Tadalafil and dosage: Strengths, form, when to take, and more

Tadalafil has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of various conditions affecting adults, which include:

Continue reading to find detailed information regarding the recommended dosages of tadalafil, including the various strengths available and the proper methods for taking the medication. For a thorough overview of tadalafil, please consult this article.

Note: This article provides descriptions of common dosages of tadalafil as suggested by the drug’s manufacturer. Always adhere to the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider when taking tadalafil.

Here is essential information about the recommended dosages of tadalafil.

Tadalafil form

Tadalafil is available in the form of oral tablets that are designed to be taken by mouth.

Tadalafil strengths

This medication is available in four distinct strengths:

Typical dosages

Generally, healthcare providers will initiate treatment by prescribing a lower dosage of tadalafil, gradually adjusting it over time to achieve the most suitable amount that is effective for the patient. The objective is for the doctor to ultimately prescribe the lowest effective dose that yields the desired therapeutic outcome.

The following information outlines dosages that are commonly recommended for various conditions; however, it is crucial to take only the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider, as they will determine the best dosage tailored to your individual needs.

Dosage for erectile dysfunction (ED)

Tadalafil may be prescribed specifically for the management of ED. Two primary dosing methods are available for tadalafil when used for ED: daily use and as needed based on sexual activity.

Once daily: If your doctor prescribes tadalafil for daily use to treat ED, the starting dose is likely to be 2.5 mg. Should this initial dose not yield satisfactory results, your physician may consider increasing the dosage, potentially up to 5 mg, which is the maximum recommended daily dosage for ED treatment.

As needed: If tadalafil is prescribed on an as-needed basis for ED, the initial recommended dose will likely be 10 mg, to be taken shortly before anticipated sexual activity. If this dosage does not produce the desired effects, your doctor may suggest increasing the dosage to 20 mg, which represents the maximum dose that can be taken in a single 24-hour period.

In cases where patients experience excessive side effects from the initial 10 mg dose, the prescribing physician may reduce it to 5 mg for future doses before engaging in sexual activity. For more information on the potential side effects associated with tadalafil, please refer to the “Side effects” section of this article.

For personalized information regarding your appropriate dosage, please consult your healthcare provider.

Dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Tadalafil is also indicated for the management of BPH (enlarged prostate). The starting recommended dosage is 5 mg, typically taken once daily. The maximum allowed dosage of tadalafil for the treatment of BPH remains at 5 mg, taken on a daily basis.

It is possible that your healthcare provider may suggest combining tadalafil with another medication, such as finasteride (Proscar), to enhance the treatment of BPH.

Feel free to discuss any questions you may have about your specific dosage with your healthcare provider.

Dosage for ED and BPH

For individuals diagnosed with both ED and BPH (ED/BPH), the recommended starting dose of tadalafil is 5 mg, which is generally taken once daily. Similar to the previous guidelines, the maximum dosage of tadalafil prescribed for ED/BPH remains at 5 mg taken on a daily basis.

If you have concerns about your dosage, please reach out to your healthcare provider for assistance.

Dosage for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

For patients diagnosed with PAH, healthcare providers may prescribe tadalafil for treatment. The initial dosage recommendation in this case is typically 40 mg, taken once daily. This may involve taking two 20 mg tablets simultaneously for the daily dosage of 40 mg.

For PAH, the maximum recommended dosage of tadalafil is also 40 mg taken once a day.

If you have any questions regarding your specific dosage, please consult with your healthcare provider to gain more clarity.

How to take tadalafil

Tadalafil is formulated as oral tablets that should be swallowed whole, without splitting, crushing, or chewing. This medication can be taken either with or without food, depending on your personal preference and tolerance. If you encounter difficulties when swallowing tablets, consult the information available for tips on managing this form of medication.

For those following a once-daily dosing schedule, healthcare providers typically recommend that tadalafil be taken at the same time every day. This routine helps maintain a consistent level of the drug in your bloodstream, optimizing its effectiveness.

For patients taking tadalafil as needed for erectile dysfunction, it is advisable to discuss the timing of your dosage with your healthcare provider. Generally, tadalafil should be administered before anticipated sexual activity, with the potential for sexual engagement occurring anywhere from 30 minutes to 36 hours following your dosage.

Note: It is critical that you do not take tadalafil more than once within a 24-hour timeframe.

Length of treatment

The duration of treatment with tadalafil can be classified as either short-term or long-term, contingent upon the specific condition for which the medication is prescribed and the structured treatment plan devised by your healthcare provider.

In instances where tadalafil is utilized for treating BPH or PAH, patients may engage in long-term treatment protocols. However, for patients starting treatment for BPH with both tadalafil and finasteride, the use of tadalafil may be limited to a maximum of 26 weeks. Further insights regarding treatment options for BPH (enlarged prostate) and PAH can be explored.

For erectile dysfunction, tadalafil may serve as a short-term therapeutic option; however, if the underlying causes of the condition are addressed, it may evolve into a long-term solution.

Before initiating treatment with tadalafil, your healthcare provider will detail your specific treatment plan, answering any questions you may have regarding the anticipated duration of your treatment. For further information about tadalafil treatment, consider consulting this article.

Below is a compilation of frequently asked questions regarding tadalafil dosages.

What should I do for a missed dose of tadalafil?

If you realize that you have missed a dose of tadalafil, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. In instances where the next dose is approaching (the following day), it is advisable to skip the missed dose and continue with your regularly scheduled dosage. It is important to avoid taking two doses simultaneously to compensate for the missed dose. Furthermore, do not exceed one dose of tadalafil within a single 24-hour period.

To minimize the chances of forgetting a dose, consider utilizing a medication reminder system. This could involve setting an alarm or placing a note in a visible location like your bathroom mirror or bedside table. Additionally, you might find benefit in downloading a reminder application on your smartphone.

When is 60 mg of tadalafil prescribed?

The FDA has not granted approval for a 60 mg dosage of tadalafil for any medical indications. The maximum prescribed dosages of tadalafil for its approved uses are as follows:

For more extensive information on the recommended dosages of tadalafil, please refer back to the “Tadalafil dosage” section discussed earlier in this article.

If concerns arise regarding your dosage of tadalafil, it is important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Should it seem that a higher dosage may be necessary, consult your doctor to determine whether an increase is appropriate for your treatment plan. Do not adjust your dosage without prior approval from your healthcare provider.

It is vital that you do not exceed the prescribed dosage of tadalafil as recommended by your healthcare provider. For certain medications, taking a quantity exceeding the advised limit may lead to adverse effects or even an overdose situation.

If you take more than the recommended amount of tadalafil

If you suspect that you have taken an excessive amount of tadalafil, it is imperative to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Alternatively, you can reach out to America’s Poison Centers by calling 800-222-1222 or utilizing their online tool. In the event of severe symptoms, it is crucial to call 911 or your local emergency services, or proceed to the nearest emergency room immediately.

For additional information about the various conditions that tadalafil is approved to treat, please refer to this collection of ED-related articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure that all information presented in this article is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date. Nevertheless, this information should not replace the advice and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider or another qualified professional prior to beginning any medication regimen. The details regarding drug information contained here may change and are not intended to encompass all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergies, or side effects. The absence of warnings or additional information for a certain medication does not imply that the medication is safe, effective, or appropriate for every patient or for all specific applications.