Tadalafil is a widely utilized generic medication prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and other related conditions impacting adult patients. This medication is conveniently available in a tablet form that is typically taken once a day, although the specific dosage may vary based on the individual patient's condition and needs. It is crucial for patients to understand how to properly use this medication to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tadalafil for various medical conditions affecting adults, which include:
- erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection
- symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate
- the co-occurrence of ED and BPH symptoms
- pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a type of high blood pressure affecting the lungs
Continue reading for in-depth information regarding the recommended dosages of tadalafil, including its various strengths and guidelines on how to effectively take the medication. For a more detailed examination of tadalafil and its applications, please refer to other informative resources available online.
Note: The information provided in this article outlines typical dosages of tadalafil, as indicated by the drug’s manufacturer. It is vital for patients to adhere strictly to the dosage prescribed by their healthcare provider to ensure safety and efficacy.
In the sections below, we will explore the recommended dosages associated with tadalafil.
Tadalafil form
Tadalafil is available as a convenient oral tablet meant for ingestion.
Tadalafil strengths
The medication is dispensed in four distinct strengths:
- 2.5 milligrams (mg)
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Typical dosages
In most cases, physicians will initiate treatment by prescribing a lower dosage of tadalafil. Subsequently, they may make adjustments over time to identify the appropriate dosage that delivers the desired effect for the patient. The aim is always to prescribe the smallest effective dose that achieves optimal results without unnecessary side effects.
The following dosage information reflects common recommendations. However, it is essential to follow the specific dosages your healthcare provider prescribes for your individual situation. Doctors base their recommendations on an assessment of what dosage best suits the patient's medical needs.
Dosage for erectile dysfunction (ED)
When tadalafil is prescribed to address erectile dysfunction, there are two primary dosing strategies available: daily dosing and as-needed dosing.
Once daily: If your healthcare provider recommends tadalafil for daily use in managing ED, the initial dosage is likely to be 2.5 mg. Should this dose prove ineffective, your doctor may suggest increasing the dosage to 5 mg to improve your sexual performance. This 5 mg dose represents the maximum recommended daily dosage for this indication.
As needed: In instances where tadalafil is prescribed on an as-needed basis, the starting dose is typically 10 mg. It is generally taken prior to anticipated sexual activity. If this dosage does not yield satisfactory results, doctors may recommend an increase to a maximum of 20 mg, which should not be taken more than once within a 24-hour time period.
Should you experience a significant number of side effects at the 10 mg starting dose, your healthcare provider might consider decreasing your dosage to 5 mg before engaging in sexual activity. For an overview of the potential side effects associated with tadalafil, refer to the “Side effects” section of the additional articles.
For personalized dosage information, it is always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.
Dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Tadalafil is additionally approved for alleviating the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. The standard starting dosage is set at 5 mg, which you will typically take once daily. The maximum recommended dosage for managing BPH is confined to 5 mg taken once per day.
Physicians may also prescribe the medication finasteride (Proscar) in conjunction with tadalafil for better management of BPH symptoms.
If you have any queries or uncertainties regarding your dosage, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Dosage for ED and BPH
For patients who experience both ED and BPH, the recommended initial tadalafil dosage remains at 5 mg and is intended to be taken once daily. This 5 mg dose is the maximum allowed for individuals diagnosed with both conditions.
Again, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns or inquiries about your specific dosage.
Dosage for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
When tadalafil is utilized for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, the recommended initial dosage is typically set at 40 mg, which is usually administered once per day. For convenience, patients may find it beneficial to take two 20 mg tablets simultaneously to meet the daily dosage requirement of 40 mg.
The upper limit for tadalafil dosage in the case of PAH is also established at 40 mg taken once each day.
If you have any questions regarding your dosage, do not hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider for further clarification.
How to take tadalafil
Tadalafil is dispensed in the form of oral tablets that should be ingested whole without dividing, crushing, or chewing. Patients can take their medication with or without food based on personal preference. If swallowing tablets proves challenging, consider exploring additional resources or tips specifically designed to assist in administration.
