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Tadalafil oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

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Tadalafil oral tablets are prescribed for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), and pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults. The tablets are taken by mouth once a day or as needed in certain cases.
Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP
Updated on

This article describes tadalafil’s dosages, strengths, and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for tadalafil.

Tadalafil oral tablets are a generic version of the brand-name drugs Cialis and Adcirca.

If you want to know more about tadalafil oral tablets, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Form and strengths of tadalafil

Tadalafil oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: a tablet that you swallow
  • Strengths:
    • 2.5 milligrams (mg)
    • 5 mg
    • 10 mg
    • 20 mg

Dosage of tadalafil

This section describes the recommended dosages* for tadalafil oral tablets.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of tadalafil oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.

* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages. If your doctor prescribes tadalafil, be sure to take the dosage they prescribe for you.

Usual recommended dosages of tadalafil in adults

The information below describes tadalafil oral tablet dosages that are commonly prescribed. That said, always take the tadalafil dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the dose and timing that best meets your individual needs. All doses are in milligrams (mg).

Dosage for erectile dysfunction

The dosage for erectile dysfunction (ED) depends on how it’s prescribed. Doctors prescribe it for either once daily use or as needed. For use as needed, you’ll take your dose before sexual activity. You can take the drug up to once a day. If your doctor prescribes a daily dose of tadalafil, you’ll take it every day regardless of sexual activity.

For use as needed before sexual activity, tadalafil’s recommended dosage is as follows:

  • Starting dosage: 10 mg up to once per day
  • Maintenance dosage: 5 mg to 20 mg up to once per day
  • Maximum dosage: 20 mg up to once per day, which is the maximum dose in 24 hours

For daily use, tadalafil’s recommended dosage is as follows:

  • Starting dosage: 2.5 mg once per day
  • Maintenance dosage: 2.5 mg to 5 mg once per day
  • Maximum dosage: 5 mg once per day

Dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia

To treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the recommended dosage is as follows:

  • Dose: 5 mg
  • Frequency: once per day

Dosage for ED and BPH

To treat ED together with BPH symptoms, tadalafil’s recommended dosage is as follows:

  • Dose: 5 mg
  • Frequency: once per day

Dosage for pulmonary arterial hypertension

To treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, tadalafil’s recommended dosage is as follows:

  • Dose: 40 mg
  • Frequency: once per day

Dosage adjustments for tadalafil

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of tadalafil oral tablets based on several factors, including:

  • the specific condition being treated and its severity
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have

For example, your doctor may prescribe a lower tadalafil dosage if you have a kidney or liver problem.

Missed dose of tadalafil

If you miss a dose of tadalafil, try to take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s the next day, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take more than one dose of tadalafil a day.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot a dose of tadalafil oral tablets. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of tadalafil oral tablets and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try downloading a reminder app on your phone or setting an alarm.

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Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about tadalafil oral tablets and their dosage.

Do dosages vary between tadalafil oral tablet uses?

Yes, dosages vary among tadalafil oral tablet uses. For erectile dysfunction, doses of 5 milligrams (mg) to 20 mg may be prescribed if the drug is taken only as needed. On the other hand, there’s only one recommended tadalafil dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

For more information, see the “Dosage of tadalafil” section above.

If you want to know more about your tadalafil dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do doctors prescribe a tadalafil 60-mg dosage for any condition?

No, a tadalafil 60-mg dosage is not prescribed for any condition. Also, drugmakers in the United States don’t make a 60-mg strength of tadalafil oral tablet. For the usual recommended tadalafil dosages by condition, see the “Dosage of tadalafil” section above.

If you have questions about your tadalafil dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What is tadalafil 10 mg prescribed to treat?

Doctors may prescribe a 10-mg dose of tadalafil oral tablets to treat erectile dysfunction as needed. You would take this dose up to once a day before sexual activity. For more information, see the “Dosage of tadalafil” section above.

If you have more questions about tadalafil oral tablets dosing and timing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is tadalafil taken long term?

Yes, doctors usually prescribe tadalafil oral tablets as a long-term treatment.

If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

How tadalafil is taken

Tadalafil oral tablets are taken by mouth. You should not split tadalafil tablets, and it’s important to swallow your entire dose. You can take this medication with or without food.

Tadalafil is taken once a day or as needed according to your prescription. (To learn more about how tadalafil is prescribed, see the “Dosage of tadalafil” section above.)

Your doctor may advise you to take your dose around the same time each day. This can help the drug work more effectively because it keeps a consistent amount of the drug in your body.

With use as needed for erectile dysfunction, take your dose at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. You can take it up to once a day. Be sure to follow the directions your doctor gives you.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. You’ll find suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can offer recommendations about taking your medication.

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Overdose of tadalafil

It’s important that you do not take more tadalafil oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects. (To learn more about possible side effects of tadalafil oral tablets, read this article.)

Symptoms of tadalafil overdose

Tadalafil overdose symptoms can include:

  • headache
  • upset stomach
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • stuffy nose
  • low blood pressure, which could cause you to fall or faint

What to do if you take too much tadalafil

If you think you’ve taken too much tadalafil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for tadalafil oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Check out the recommended dosages in the “Dosage of tadalafil” section above.

Do not change your dosage of tadalafil oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take tadalafil oral tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • If I have certain medical conditions, can I take a 5-mg dosage of tadalafil?
  • What’s considered the “normal” or usual dose of tadalafil for someone with a similar medical history to me?
  • If I have erectile dysfunction, how will you determine whether I should take tadalafil daily or only as needed?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.


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