It's important to take this medicine exactly as advised by your healthcare professional, whether that be a doctor or pharmacist.
If you have a private prescription for tadalafil, ensure that you read the accompanying information that comes with your medication carefully. The strength of the tablets and specific dosage instructions can greatly vary from person to person.
Dosage and strength
Tadalafil is available in several strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets.
Dose for erectile dysfunction
The typical dose of tadalafil prescribed for erectile dysfunction is 10mg, taken when needed. It is crucial to remember not to take more than one tablet in a single day.
Your healthcare provider may decide to adjust your dose, either increasing or decreasing it, based on how effective the medication is and how often you use it.
The effects of the medication can last longer than 24 hours; hence, it is not advised to take the higher doses of 10mg or 20mg tablets on a daily basis.
To ensure that the tablet functions correctly, it is essential for you to be sexually stimulated.
Dose for benign prostate enlargement
When prescribed for an enlarged prostate, tadalafil comes in 2.5mg or 5mg tablets. The standard prescribed dose is usually 5mg, taken once each day.
If you are being treated for both benign prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction, it is often recommended to take a dose of 5mg.
Dose for pulmonary hypertension
For the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, tadalafil is available as 20mg tablets.
The usual dose for this condition is 40mg, which generally means taking two 20mg tablets, once daily.
In cases where kidney or liver issues are present, your doctor might decide to lower the initial dose to either 10mg or 20mg.
It’s important to swallow your tablets whole, and you can do so with either water or juice (however, avoid grapefruit juice).
For the purpose of erectile dysfunction, you should take one tablet at least 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity.
If you are using tadalafil for prostate enlargement, you can take your tablet in the morning or evening, but consistency is key, so try to take it around the same time every day.
It is worth noting that tadalafil tablets designed for pulmonary hypertension are relatively large, which may present a challenge for some patients when swallowing.
If you forget to take it
If you have:
- benign prostate enlargement – you should take it as soon as you remember and then continue with your usual dosing schedule.
- pulmonary hypertension – take it within 8 hours of your scheduled time, if possible. If you remember after 8 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time.
Do not take two doses at once, and never take an extra dose to compensate for one you forgot.
If you find that you frequently forget to take your doses, setting an alarm might be useful. You could also speak with a pharmacist who can provide additional strategies to help remind you to take your medication.
If you take too much
Taking an excessive amount of tadalafil can lead to a variety of side effects, which may include:
- headache
- dizziness
- indigestion
- stuffy nose
- changes in your vision, which could include blurred vision
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice immediately if:
- you have taken more than your prescribed dose of tadalafil
Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for assistance.
Information:
In case you need to go to Accident & Emergency, do not attempt to drive. Instead, ask someone to drive you or call 999 for an ambulance.
Bring along the tadalafil packet or the leaflet that came with it, any remaining medicine, and a list of any other medications you are currently taking.