Tadalafil (brand name Cialis) is a pill most people use for erectile dysfunction (ED) and sometimes for enlarged prostate (BPH). One striking thing: a single dose can help up to 36 hours, so it’s often called the “weekend pill.” That long window changes how people plan sex and dosing, but it also affects side effects and interactions—so you should know the basics before you try it.
Tadalafil relaxes blood vessels in the penis, letting blood flow in during sexual arousal. For ED you’ll see two main approaches: daily low-dose and as-needed higher dose. Typical options:
- Daily: 2.5–5 mg once a day (keeps steady levels so you don’t time a pill with sex).
- As-needed: 10 mg taken 30–60 minutes before sex; can increase to 20 mg or drop to 5 mg based on how you respond.
For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or combined ED+BPH, doctors often use 5 mg daily. For pulmonary arterial hypertension, tadalafil is used at different doses under brand names like Adcirca—don’t mix those instructions with ED dosing.
Most side effects are mild: headache, flushing, indigestion, muscle aches, or back pain. These often go away in a day or two. But watch for serious signs: sudden loss of vision or hearing, or an erection longer than 4 hours (priapism). Those require immediate medical care.
Major drug interactions matter. Never take tadalafil with nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide) — the combination can drop blood pressure dangerously. Be cautious with alpha-blockers for prostate or blood pressure; your doctor will adjust timing or doses. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like some antifungals or HIV meds) raise tadalafil levels and may require a lower dose. Grapefruit juice can increase levels too—avoid large amounts.
Avoid heavy drinking before taking it; alcohol can increase fainting and dizziness. If you have heart disease, low blood pressure, or recent stroke/heart attack, talk to your doctor first. Pregnant or breastfeeding people don’t need this—tadalafil is for men and some women in specific conditions only under supervision.
Buying and storing tips: get tadalafil with a prescription. If you buy online, use a licensed pharmacy, check reviews, and confirm a pharmacist is reachable. Avoid deals that look too cheap or require no prescription. Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Missed doses depend on your regimen: if you’re on daily tadalafil, take it when you remember but don’t double up. For as-needed dosing, skip if you missed the window—don’t take extra later. If you suspect overdose or severe reaction, seek emergency care.
If you want practical help choosing dose or understanding interactions, talk to a healthcare professional. They’ll match your health, other meds, and lifestyle to the safest plan. For more on ED options, alternatives, and safe online pharmacy tips, browse our related articles on this site.
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