How to Use Tadalafil Tablets  

Tadalafil film-coated tablets come in different strengths. It comes in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths, and should always be taken exactly as your pharmacist prescribes. It’s a prescription-only drug, so the dose will depend on whether you’re using it daily or on an as-needed basis.

Before you begin the treatment, read the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet from inside the pack. That may sound boring, but it’s filled with some genuinely useful information — details about what to avoid and how best to take it or when you eventually need to seek medical attention.  

How to Take Daily Tadalafil (2.5mg or 5mg) 

Take one tablet once a day, at more or less the same time each day — in the morning or evening, whatever suits your schedule best. It doesn’t matter if you intend to have sex that day or not — the goal is to be ready whenever the time arrives, by having a constant level of Tadalafil in your system at all times.  

5mg. That would probably be your starting dose when you first begin. If your erections become a little too rock hard or painful, and stay around for longer than you’d like, you could try reducing the dose to 2.5mg of tadalafil. 

It’s important to note that daily Tadalafil doesn’t work instantly — it takes a few days for the drug to build up in your body. For most people, you’ll begin to see the full impact after using it consistently for about 5 to 14 days, so stay with it if you don’t notice immediate results.  

How to Take As-Needed Tadalafil (10mg or 20mg)

Take one tablet at least 30 minutes before sex — that’s when it starts to kick in, although some people report the effects sooner. Take the tablet with a full glass of water.  

Start with the 10mg strength. If that’s not strong enough for you, your pharmacist can prescribe the 20mg tablet. Never adjust your dose yourself — be sure to consult with your health care provider first. 

The best part? Once it kicks in, Tadalafil can stay active for up to 36 hours. That means you don’t need to rush or perfectly time anything.  

Side effects of Tadalafil Tablet 

You should not use Tadalafil if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It’s also unsafe if you’re already taking nitrate medications (such as Isosorbide Mononitrate, Isosorbide Dinitrate, or Nicorandil) — the combination can lead to a potentially fatal drop in blood pressure.  

Do not take Tadalafil if you have ever had severe heart or liver disease, a recent heart attack (within the last 3 months), or stroke, or if you have been told not to have sexual activity for health reasons. You should talk to your pharmacist if you have low or uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you have ever had any condition that affects the shape of the penis.  

Tadalafil can also have interactions with other drugs, including some antibiotics, blood pressure tablets, and treatments for prostate problems. That’s why it is so important to tell your pharmacist what other medications you are taking when you order.  

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):  

• Headache  
• Facial flushing (warm or red face)  
• Indigestion or heartburn  
• Stuffy or runny nose  
• Back pain or muscle aches  
• Feeling dizzy  

These are the most common and are usually short-lived. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol or large meals before taking Tadalafil can help reduce them.  

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):  

• Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet  
• Blurred vision or slight color changes in vision (like a blueish tint)  
• Faster heartbeat or palpitations  
• Stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea  
• Fatigue or sleepiness  
• Chest discomfort after sex 

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):  

• Prolonged or painful erections lasting more than 4 hours (seek medical attention immediately)  
• Sudden loss of vision or hearing  
• Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling  
• Fainting or severe dizziness  
• Allergic reactions causing swelling of the lips, face, or throat (anaphylaxis – medical emergency)