These days, there are lots of options to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) – not just Viagra. For example, you could consider tadalafil, a more affordable generic version of the branded drug Cialis.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the different tadalafil dosages on the market, which dose works best for each situation, and the most effective time to take it.
Three key takeaways
Tadalafil is an alternative to Viagra and is available in four main dosage strengths when treating erectile dysfunction, from 2.5mg to 20mg.
The typical starting dose for tadalafil is 10mg, which can be taken as needed ahead of any sexual activity.
The right dose for you will depend on your individual preferences and how well you tolerate side effects like headaches, nausea, muscle aches, and flushes.
Which tadalafil dosage is right for me?
If you’re taking tadalafil for ED, there are four dosage strengths available:
Tadalafil 2.5mg
Tadalafil 2.5mg dosage is the lowest strength prescribers recommend. At this low dose, you can take tadalafil every day.
It’s suitable for people who prefer to have sex spontaneously, rather than having to plan ahead, as the effects of the medication can last over 24 hours.
This makes tadalafil 2.5mg a good choice if you’re planning to have sex two-to-three times a week or more.
Prescribers typically recommend 2.5mg if this dose has proven effective for you, or if you’ve tried the 5mg dose and had difficulty managing side effects. For daily use, it’s recommended to continue at the lowest effective dose.
Tadalafil 5mg
Like the 2.5mg dosage, Tadalafil 5mg dosage is a low enough dose to take daily, meaning you won’t need to time having sex around when you take it.
Your prescriber might recommend the 5mg tadalafil dosage if you’ve already tried the 2.5mg dose, but it hasn’t worked as desired. This is as long as you’ve tolerated the side effects of tadalafil at the lower dose.
Unlike the higher doses, which you take as-needed around 30 minutes before sex, tadalafil 5mg suits people who prefer to have sex spontaneously.
If you’re taking tadalafil 5mg daily, it’s best to take it at the same each day, so that its effects are more reliable when you want to have sex.
Tadalafil 10mg
Tadalafil 10mg is the typical starting dose for ED for most people, and the strength clinicians most often prescribe.
10mg is commonly recommended for people who prefer to use tadalafil as needed when planning to have sex.
Tadalafil 20mg
Tadalafil 20mg dosage is typically prescribed only if you’ve already tried the tadalafil 10mg dosage and haven’t seen the desired results, but you’ve tolerated the side effects well.
As with the 10mg dosage, you take the 20mg dose on an as-needed basis, 30-60 minutes before sex.
What is the maximum dose of tadalafil in 24 hours?
The maximum dose of tadalafil in 24 hours is one tablet, regardless of the dose strength you’re taking.
If you’re taking tadalafil 10mg or tadalafil 20mg dosage, you shouldn’t take the medication every day, as its effects can last over 24 hours.
Is tadalafil stronger than Cialis?
No, tadalafil is not stronger than Cialis.
In fact, Cialis dosage is exactly the same as tadalafil dosage. That’s because Cialis is a brand name for the generic drug taladafil.
The dosages for Cialis available in the UK are:
Cialis 2.5mg: these are small white tablets imprinted with ‘2.5mg’ on them
Cialis 5mg: these are small light orange tablets imprinted with ‘5mg’ on them
Cialis 10mg: these are large light orange tablets imprinted with ‘10mg’ on them
Cialis 20mg: these are large dark orange tablets imprinted with ‘20mg’ on them
As with tadalafil, you shouldn’t take more than one Cialis tablet in a 24-hour period, and if you’re taking the 10mg or 20mg Cialis dose strength, you shouldn’t take the medication every day due to its potentially long-lasting effects.
How to take tadalafil step-by-step
To take tadalafil:
Swallow one tablet whole, without crushing, splitting, or chewing.
Take tadalafil with a glass of water.
If you’re taking the 10mg or 20mg dose, take tadalafil 30 minutes before sex.
If you’re taking the 2.5mg or 5mg dose, take the tablet at the same time each day.Do not take tadalafil with grapefruit juice, as this can cause interactions with the medication.
When to change your tadalafil dosage
You may want to talk to your prescriber about adjusting your tadalafil dosage if:
you were on a lower dose and tolerated side effects well but didn’t see the desired results
you were on a higher dose and saw the desired results but didn’t tolerate side effects well
your preferences and habits around having sex have changed – such as if you’re having sex more often than before, and you want to start taking tadalafil daily so that sex can be spontaneous
“The right tadalafil dose is different for everyone. It partly depends on how well you tolerate side effects like headaches, flushes, indigestion, muscle aches, and nausea, but it also depends on how you like to plan your sex life.
If you like to plan intimate time with a partner, a 10mg or 20mg dose is a good choice – just take it around half an hour before you want to have sex. If you prefer to be ready whenever the mood strikes, a daily low dose might suit your needs better. If you need some help figuring things out, talk to one of our prescribers.”
You should avoid taking tadalafil, or talk to your prescriber before taking it if:
you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to tadalafil or any other medicine
you’re taking nitrates for chest pain (angina)
you have heart, kidney, or liver issues
you’ve recently had a stroke or a heart attack
you have low blood pressure (hypotension) or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
you have sickle cell anaemia
you have leukaemia
have multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer)
FAQs
Is tadalafil stronger than Viagra?
No, tadalafil is not stronger than Viagra. Both medications are effective, but they contain different active ingredients, so it isn’t relevant to compare their respective dosage strengths. You can find out more about their differences in our guide to Cialis vs Viagra.
Can I buy tadalafil over the counter in the UK?
Yes, you can buy tadalafil 10mg over the counter in some UK pharmacies.
What should I do if I miss a dose of tadalafil?
If you’re taking a low dose of tadalafil daily and you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take a double dose without talking to your prescriber first.
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