Tadalafil Dosage for Erectile Dysfunction

• Tadalafil daily dose (2.5mg or 5mg): Taken once every day to keep the medicine working continuously. This option is best if you’re sexually active more often and prefer to be ready anytime without planning ahead.
• Tadalafil on-demand dose (10mg or 20mg): Taken about 30 minutes before sex, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. This is best if you prefer to take a tablet only when needed rather than every day.

Tadalafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).

It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow when you’re sexually aroused. Unlike some other ED treatments, tadalafil is long-acting, meaning it stays active in your body for up to 36 hours. This extended duration is why it’s sometimes nicknamed “the weekend pill.” When taken as a daily dose, it has a continuous effect.

Tadalafil is available in two main dosing options, depending on your lifestyle and frequency of sexual activity:

• Daily tadalafil – 2.5mg or 5mg tablets taken once a day for ongoing readiness
• On-demand tadalafil – 10mg or 20mg tablets taken before planned sexual activity

Both options are effective, but they serve slightly different sexual preferences.

Understanding how they work and how to take them properly can help you get the best results from your treatment.

The daily tadalafil dose is designed for men who want to maintain a constant level of tadalafil in their bloodstream, allowing for spontaneous sexual activity at any time. You don’t need to plan around when to take it — just take one tablet every day, ideally at the same time.

How It Works

By taking a low dose daily, tadalafil builds up in your system to provide a steady, mild effect. This means you’re always ready for sexual activity, without needing to time doses. It’s a discreet option for those who value flexibility.

Who It’s Suitable For

The daily tadalafil 2.5mg or 5mg dose is often recommended for:

• Men who have sex multiple times a week and prefer not to plan ahead
• Those who prefer a consistent, low-dose approach to minimise side effects
• Men who also have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as tadalafil can help relieve urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement

Starting and Adjusting the Dose

• 2.5mg daily is typically the starting dose. Your doctor might begin with this if you’re taking other medications, have mild liver or kidney impairment, or need to be initiated with caution.
• If tolerated well but not effective enough, your doctor may increase it to 5mg daily.

It’s important to take tadalafil at the same time each day — this helps maintain stable blood levels. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but never double up to make up for a missed tablet.

Benefits of the Daily Dose

• Enables spontaneity — no need to schedule sexual activity
• Helps men who prefer a more natural routine
• Reduces fluctuations in drug levels, which may lower the chance of headaches or flushing compared to higher on-demand doses

The on-demand tadalafil dose is taken as needed, rather than every day. It’s designed for men who prefer taking medication only when they plan to have sex.

How It Works

You take one tablet at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Tadalafil takes effect as it’s absorbed into your bloodstream, reaching maximum levels in about 2 hours. It can remain active for up to 36 hours, allowing flexibility in timing.

Starting and Adjusting the Dose

• 10mg tadalafil is the usual starting dose for most men.
• If 10mg is not effective, and you’re tolerating it well, the dose can be increased to 20mg.

Benefits of the On-Demand Dose

The on-demand dose suits men who:

• Have less frequent sexual activity
• Prefer taking medication only when needed
• Prefer a punchier effect from the higher dose
• Want a longer-lasting option compared to sildenafil (Viagra)

Below is a summary comparing the different tadalafil doses, their timing, effect duration, and typical use:

The right tadalafil dosage depends on your frequency of sexual activity, other health conditions, and how you respond to the medication. Your doctor or pharmacist will guide you based on your individual needs.

Important Tips

• Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours.
• You can take tadalafil with or without food, but a heavy or high-fat meal may delay how quickly it works.
• Drinking excessive alcohol can reduce your ability to get an erection. Tadalafil and alcohol together may increase side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure.

The maximum recommended dose of tadalafil in 24 hours is 20mg. Taking more than this will not improve your erection and can increase your risk of side effects such as:

• Headache
• Facial flushing
• Indigestion
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness or light-headedness

If you’ve taken a lower dose (e.g. 10mg) and found it less effective, do not take another dose within the same 24-hour period. Instead, wait until the next day and speak to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should move up to a higher strength.

Remember that tadalafil requires sexual stimulation to work — it will not cause an erection without it. Some men find it takes a few tries before they achieve the best results, so it’s worth giving the medication a chance before deciding it isn’t working.

Before taking tadalafil, always ensure your doctor is aware of:

• Any heart conditions
• Use of nitrates (e.g., GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate) — never combine these with tadalafil
• Use of alpha blockers or medicines for prostate symptoms — doses may need adjusting
• Any liver or kidney problems
• Any other health conditions you have
• Any other medication you are taking

Tadalafil may not be suitable for everyone; or you may need to dose adjusting in certain scenarios.

Tadalafil offers a flexible treatment for erectile dysfunction with two main dosing options:

• Daily tadalafil (2.5mg or 5mg) – for continuous effect and spontaneous sexual activity
• On-demand tadalafil (10mg or 20mg) – for planned use lasting up to 36 hours

The maximum tadalafil dose is 20mg in 24 hours, and you should not take more than one dose per day.

Can I take tadalafil every day?

Yes. Tadalafil is available as a daily tablet designed for men who want a continuous window of action. Taking it daily keeps a steady level of the medicine in your bloodstream, meaning you don’t need to plan around doses — you can be ready anytime. Always take it at the same time each day and never exceed one dose in 24 hours.

What is the best tadalafil dose for erectile dysfunction?

The best dose depends on how often you’re sexually active and how you respond to treatment.

2.5mg or 5mg daily: best for regular activity and convenience.

10mg or 20mg on-demand: best for occasional use, lasting up to 36 hours.
Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and adjust if needed to balance effectiveness and side effects.

Can I take 10mg or 20mg of tadalafil every day?

It is not recommended to take 10mg or 20mg tablets every day. These doses are for on-demand use only, as they stay in your system for up to 36 hours. Taking the higher doses every day can lead to higher drug levels in your system and increase the risk of side effects such as headache or dizziness. If you want a continuous effect, switch to the daily dose instead.