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

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved tadalafil for multiple conditions in adults, which include:

Continue reading this article for detailed information regarding the dosage of tadalafil, including available strengths, recommended forms, and specific guidelines on how and when to take this medication. For an extensive overview of tadalafil, please refer to the relevant articles on health websites.

Note: This article outlines standard dosages of tadalafil as specified by the drug's manufacturer. It is imperative that you adhere to the dosage regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Below, you will find essential information regarding the recommended dosages of tadalafil.

Tadalafil form

Tadalafil is provided as an oral tablet that must be ingested whole. It is important not to divide, crush, or chew the tablets, as doing so may alter the effectiveness of the medication.

Tadalafil strengths

Tadalafil is available in four different strengths:

Typical dosages

In most cases, healthcare providers will initiate treatment by prescribing a lower dosage. The dosage may subsequently be adjusted over time, enabling physicians to determine the specific amount that is most effective for each individual. The goal is to prescribe the lowest effective dose that achieves the desired therapeutic outcome.

The following details outline common dosages that are frequently recommended. However, it is crucial that you strictly adhere to the dosage prescribed specifically for you by your healthcare provider. Your physician will assess your medical history and health needs to determine the most appropriate dosage.

Dosage for erectile dysfunction (ED)

For the effective treatment of ED, doctors may recommend tadalafil. There are two primary dosing regimens when it comes to taking tadalafil for ED: once daily or as necessary.

Once daily: Should your healthcare provider prescribe tadalafil for once-daily use for ED, the initial dose is generally 2.5 mg. If this dosage does not yield the desired results, your physician may suggest increasing the dose to 5 mg. This is the maximum recommended dosage for tadalafil when used on a once-daily basis.

As needed: In situations where a physician prescribes tadalafil on an as-needed basis for ED, the starting dose is typically 10 mg. This dosage is usually taken just before engaging in sexual activity. If the initial dosage proves insufficient, your doctor may recommend an increase to 20 mg, to be taken once prior to sexual intercourse. This dose is the upper limit permissible in a 24-hour period for use as needed.

If patients encounter significant side effects while taking the initial 10 mg dose, healthcare professionals may choose to reduce it to 5 mg to alleviate adverse reactions. For more detailed information regarding potential side effects associated with tadalafil, please refer to the “Side Effects” section of relevant articles.

For personalized guidance on your dosage regimen, consult your healthcare provider.

Dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Tadalafil is also approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is characterized by an enlarged prostate. The recommended starting dose in this scenario is typically 5 mg, taken once daily. The maximum dosage for tadalafil when used to treat BPH is also 5 mg daily.

In some cases, healthcare providers may suggest concomitant therapy with finasteride (Proscar) alongside tadalafil for the management of BPH symptoms.

If you have any inquiries regarding your prescribed dosage, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Dosage for ED and BPH

For individuals diagnosed with both ED and BPH, the advised starting dosage of tadalafil is 5 mg, taken once daily. As with BPH treatment alone, the maximum dosage for combined ED/BPH management is also restricted to 5 mg once per day.

If you have questions regarding your treatment or dosage, please communicate with your healthcare provider for more information.

Dosage for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

In the case of pulmonary arterial hypertension, physicians may prescribe tadalafil as a treatment option. The standard starting dosage for PAH is typically set at 40 mg, administered once per day. Patients will usually take two 20 mg tablets together to achieve the total daily dosage of 40 mg.

The upper limit for tadalafil dosage when used in managing PAH is 40 mg daily.

If you have any questions or concerns about your prescribed dosage for PAH, please consult your healthcare provider for further clarification.

How to take tadalafil

Tadalafil is available as an oral tablet that should be swallowed whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing. Patients may take tadalafil with or without food, allowing for flexibility in their medication regimen. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, consult healthcare professionals for tips or alternative methods to facilitate ingestion.

With a once-daily regimen, providers often recommend taking tadalafil at approximately the same time each day. This practice helps maintain a consistent level of the medication within your system, thereby maximizing its effectiveness.

For those taking tadalafil on an as-needed basis for erectile dysfunction, it is advisable to discuss the timing of your dosage with your healthcare provider. Tadalafil is designed to be taken prior to sexual activity, and its effects can be felt anywhere from 30 minutes to 36 hours after ingestion.

Note: It is crucial to avoid taking tadalafil more than once within a 24-hour timeframe.

Length of treatment

The duration of tadalafil treatment can either be short-term or long-term, depending on the specific medical condition being addressed and the overall treatment strategy.

For patients using tadalafil to manage BPH or PAH, long-term treatment may be necessary. However, those beginning treatment for BPH with both tadalafil and finasteride may only require tadalafil for a maximum of 26 weeks. For comprehensive information on treatment options for BPH and PAH, consult healthcare resources.

In the context of ED, tadalafil may serve as a temporary solution if underlying causes can be effectively treated. Alternatively, it may also be necessary for long-term management of erectile dysfunction.

Before initiating tadalafil therapy, your healthcare provider will engage in a detailed discussion with you regarding your treatment plan. They will also address any questions you may have about the expected duration of tadalafil therapy, ensuring you have the necessary knowledge for informed decision-making.

Below, you may find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the dosage of tadalafil.

What should I do for a missed dose of tadalafil?

If a dose of tadalafil is missed, it is recommended to take it as soon as possible. If the time for your next scheduled dose is approaching (likely the following day), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take two doses to compensate for a missed one, and be sure not to exceed one dose of tadalafil in any 24-hour period.

To reduce the likelihood of missing a dose, consider utilizing medication reminders. This could involve setting an alarm, utilizing sticky notes in visible areas such as your bathroom mirror or bedside table, or even downloading a reminder application on your smartphone.

When is 60 mg of tadalafil prescribed?

It is important to note that the FDA has not sanctioned a 60 mg dosage of tadalafil for any medical indication. The highest approved dosages of tadalafil for its various approved uses are outlined below:

For additional details regarding the recommended dosages of tadalafil, refer to the "Tadalafil Dosage" section above.

If you have any concerns about your tadalafil dosage, it is essential to discuss these with either your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Should you feel the need for a higher dosage, do not hesitate to inquire with your doctor about the appropriateness of a dosage adjustment. Never increase your dosage without clear guidance from your healthcare provider.

It is paramount that you do not ingest more tadalafil than what has been prescribed by your healthcare professional. In some cases, exceeding the recommended dosage may result in adverse effects or overdose scenarios.

If you take more than the recommended amount of tadalafil

In the event that you suspect you have ingested an excessive amount of tadalafil, it is vital to contact your doctor immediately. Alternatively, you may reach out to America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or utilize their online resources for assistance. If you experience severe symptoms, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency number, or proceed to the nearest emergency facility without delay.

To further understand the various conditions that tadalafil is approved to treat, you may refer to this compilation of ED-related articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has diligently worked to ensure that all information presented is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this document is not intended to serve as a substitute for the expertise and knowledge of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before starting any new medication. The information contained herein is subject to change and may not encompass every potential use, dosage, precaution, warning, interaction, allergy reaction, or side effect. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that it is safe, effective, or suitable for all patients or all specific uses.