Tadalafil is a generic medication that is specifically prescribed for addressing erectile dysfunction (ED) and various other health conditions in adult patients. This medication is typically available in the form of an oral tablet, which is meant to be taken once a day for optimal results. The specific dosage of tadalafil can vary significantly based on the particular health issue being treated.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), tadalafil has been recognized for the following therapeutic uses in adults:
- erectile dysfunction (ED)
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, which is commonly known as an enlarged prostate
- both ED and symptoms associated with BPH
- pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
Continue reading to find detailed information about the recommended dosages of tadalafil, including its available strengths and directions on how to effectively take this medication. For an in-depth overview of tadalafil, refer to this article.
Important Note: This article provides standard dosages as recommended by the manufacturer of the drug. It is crucial to adhere to the dosage instructions given by your healthcare provider when taking tadalafil.
Below we outline the recommended dosages for tadalafil.
Tadalafil Form
Tadalafil is available as an oral tablet, which must be swallowed whole.
Tadalafil Strengths
This medication comes in four distinct strengths:
- 2.5 milligrams (mg)
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Typical Dosages
Your healthcare provider will likely initiate your treatment with a lower dosage of tadalafil. As your treatment progresses, they may adjust your dosage to find the optimal amount suited to your particular health needs. Ultimately, the goal is to prescribe the least amount of medication necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic benefits.
Below, we provide a summary of commonly recommended dosages. However, it is essential to take the dosage specifically prescribed by your healthcare provider. They possess the knowledge to determine the most appropriate dosage tailored to your needs.
Dosage for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Tadalafil is frequently prescribed for the management of ED. There are two distinct dosing regimens available when using tadalafil for this purpose: a daily regimen and an as-needed approach.
Once Daily: Should your doctor recommend tadalafil as a once-daily treatment for ED, you will likely begin with a initial dose of 2.5 mg. If this dosage does not yield sufficient results, your healthcare provider may suggest an increase up to a maximum of 5 mg for daily use addressing ED.
As Needed: If tadalafil is prescribed to be taken as needed for ED, your starting dose is generally 10 mg, which you should take shortly before sexual activity. Should you find that this dose is ineffective, your doctor may suggest increasing the dosage to a maximum of 20 mg, which should be taken prior to sexual intercourse. This represents the highest allowable dose within a 24-hour timeframe when taken on an as-needed basis.
If you experience an excessive number of side effects at the 10 mg starting dose, your physician may decrease the dosage to 5 mg before engaging in sexual activity. For comprehensive information regarding potential side effects associated with tadalafil, refer to the “Side Effects” section of this article.
For personalized guidance regarding your dosage, do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider.
Dosage for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Tadalafil has also received approval to assist in the treatment of BPH, which refers to an enlarged prostate. For this condition, the standard starting dosage is 5 mg, typically taken once daily. The maximum recommended dosage for BPH is 5 mg administered once daily.
Your physician may prescribe the medication finasteride (Proscar) in conjunction with tadalafil for optimal BPH management.
For any inquiries about your dosage, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
Dosage for ED and BPH
In individuals diagnosed with both ED and BPH (ED/BPH), the recommended starting dosage of tadalafil is also 5 mg, to be taken once daily. The maximum suggested dosage for those with both conditions remains 5 mg once daily.
If you have any questions or uncertainties regarding your specific dosage, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
Dosage for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
When treating PAH, healthcare providers may prescribe tadalafil at a recommended starting dose of 40 mg, to be administered once daily. Typically, this will involve taking two tablets of 20 mg simultaneously to achieve the total daily dosage of 40 mg.
The maximum advised dosage of tadalafil for the treatment of PAH is also 40 mg once daily. If you have questions about your dosage for PAH, speak with your healthcare provider for clarification.
How to Take Tadalafil
Tadalafil is provided in the form of oral tablets that must be ingested whole. It is important to avoid splitting, crushing, or chewing the tablets, as this can affect the efficacy of the medication. You can take your dose with food or on an empty stomach. If swallowing tablets poses a challenge for you, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on how best to take this medication.
