Tadalafil: How To Find The Right Dosage

Tadalafil, otherwise known by its brand name, Cialis, is a popular erectile dysfunction treatment available in two types of dose — an on-demand pill, and a daily pill. But which one is right for you? Let’s explore how this medication treats erectile dysfunction, how it compares to other treatments, and how to figure out the best dose for you.

What is tadalafil?

Tadalafil, or Cialis, and other prescription drugs like it (such as Viagra) are known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They work by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.

Contrary to popular assumptions, they don’t increase your sexual desire (libido) or cause unwanted erections. They simply help you achieve and maintain an erection when you want one.

Why choose tadalafil for erectile dysfunction?

Most PDE5 inhibitors — including the most popular, Viagra — only stay in your system for a maximum of 4-6 hours, whereas tadalafil can last up to 36 hours with one dose. That’s up to 9x longer. In fact, tadalafil lasts so long that you may have heard it referred to as ‘the weekend pill’ or ‘the weekender’.

The benefit of a longer lasting pill is more spontaneity around sex, and less need to prepare for sexual activity.

On-demand or once-daily use: What’s the difference?

Tadalafil is available in four different doses: 20 mg, 10 mg, 5 mg, and 2.5 mg. The two lower doses are prescribed to be taken every day, whereas the higher doses can be used on demand, from 1 hour before you plan to have sex.

Tadalafil 2.5 mg and 5 mg

This dose is recommended for anyone medically eligible who wants to stay prepared for sex at all times. It may be preferred by people who are planning to be sexually active regularly, as it can be taken every day and removes the need to work out medication timings ahead of intimacy.

Also, as with all medications, it’s possible to notice some common side effects when taking tadalafil. This includes a stuffy nose, muscle pain, headaches and digestion problems, mostly likely caused by the medication relaxing your blood vessels. [1] If these side effects bother you, the lower daily dose of tadalafil such as 2.5 mg or 5 mg could be more suitable for you. You can learn more about side effects here.

Tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg

If you’re looking to treat erectile dysfunction on-demand, a stronger, but equally long-lasting dose of 10 mg or 20 mg (the maximum dose of tadalafil) could be more suitable for you. It’s recommended that you take this dose an hour before planned sexual activity, but it allows more freedom than Viagra (sildenafil) thanks to its 36 hour duration. Remember: Never take more than one dose of tadalafil per day, or mix it with any other ED medication, as this could be harmful.

This dose could also be more suitable if you struggle to remember to take treatments on a daily basis, at the same time.

Getting the best results from your tadalafil treatment

Regardless of which dose of tadalafil tablet you or your healthcare provider chooses to treat your erectile dysfunction, it’s still important to know how to get the most from your medication. Here are a few factors that could impact its effectiveness and duration.

Alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol can make it more difficult for you to achieve an erection, so consequently, it may diminish the effects of an erectile dysfunction treatment like tadalafil. Also, although non-alcoholic, grapefruit juice can limit the effects of your medication.

Cardiovascular health

Healthy blood flow is important in achieving erections, so poor heart health can impact your sexual function. [2] Focus on leading a balanced lifestyle with regular activity and a nutritious diet for the best results — and if you smoke, we strongly recommend quitting.

Drug interactions

It’s essential to share any information about other medications with your healthcare provider before you start taking a PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction. At ZipHealth, we’ll always clarify your health requirements before prescribing a treatment, but a few known drug interactions to be aware of include nitrates, alpha blockers and anti-viral medications.

You should also inform your prescriber if you have a history of any of the following:

• Heart problems including cardiovascular disease, chest pain, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack or valvular heart disease.
• Blood flow problems such as haemophilia, sickle cell anaemia (an abnormality of red blood cells), leukaemia (cancer of blood cells).
• Liver problems or kidney disease
• Inherited eye disease — retinitis pigmentosa

Choosing an erectile dysfunction treatment

Still undecided on which treatment is right for you? Take a fast, free online consultation at ZipHealth today. Our healthcare professionals can assess your suitability for erectile dysfunction treatments and issue prescriptions online.

Every order is sent quickly and discreetly, in plain, unbranded packaging. Learn more here.

References

[1] Source: Cialis 10mg film-coated tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7431/pil#about-medicine

[2] Yannas D, Frizza F, Vignozzi L, Corona G, Maggi M, Rastrelli G. Erectile Dysfunction Is a Hallmark of Cardiovascular Disease: Unavoidable Matter of Fact or Opportunity to Improve Men’s Health? Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021 May 20;10(10):2221.