How Long Does Tadalafil Last?

An alternative to Viagra, tadalafil is the longest-lasting erectile dysfunction pill on the market, giving you greater freedom when having sex.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at how long tadalafil lasts on average, when best to take it before having sex, and which dosage is right for you.

Three key takeaways

Tadalafil is the longest-lasting ED pill available in the UK, staying in your system for 24-36 hours.

Tadalafil typically starts to work in 30-60 minutes

It’s recommended to take tadalafil around 30 minutes before you want to have sex.

Man and woman in bed after taking tadalafil

How long does tadalafil take to work?

Tadalafil generally starts to take effect in 30-60 minutes.

This means it’s similar to most other erectile dysfunction pills. Only Spedra, which contains the active ingredient avanafil, gets to work faster.

However, unlike sildenafil and avanafil, the speed at which tadalafil takes effect isn’t affected by what you eat or drink around the time you take it.

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How long does tadalafil last after taking it?

While market leader Viagra lasts about 4-6 hours, tadalafil stays in your system for 24-36 hours, with most people achieving peak hardness around two hours after taking it.

This means that you can take one dose of tadalafil and feel the effects for much longer.

Because it lasts longer, tadalafil can be taken spontaneously for fast-acting effects when you want to have sex, or daily at lower 2.5mg or 5mg doses.

If you're taking the daily dose of tadalafil, you can be intimate with a partner whenever the mood strikes, without needing to plan ahead.

Does 20mg tadalafil last longer than 5mg?

Yes, higher doses of tadalafil typically last longer than lower doses, as a higher amount of medication takes longer to leave your system. So, a 20mg tadalafil dose will last longer than 5mg.

Your prescriber will typically only recommend a 20mg dose if you’ve already tried the 10mg dose and haven’t had issues with the side effects of tadalafil, but haven’t experienced the desired effects.

You should take the 20mg dose on an as-needed basis, 30-60 minutes before sex, as you would with tadalafil 10mg.

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How to take tadalafil effectively

If you’re taking a low 2.5mg or 5mg dose daily, you should aim to take your tablet at the same time each day.

If you’re taking a 10mg or 20mg dose, take it around 30 minutes before you plan to have sex.

To take tadalafil:

Swallow one tablet whole – don't crush, split, or chew the medication.

Have tadalafil with a glass of water.

Do not take tadalafil with grapefruit juice, as this may potentially interact with the medication.

You should not take tadalafil if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction to tadalafil, or to any other medicine

are taking nitrates for chest pain

have recently had a stroke or a heart attack

have uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure)

have sickle cell anaemia

have leukaemia

have liver, kidney, or heart issues

have multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer)

As with Viagra and alcohol, you can drink while taking tadalafil, though it’s best to do so in moderation.

Frequently asked questions about how long tadalafil lasts

How long does it take for tadalafil to peak?

Most people achieve peak hardness on tadalafil around two hours after taking it.

Can you take 40mg tadalafil for erectile dysfunction?

No, it’s not recommended to take 40mg tadalafil for ED, as this can lead to dangerous side effects. The 20mg tablet is the maximum recommended dose in 24 hours.

Is tadalafil as strong as Viagra?

Tadalafil and Viagra have different active ingredients and work differently in the body, so it’s not accurate to compare their respective strength.

Can you take tadalafil two days in a row?

Yes, you can take a lower dose of 2.5mg or 5mg of tadalafil daily. If you’re taking 10mg or 20mg tadalafil, you shouldn’t take it two days in a row because, at these doses, the medication can stay in your body for over 24 hours.