When following a once-daily dosing schedule, it is recommended to take tadalafil at the same time each day. This practice helps maintain consistent levels of the drug in your system, thereby enhancing its effectiveness.
If you're prescribed tadalafil as needed for erectile dysfunction, discuss with your physician the optimal timing for your dose. Generally, tadalafil should be taken before engaging in sexual activity, and it is possible to experience sexual activity anywhere from 30 minutes to 36 hours following the consumption of your tadalafil dose.
Note: It is imperative not to take tadalafil more than once within a 24-hour period.
Length of Treatment
The duration of tadalafil treatment can be either short-term or long-term, depending on the specific health condition you are addressing and your overall treatment plan.
If you are taking tadalafil for BPH or PAH, it may very well be a part of a long-term treatment strategy. However, if you begin treatment for BPH with the combination of tadalafil and finasteride, you might only be on tadalafil for a duration of up to 26 weeks. For more information regarding treatment options available for BPH (enlarged prostate) and PAH, please explore further resources.
For erectile dysfunction, tadalafil can serve as a short-term therapeutic measure if your healthcare provider is capable of addressing the underlying cause. Conversely, tadalafil can also be used as a long-term solution for ED management.
Before commencing treatment with tadalafil, your healthcare provider will discuss your individualized treatment plan, addressing any concerns you may have regarding the duration of your use of tadalafil. For more insights, refer to this article that outlines the nuances of tadalafil treatment.
Here are some common questions about tadalafil dosages.
What should I do if I miss a dose of tadalafil?
In the event that you miss a dose of tadalafil, take it as soon as you remember. Should it be nearing the time for your next dose (the following day), skip the missed dose and continue with your regularly scheduled dosage. It is vital not to take two doses to compensate for the missed one. Additionally, you should never take more than one dose of tadalafil within a 24-hour timeframe.
To minimize the chances of missing a dose, consider utilizing a medication reminder system. This might involve setting alarms or placing reminders where you frequently look, such as your bathroom mirror or on your bedside table. You may also explore downloading a reminder application on your mobile device to keep track.
When might a dosage of 60 mg of tadalafil be prescribed?
The FDA has yet to approve a 60 mg dose of tadalafil for any medical conditions. The highest permissible dosages for the approved indications of tadalafil are:
- ED: 20 mg as needed prior to sexual activity
- BPH: 5 mg administered once a day
- PAH: 40 mg taken once daily
For details regarding the recommended dosages for tadalafil, please consult the “Tadalafil Dosage” section provided earlier.
If you have concerns regarding your tadalafil dosage, it is crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Should you feel that a higher dosage may be necessary, do not hesitate to inquire if an increase is appropriate for your situation. It is critical not to adjust your dosage independently without professional guidance.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSMany pharmacies provide labels in large print, braille, or scannable codes that translate printed text into speech. If your local pharmacy lacks such services, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend alternative pharmacies that accommodate these needs.
If you encounter difficulty in opening medication bottles, request your pharmacist about the possibility of placing tadalafil tablets in an easy-open package. They can also suggest tools designed to enhance your ability to open prescription containers.
It is of utmost importance not to exceed the prescribed dosage of tadalafil set by your healthcare provider. For certain medications, exceeding the recommended dose can lead to adverse effects or even overdose situations.
What to do if you take more tadalafil than prescribed?
If you suspect that you have ingested an excessive amount of tadalafil, it is critical to contact your healthcare provider without delay. Alternatively, you can reach out to America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or utilize their online tool. Should you experience severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency department.
To learn more about the conditions for which tadalafil is approved, refer to this list of ED articles available.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today is committed to ensuring that all provided information is accurate, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be relied upon as a substitute for the professional knowledge and expertise of a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional before initiating any medication regimen. The information contained within this article is subject to change and does not aim to cover every possible use, direction, precaution, warning, drug interaction, allergic reaction, or adverse effect. The omission of warnings or information regarding any specific drug does not imply its safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or for all particular uses.