Tadalafil is a generic medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adults, as well as for other related conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This medication is available in the form of a tablet, which is usually taken once daily. The specific dosage of tadalafil may vary depending on the particular condition being treated and individual patient factors.
Tadalafil has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several medical conditions affecting adult patients:
- erectile dysfunction (ED)
- symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is commonly referred to as enlarged prostate
- concurrent treatment of ED and BPH
- pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
Continue reading to find detailed information about tadalafil's recommended dosages, including the various strengths available, and crucial guidelines for taking this medication effectively. For an in-depth exploration of tadalafil and its uses, refer to this comprehensive article.
Note: It is essential to emphasize that this article presents typical dosages of tadalafil as per the manufacturer's guidelines. While taking tadalafil, always adhere to the specific dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Here is an overview of tadalafil’s recommended dosages and associated considerations.
Tadalafil form
The medication tadalafil is available in the form of an oral tablet.
Tadalafil strengths
Tadalafil is accessible in four distinct strengths:
- 2.5 milligrams (mg)
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Typical dosages
Your healthcare provider will typically initiate treatment by prescribing a lower dosage of tadalafil, assessing its effectiveness, and gradually adjusting the dosage as needed to achieve optimal results. The goal is to find the smallest dosage that effectively alleviates the patient's symptoms while minimizing potential side effects.
The dosages detailed below are commonly recommended, but it is imperative to follow the specific dosage tailored for you by your doctor. They will consider your unique health situation to determine the most suitable dosage.
Dosage for erectile dysfunction (ED)
Tadalafil may be prescribed for the management of ED, with two dosing regimens available: once daily and as needed.
Once daily: If your healthcare provider prescribes a once-daily dosage for the treatment of ED, the initial dose is likely to be 2.5 mg. Should this initial dosage prove insufficient, your doctor may recommend increasing it to 5 mg, which is the maximum allowable dosage for daily use.
As needed: Should your doctor opt for an as-needed dosing schedule for ED, you may begin with a dose of 10 mg, typically taken shortly before engaging in sexual activity. If this initial dose is found to be ineffective, your healthcare provider may suggest a dosage increase to 20 mg, administered prior to sexual intercourse. This dosage represents the maximum permissible amount within a 24-hour period for on-demand use.
In the event that you encounter excessive side effects while taking the starting 10 mg dose, your physician may consider reducing the dosage to 5 mg prior to sexual activity. For an overview of the potential side effects associated with tadalafil, please refer to the “Side effects” section located within this article.
For personalized guidance regarding your dosage of tadalafil, engage in a discussion with your healthcare provider.
Dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
In addition to addressing ED, tadalafil is also indicated for the treatment of BPH, or enlarged prostate. The starting recommended dosage for BPH is 5 mg, which is typically taken once daily. Consistent adherence to this schedule is crucial, as the maximum recommended dosage for BPH remains at 5 mg daily.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe the medication finasteride (Proscar) in conjunction with tadalafil to enhance the treatment regimen for BPH.
For any inquiries related to your specific dosage, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Dosage for ED and BPH
Patients diagnosed with both erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (ED/BPH) should expect an initial tadalafil dosage of 5 mg, typically administered once daily. This prescribed dosage aligns with the maximum permitted amount for the concurrent treatment of both conditions.
Please reach out to your healthcare provider if you have questions surrounding this particular dosage.
Dosage for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
In treating PAH, healthcare providers may recommend tadalafil. The starting dose for this condition is specified as 40 mg, which is normally taken once daily. To achieve this daily dosage, you would likely consume two 20-mg tablets simultaneously.
The maximum daily dosage limit for PAH remains at 40 mg. If you have questions or concerns regarding your precise dosage, consult your healthcare provider for further clarification.
How to take tadalafil
Tadalafil tablets should be taken whole and swallowed without splitting, crushing, or chewing them. It is acceptable to take your dose with or without food. For those who have difficulties swallowing tablets, consider referencing this article for helpful suggestions on how to effectively ingest this medication.
