Tadalafil: What It Is and How to Use It Safely

Tadalafil is a medicine used mostly to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). You might know it by the brand name Cialis. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood flows more easily to the penis and, at different doses, helps relieve urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate.

Tadalafil starts working in about 30–60 minutes for most people, but timing varies. One of its main selling points is how long it lasts—effects can last up to 36 hours, which is why people call it the “weekend pill.” There’s also a daily low-dose option that keeps a steady effect for people who prefer spontaneous intimacy.

How to take tadalafil

For ED, common options are a single higher dose taken as needed before sex, or a low daily dose taken every day. Typical as-needed doses range from 5 mg to 20 mg; daily doses are usually 2.5–5 mg. For BPH or combined ED/BPH treatment, doctors often recommend a daily dose. Take it with or without food. Alcohol can reduce performance and increase side effects, so don’t overdo it.

Safety tips & interactions

Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches. These usually fade within a day. Stop and see a doctor right away for chest pain, sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, or an erection lasting longer than four hours (priapism).

Tadalafil interacts dangerously with nitrates (often used for chest pain). Combining them can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. Alpha-blockers and some blood pressure meds also need careful management. If you take medicines for heart disease, tell your doctor before using tadalafil.

Kidney or liver problems may require a lower dose. Older adults often start lower to reduce side effects. Don’t mix tadalafil with other ED drugs.

Buying tadalafil online is possible, but be cautious. Only use pharmacies that require a prescription and show clear contact info, licensing, and a licensed pharmacist. Beware of sites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription—those products may be fake or unsafe.

Tadalafil comes as brand-name and generic products. Generics contain the same active ingredient and are usually cheaper. Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep them out of reach of children.

Want to try tadalafil? Talk honestly with your doctor about your heart health, meds, and expectations. A quick checkup and a prescription will keep you safer and help you get the dose that actually works for you.

Remember tadalafil needs sexual stimulation to work — it won't cause an erection on its own. If you don't see improvement after a few tries, give it time but report ongoing issues. Your doctor can adjust dose, suggest switching to a different PDE5 inhibitor, or check for underlying causes like low testosterone or diabetes.

Some meds (ketoconazole, ritonavir) raise tadalafil levels by blocking CYP3A4—your doctor must know all prescription and herbal meds you take. If side effects become worse or you faint, stop taking tadalafil and get medical help right away immediately please.