It's important to take this medicine as advised by a doctor or pharmacist. Following the specific guidance provided by your healthcare professional ensures you achieve the best results while minimizing potential side effects.
If you have a private prescription for tadalafil, it’s crucial to read the information that accompanies your medication carefully. The strength and dosage instructions can vary, and adhering to these details is key in achieving the desired therapeutic effect.
Dosage and strength
Tadalafil is available in various strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets, allowing for flexibility in dosing based on individual health requirements and response to treatment.
Dose for erectile dysfunction
The usual recommended dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is 10mg, taken when needed. It’s important not to take more than 1 tablet within a 24-hour period to avoid potential health risks.
Your doctor may modify your dose, increasing or decreasing it based on your individual response and frequency of use, ensuring that treatment is both safe and effective.
As the effects of tadalafil may last longer than 24 hours, it is not advisable to take the 10mg or 20mg tablets every day without consulting your healthcare provider.
For the tablet to have the intended effects, you will need to be sexually stimulated or excited. This is a crucial aspect of how tadalafil operates within the body.
Dose for benign prostate enlargement
When treating an enlarged prostate, tadalafil is generally prescribed in 2.5mg or 5mg tablets. The typical dosage is 5mg, taken once daily, to alleviate symptoms effectively.
If you are being treated for both benign prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction, the recommended dose remains at 5mg, ensuring comprehensive management of both conditions.
Dose for pulmonary hypertension
For the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, tadalafil is available in 20mg tablets. The usual prescribed dose is 40mg – achieved by taking two 20mg tablets once daily.
If you have underlying kidney or liver issues, your healthcare provider may lower the starting dosage to either 10mg or 20mg to ensure your safety is prioritized.
Swallow your tablets whole with a sufficient drink of water or juice, but avoid grapefruit juice as it can interact with the medication.
For erectile dysfunction treatment, it’s best to take 1 tablet at least 30 minutes prior to engaging in sexual activity for optimal efficacy.
If you are using tadalafil for prostate enlargement, you may choose to take your tablet in either the morning or evening; consistency is key, so it’s recommended to take it at the same time each day.
Tadalafil tablets for pulmonary hypertension are large and may pose a challenge when swallowing; ensuring you drink adequate fluids can aid with this.
If you forget to take it
If you miss a dose, it is essential to follow specific guidelines:
- benign prostate enlargement – Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular dosing schedule thereafter to maintain consistent levels in your system.
- pulmonary hypertension – If you remember within 8 hours, take it as soon as possible. However, if more than 8 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule at the next scheduled time.
Avoid taking two doses simultaneously or doubling up on your next dose to compensate for a missed one, as this can lead to adverse effects.
If you frequently miss doses, consider setting an alarm as a reminder, and consult with a pharmacist for additional strategies to help maintain a consistent dosing routine.
If you take too much
Overdosing on tadalafil can lead to various side effects, which may include:
- headaches
- dizziness
- indigestion
- nasal congestion
- visual disturbances (such as blurred vision)
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you have ingested more than your prescribed dose of tadalafil
Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for immediate guidance.
Information:
If you need to seek emergency care, never drive yourself. Instead, ask a friend or family member to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance if necessary.
Make sure to bring the tadalafil packaging or the informational leaflet, along with any remaining tablets and a complete list of other medications you are currently taking.