For those following a daily dosing schedule, physicians often recommend taking tadalafil at the same time every day. This practice aids in maintaining a consistent level of the medication in your system, allowing for effective therapeutic action.
If you are using tadalafil for erectile dysfunction on an as-needed basis, it is advisable to discuss the timing of your dosage with your healthcare provider. Tadalafil should be ingested prior to engaging in sexual activity, and it may facilitate sexual encounters from 30 minutes up to 36 hours post ingestion.
Note: It is important not to exceed a single dose of tadalafil within a 24-hour timeframe.
Length of treatment
The duration of tadalafil treatment can vary widely and may be either short-term or long-term. This typically depends on the specific condition being treated, as well as the overall treatment plan developed in collaboration with your healthcare provider.
For those undergoing treatment for BPH or PAH, tadalafil is often regarded as a long-term therapy. However, in cases where you start treatment for BPH alongside finasteride, tadalafil may be indicated for use for a period not exceeding 26 weeks. Gaining knowledge regarding treatments for BPH (enlarged prostate) and PAH can be invaluable for patients.
In the case of erectile dysfunction, tadalafil may serve as a short-term solution if the underlying issue can be effectively addressed. Conversely, for many individuals, tadalafil serves as a long-term treatment option for ED.
Before commencing treatment with tadalafil, your healthcare provider will thoroughly discuss your treatment plan with you, ensuring that all your questions and concerns are adequately addressed. For additional information, refer to further articles pertaining to tadalafil treatment.
Below, we will address some common questions regarding the dosage of tadalafil.
What should I do for a missed dose of tadalafil?
In the event that you miss a dose of tadalafil, it is recommended that you take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose (the following day), it is best to skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking two doses to compensate for the missed one, and remember not to exceed one dose of tadalafil within a 24-hour interval.
To assist in minimizing missed doses, consider utilizing a medication reminder system. This could involve setting an alarm or placing a note in a visible location, such as your bathroom mirror or bedside table. Alternatively, consider exploring mobile applications that provide medication reminders.
When is 60 mg of tadalafil prescribed?
Currently, the FDA has not sanctioned a 60 mg dosage of tadalafil for any approved medical conditions. The established maximum dosages for tadalafil across its various approved indications are as follows:
- ED: 20 mg to be taken as needed prior to engaging in sexual activity
- BPH: 5 mg to be taken once daily
- PAH: 40 mg to be taken once daily
For a comprehensive overview of tadalafil’s recommended dosages, please refer back to the “Tadalafil dosage” section provided earlier.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding your dosage of tadalafil, it is essential to have a discussion with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Should you feel that a dosage adjustment may be necessary, consult your healthcare provider about the possibility of increasing your dosage. Do not attempt to modify your dosage on your own without consulting your healthcare provider first.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSMany pharmacies offer options for medication labels featuring large print, braille, or QR codes that can be scanned to convert text to speech for better accessibility. If your local pharmacy does not provide these services, your healthcare provider or pharmacist may be able to suggest alternative pharmacies that offer these features.
Should you encounter difficulties in opening medication bottles, consider discussing the possibility of placing tadalafil tablets in an easy-open container with your pharmacist. They may also recommend various tools or devices designed to facilitate the opening of medication bottles.
It is imperative that patients do not exceed the prescribed dosage of tadalafil as dictated by their healthcare provider. In certain instances, ingesting more than the recommended amount may lead to adverse effects or overdose situations.
If you take more than the recommended amount of tadalafil
If you suspect that you have ingested an excessive amount of tadalafil, it is crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. Alternatively, you may also contact America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or utilize their online tool. If you experience severe symptoms, seek emergency assistance by calling 911 or your local emergency services, or visit the nearest emergency room without delay.
To gain further insights into some of the conditions that tadalafil is approved to treat, consider reviewing this extensive list of articles related to ED and its treatment options.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today strives to ensure accuracy, comprehensiveness, and timeliness in the information presented. However, this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new medication. The drug information herein may evolve, and it is not intended to be exhaustive in covering all potential uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, allergic responses, or side effects. The absence of warnings or information for a specific medication does not suggest that it is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or uses.