Tadalafil is a generic drug prescribed for erectile dysfunction and other conditions in adults. Tadalafil comes as a tablet that’s typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on the condition.

Tadalafil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults:

Tadalafil belongs to a drug class called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Tadalafil is also available under the brand names Cialis and Adcirca.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of tadalafil, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at tadalafil, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages of tadalafil provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking tadalafil, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about tadalafil’s recommended dosages.

Tadalafil form

Tadalafil comes as an oral tablet.

Tadalafil strengths

Tadalafil comes in four strengths:

  • 2.5 milligrams (mg)
  • 5 mg
  • 10 mg
  • 20 mg

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for erectile dysfunction (ED)

Doctors may prescribe tadalafil to treat ED. There are two dosing options when taking tadalafil for ED: once daily and as needed.

Once daily: If your doctor prescribes tadalafil once daily for ED, your starting dose will likely be 2.5 mg. If this dose isn’t working for you, your doctor may recommend a dose increase — up to 5 mg to treat ED. This is the maximum dose of tadalafil that’s recommended for use once daily.

As needed: If your doctor prescribes tadalafil as needed for ED, your starting dose will likely be 10 mg. Typically, you’ll take this right before sexual activity. If this dose isn’t working for you, your doctor may recommend a dose increase to 20 mg, taken once before sex. This is the maximum dose in 24 hours for use as needed.

If you experience too many side effects with the 10 mg starting dose, your doctor may decrease it to 5 mg before sexual activity. For details about the side effects of tadalafil, see the “Side effects” section of this article.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Tadalafil is also approved to help treat BPH (enlarged prostate). The recommended starting dose is 5 mg. You’ll usually take this once daily. The maximum recommended dosage of tadalafil for BPH is 5 mg once daily.

Your doctor may prescribe the drug finasteride (Proscar) to take with tadalafil for BPH.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

Dosage for ED and BPH

For people who have ED and BPH (ED/BPH), the recommended starting dose of tadalafil is 5 mg. You’ll usually take this once daily. The maximum recommended dosage of tadalafil for ED/BPH is 5 mg once daily.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

Dosage for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Doctors may prescribe tadalafil to treat PAH. In this case, the recommended starting dose of tadalafil is 40 mg. You’ll usually take this once daily. You’ll likely take two 20-mg tablets at once for your daily dose of 40 mg.

The maximum recommended dosage of tadalafil for PAH is 40 mg once daily.

If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor for more information.

How to take tadalafil

Tadalafil comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew the tablets. You may take your dose with or without food. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

With the once-daily dosing regimen, doctors recommend taking tadalafil around the same time each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Tadalafil can work effectively.

If you’re taking tadalafil as needed for erectile dysfunction, talk with your doctor about the timing of your dose. Tadalafil should be taken before sexual activity. You may be able to have sexual activity after 30 minutes and up to 36 hours after taking your tadalafil dose.

Note: Do not take tadalafil more than once in a 24-hour period.

Length of treatment

Tadalafil may be a short-term or long-term treatment. It depends on the condition you’re taking the drug to treat and your treatment plan.

If you take tadalafil for BPH or PAH, it may be a long-term treatment. However, if you start BPH treatment with tadalafil and finasteride, you may only take tadalafil for up to 26 weeks. Learn more about treatments for BPH (enlarged prostate) and PAH.

For ED, tadalafil may be a short-term treatment if your doctor is able to treat the underlying cause. Tadalafil may also be a long-term treatment for ED.

Before you start tadalafil, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. They can help answer any questions you may have about how long you can expect to take tadalafil. For more information, see this article about tadalafil treatment.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the dosage of tadalafil.

What should I do for a missed dose of tadalafil?

If you miss a dose of tadalafil, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose (the following day), skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. Also, do not take more than one dose of tadalafil in a 24-hour period.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

When is 60 mg of tadalafil prescribed?

The FDA has not approved a 60-mg dose of tadalafil for any condition. The maximum doses of tadalafil for each of its approved uses are as follows:

  • ED: 20 mg as needed before sexual activity
  • BPH: 5 mg once daily
  • PAH: 40 mg once daily

For details about tadalafil’s recommended dosages, see the “Tadalafil dosage” section above.

If you have questions or concerns about your tadalafil dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If it seems like you need a higher dosage, ask your doctor whether a dosage increase is right for you. Do not increase your dosage unless your doctor recommends doing so.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting tadalafil tablets in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

It’s important that you do not take more tadalafil than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of tadalafil

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much tadalafil. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

To learn about some of the conditions tadalafil is approved to treat, see this list of ED articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.