It’s important to take this medicine as advised by a doctor or pharmacist, ensuring that you fully understand the instructions provided for its use.
If you have a private prescription for tadalafil, read the information that accompanies your medication with great care. The strength of the tablets and dosage details may vary between different brands and formulations.
Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding how to take tadalafil. This will maximize the medicine's benefits while minimizing potential side effects.
Dosage and Strength
Tadalafil is available in various dosages, including 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets, allowing for flexibility in treatment plans.
Dose for Erectile Dysfunction
The recommended dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction typically begins at 10mg when required. It is crucial that you do not exceed one tablet within a 24-hour timeframe.
Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage based on your individual response to the treatment and its effectiveness.
Be aware that the effects of tadalafil may persist for more than 24 hours, hence it is not advisable to take the 10mg or 20mg tablets daily.
To ensure the tablet functions properly, you must be sexually stimulated; tadalafil will not work without arousal.
Dose for Benign Prostate Enlargement
For individuals suffering from benign prostate enlargement, tadalafil is available in 2.5mg or 5mg tablets, with a usual daily dosage of 5mg.
If you are being treated concurrently for both benign prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction, the recommended dose remains at 5mg per day.
Dose for Pulmonary Hypertension
For managing pulmonary hypertension, tadalafil is prescribed in 20mg tablets.
The typical dosing for pulmonary hypertension is two 20mg tablets, totaling 40mg, to be taken once a day.
In cases where patients have kidney or liver issues, your doctor may recommend a reduced initial dosage of 10mg or 20mg.
Be sure to swallow your tablets whole, accompanied by a drink of water or juice (avoid grapefruit juice).
For erectile dysfunction, take one tablet at least 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity for optimal results.
When taking tadalafil for prostate enlargement, you can ingest your tablet at any time during the day; however, consistency in timing is encouraged for best results.
Please note that tadalafil tablets prescribed for pulmonary hypertension are relatively large and may pose a swallowing challenge for some individuals.
If You Forget to Take It
If you forget to take your dosage:
- For benign prostate enlargement – administer the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue your usual regimen.
- For pulmonary hypertension – take the missed dose within 8 hours if possible. If more than 8 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your standard schedule.
Never take two doses at once. Avoid compensating for a missed dose by taking extra medication.
If forgetting doses is a frequent issue, consider setting a daily alarm for reminders or consulting with your pharmacist about additional strategies to enhance adherence to your medication schedule.
If You Take Too Much
Excessive consumption of tadalafil can lead to a range of side effects, such as:
- headache
- dizziness
- indigestion
- stuffy nose
- vision disturbances (e.g., blurred vision)
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for assistance if:
- you exceed your prescribed dose of tadalafil
Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for help.
Information:
If you need to visit the Accident & Emergency department, avoid driving yourself. Request someone to drive you or call 999 for emergency medical assistance.
Remember to bring the tadalafil packaging or leaflet, any remaining tablets, and a list of other medications you are taking.