It's important to take this medicine as advised by a doctor or pharmacist to ensure its effectiveness and your safety.
If you have a private prescription for tadalafil, be sure to carefully read the accompanying information that comes with your medicine, as the strength and dosage instructions can vary significantly based on individual needs.
Dosage and strength
Tadalafil is available in various strengths, including 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets to accommodate different treatment needs.
Dose for erectile dysfunction
The typical dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is usually 10mg when you are planning to engage in sexual activity. It is crucial not to exceed more than 1 tablet a day to avoid potential complications.
Your prescribing doctor may adjust your dose based on how effectively the medication works for you and how frequently you utilize it.
Please note that the effects of tadalafil may persist for longer than 24 hours, hence it is generally not recommended to take the 10mg or 20mg tablets on a daily basis.
To ensure the tablet works effectively, it is necessary to be sexually aroused; without this, the medication may not yield the desired results.
Dose for benign prostate enlargement
For patients dealing with an enlarged prostate, tadalafil is available in strengths of 2.5mg or 5mg tablets. The standard dose is typically 5mg, taken once a day for optimal results.
If you are concurrently being treated for both benign prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction, the recommended dose remains at 5mg.
Dose for pulmonary hypertension
In cases of pulmonary hypertension, tadalafil is prescribed in the form of 20mg tablets.
The usual therapy dose is 40mg, which can be achieved by taking two 20mg tablets once daily.
If you have any existing kidney or liver issues, your healthcare provider may decide to lower the initial dose to 10mg or 20mg to ensure your safety.
When taking your tablets, it is advisable to swallow them whole with a glass of water or juice; however, grapefruit juice should be avoided as it can interact negatively with the medication.
For those using tadalafil to address erectile dysfunction, it is recommended to take 1 tablet at least 30 minutes prior to the anticipated sexual activity to allow the medicine to take effect.
If you are using tadalafil for prostate enlargement, you can choose to take your tablet in either the morning or evening, although it is best practice to maintain a consistent time each day for optimal effectiveness.
Please be aware that tadalafil tablets designed for pulmonary hypertension are relatively large and may pose difficulties for some individuals when swallowing.
If you forget to take it
If you happen to miss a dose of tadalafil, here’s what you should do:
- benign prostate enlargement – take your dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your usual schedule without doubling up on doses
- pulmonary hypertension – if you remember the missed dose within 8 hours, take it; however, if it has been more than 8 hours, skip that dose and proceed to take the next dose as scheduled
It is essential never to take 2 doses simultaneously, nor should you take an extra dose to compensate for one that was forgotten.
If you find that you frequently forget doses, setting an alarm to remind you can be quite beneficial. Additionally, consulting with a pharmacist for further strategies to help you remember to take your medication could be advantageous.
If you take too much
Exceeding the prescribed amount of tadalafil can lead to various side effects, including:
- headache
- dizziness
- indigestion
- stuffy nose
- visual disturbances, such as blurred vision
Urgent advice: It is imperative to contact 111 for immediate guidance if you have taken more than your prescribed dose of tadalafil, as prompt action may be necessary.
- you take more than your prescribed dose of tadalafil
For further assistance, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 directly.
Important information:
In the event that you need to visit A&E, please refrain from driving. Instead, ask someone else to drive you or call 999 and request an ambulance for your safety.
When you arrive, ensure you bring the tadalafil packet or its leaflet, any remaining medication, as well as a list of any other medicines you are currently taking for comprehensive care.