It's important to take this medicine as advised by a doctor or pharmacist. Adhering to the prescribed guidelines optimizes its effectiveness and minimizes potential side effects.
If you have a private prescription for tadalafil, read the information that comes with your medicine carefully. The strength and dosage instructions can vary based on individual health needs and medical history.
Dosage and strength
Tadalafil comes in strengths of 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets, allowing flexibility in treatment depending on your condition.
Dose for erectile dysfunction
The usual dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is 10mg taken as needed, prior to intercourse. Do not exceed one tablet in a 24-hour period to avoid potential complications.
Your doctor may adjust your dosage up or down, depending on the effectiveness and your response to the medication.
The effects may last longer than 24 hours, so taking higher doses like 10mg or 20mg every day is not advisable without your doctor's guidance.
For the tablet to work effectively, sexual arousal is necessary, so remember to create a suitable environment for its action.
Dose for benign prostate enlargement
Tadalafil for managing benign prostate enlargement typically comes in 2.5mg or 5mg tablets. The recommended dosage is usually 5mg, taken once daily for consistent efficacy.
If you're addressing both benign prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction, the combination therapy typically involves a 5mg dose.
Dose for pulmonary hypertension
For pulmonary hypertension, tadalafil is available in 20mg tablets. The usual starting dose is 40mg, which translates to two 20mg tablets taken once daily.
If you have underlying kidney or liver issues, your healthcare provider may consider reducing the initial dose to either 10mg or 20mg based on your health status.
Swallow the tablets whole with a sufficient amount of water or juice, but refrain from using grapefruit juice to avoid interactions.
For erectile dysfunction, it is best to take one tablet at least 30 minutes before sexual activity to allow for optimal absorption.
If you are using tadalafil for prostate enlargement, you can take it in the morning or evening; however, consistency in timing daily is recommended for the best results.
Due to the size of tadalafil tablets prescribed for pulmonary hypertension, swallowing them may pose a challenge for some patients.
If you forget to take it
If you have:
- benign prostate enlargement – take it as soon as you remember and then proceed with your regular schedule
- pulmonary hypertension – try to take it within 8 hours as soon as you realize; if it's been over 8 hours, skip the missed dose and return to your usual timing
Never attempt to take two doses at once or try to compensate for a missed dose by taking an extra one later.
If forgetting doses is common for you, setting an alarm can be an effective strategy. Consultation with a pharmacist may also yield additional strategies to enhance your medication adherence.
If you take too much
Overdosing on tadalafil can lead to undesirable side effects, which include but are not limited to:
- headache
- dizziness
- indigestion
- stuffy nose
- vision changes (like blurred vision)
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of tadalafil
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111
Information:
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself; seek assistance from someone else or call 999 and request an ambulance.
Remember to bring the tadalafil packaging or leaflet, any remaining medication, and details of other medications you might be taking.