When adhering to a once-daily schedule, healthcare professionals recommend taking tadalafil at the same time each day, as this will help maintain consistent levels of the medication in your bloodstream, ensuring its effectiveness.
If you are utilizing tadalafil as needed for erectile dysfunction, it’s important to discuss the timing of your doses with your healthcare provider. Ideally, tadalafil should be consumed prior to sexual activity, and patients can expect to engage in sexual activity anywhere from 30 minutes to 36 hours post-ingestion of the drug.
Note: It is crucial to refrain from taking tadalafil more than once within a 24-hour period.
Length of treatment
The duration of tadalafil treatment can vary significantly based on the specific condition being addressed and your individualized treatment plan.
For instance, if being treated for BPH or PAH, tadalafil may typically be a long-term treatment option. However, if initiated for BPH in combination with finasteride, you may be prescribed tadalafil for a limited period of up to 26 weeks. Delve deeper into treatment options available for BPH (enlarged prostate) and PAH.
For erectile dysfunction, tadalafil could potentially serve as a short-term solution if your healthcare provider can successfully address the root cause. Alternatively, it may also function as a long-term treatment option depending on your specific circumstances.
Prior to beginning treatment with tadalafil, your healthcare provider will take time to discuss your treatment plan and address any questions or concerns you may have regarding the expected duration of therapy. To gather further information, explore this article focused on tadalafil treatment.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the dosage of tadalafil.
What should I do for a missed dose of tadalafil?
If you happen to miss a dose of tadalafil, take it at your earliest convenience. If it is nearing the time for your next scheduled dose (the following day), skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not attempt to take two doses to compensate for the missed one, and ensure that you do not exceed one dose of tadalafil within a 24-hour timeframe.
To minimize the risk of missing a dose, consider employing a medication reminder system. This could involve setting an alarm or placing a note in a visible location, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. Additionally, you might find it beneficial to download a reminder app on your smartphone.
When is 60 mg of tadalafil prescribed?
The FDA has not sanctioned a 60 mg dosage of tadalafil for any approved condition. The maximum doses of tadalafil for each medically sanctioned use are as follows:
- ED: 20 mg taken as needed prior to sexual activity.
- BPH: 5 mg taken once daily.
- PAH: 40 mg taken once daily.
For more specific information regarding the recommended dosages of tadalafil, please refer to the “Tadalafil dosage” section mentioned earlier.
If you harbor questions or concerns about your tadalafil dosage, please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Should you feel that an adjustment in your dosage is necessary, discuss the possibility of a dosage increase with your physician. Do not modify your dosage without explicit guidance from your doctor.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSNumerous pharmacies provide labels that feature large print, braille, or even codes that can be scanned using a smartphone to convert text into spoken words. If your local pharmacy lacks these services, consider asking your healthcare provider or pharmacist for recommendations regarding a pharmacy that can accommodate these needs.
Should you find it difficult to open medication containers, do not hesitate to inquire with your pharmacist about transitioning your tadalafil tablets into an easier-to-open container. They might also suggest devices that can assist with opening bottles.
It is vital to refrain from taking more tadalafil than your healthcare provider has prescribed. For several medications, exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to serious adverse effects or even overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of tadalafil
Should you suspect having ingested too high a dose of tadalafil, contact your healthcare provider without delay. Alternatively, you can reach out to America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or utilize their online resource. If you experience severe symptoms, immediately dial 911 or your local emergency services, or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
For insights into the range of conditions that tadalafil is approved to effectively treat, please consult this list of articles addressing erectile dysfunction.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made diligent efforts to ensure that all information provided is accurate, thorough, and up-to-date. Nonetheless, this article should not be viewed as a replacement for the knowledge and expertise of a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek consultation from your healthcare provider or another qualified expert prior to starting any medication. The drug information detailed herein may be subject to changes and does not intend to encompass all potential uses, guidance, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of specific warnings or details regarding a particular drug does not imply that the drug or its combinations are safe, effective, or appropriate for all individuals or all designated uses.