil daily, you will generally be given the 2.5 mg dose.
Also, tadalafil doesn’t cause erections just by using it on its own – you need to be sexually stimulated and aroused for you to feel its full erection-boosting effects.
What are the dosage options for tadalafil for erectile dysfunction (ED)?
For patients with ED, tadalafil may be prescribed on a daily or as-needed basis. Here’s what you need to know:
- Daily tadalafil. Daily tadalafil, as the name implies, is taken once a day, comes in lower doses ranging from 2.5 to 5 mg, and is intended to build up in your system over time. This allows men to be ready for sexual activity at any time rather than planning their sexual engagements ahead of time.
- As-needed tadalafil. Tadalafil, prescribed on an as-needed or episodic basis, is taken whenever you need a little boost, so you can be ready for some action whenever you need to be. Episodic doses of tadalafil can be taken 30 minutes to an hour before having sex, whose effects are expected to last up to 36 hours. As-needed doses of tadalafil are given at higher doses ranging from 5 mg, 10 mg, to 20 mg; as such, it’s advisable to refrain from using as-needed tadalafil for consecutive days or more than just once per day.
Read the information packet with your medicine carefully if you have a prescription for tadalafil, as the dosage instructions may vary.
How much tadalafil do I take for prostate enlargement?
For cases of benign prostate hyperplasia, tadalafil tablets are prescribed at 2.5 mg or 5 mg doses taken once a day.
While taking tadalafil for BPH in the morning or evening is possible, it’s best to take it at a set time every day.
If you experience any unpleasant side effects, your doctor might reduce your dosage.
Patients simultaneously being treated for ED and BPH are usually given doses of 5 mg taken daily.
How much tadalafil do I take for pulmonary arterial hypertension?
PAH patients have usually been prescribed tadalafil at 20 mg.
The usual dosage for PAH patients is 40 mg, broken down into two 20 mg daily doses.
Depending on your medical background, and if you have pre-existing conditions affecting your kidney or liver, your doctor might put you on a 10 mg or 20 mg dose.
What happens if I take too much tadalafil?
Like any other medicine, taking too much tadalafil may cause unpleasant side effects such as:
- dizziness
- headaches
- upset stomach
- indigestion
- nasal congestion
- changes in visual/auditory perception (such as blurred vision or ringing in the ears)
Side effects generally subside when you stop taking the drug. Concerned about potential side effects from taking too much tadalafil? Consult your doctor.
One in 100 patients taking tadalafil may experience these common side effects, and the chances of experiencing side effects increase when taking more potent doses.
If the following side effects begin bothering you or do not subside, consult your doctor or pharmacist:
- nausea
- headaches
- flushing or redness
- indigestion
- nasal congestion
- back and muscle pain
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What are the serious side effects of tadalafil?
Severe side effects are rare, with one in 1000 patients experiencing them; nevertheless, it’s important to be wary of them:
Stop taking tadalafil and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- chest pain (angina) – if you feel chest pains during or after sex, try to relax and move into a semi-seated position. Do not take nitrates for angina when taking tadalafil.
- priapism – if you have a prolonged, painful erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical attention.
- drastic, sudden changes in hearing or eyesight
- a severe skin reaction involving hives raised red patches, or swelling around the eyes and/or face
- convulsions, fits, or seizures
- serious allergic reactions that might lead to anaphylactic shock
The bottom line on tadalafil and its uses
Tadalafil is an unquestionably effective drug with excellent success rates in treating erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
But as with any prescription medicine, it does have its side effects.
Regardless, tadalafil remains one of the most popular treatments for ED, because of its longer duration of action, the spontaneity it allows ED patients and the numerous dosing options that set it apart from other PDE5 inhibitors drugs of its kind.
That said, tadalafil may cause negative reactions to alcohol or drugs like nitrates, alpha-blockers, or antihypertensives. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to consult your doctor and let them know any existing medical conditions, supplements, or medicines you are taking, as well as recreational drugs, before taking tadalafil. Your doctor will help you determine whether tadalafil is a suitable treatment option based on your medical history.
