Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, which is why many people call it "the weekend pill." It treats erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and a related formulation is used for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Here’s a short, practical guide to help you use it smartly.
There are two common ways doctors prescribe tadalafil: a daily low dose and an as-needed higher dose. For ED, as-needed tablets are usually 10–20 mg taken at least 30 minutes before sex; effects can start within 30–60 minutes and last up to 36 hours. Daily dosing (commonly 2.5–5 mg once a day) is an option if you prefer more spontaneity or if you have both ED and BPH. For BPH, daily 5 mg is typical. For pulmonary arterial hypertension the prescription differs (Adcirca brand) and you should follow your specialist’s directions.
Start with the lowest dose your doctor suggests. If you have kidney or liver problems, doses may need adjusting. If you miss a daily dose, take it when you remember but don’t double up.
Common side effects are headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, back pain, and muscle aches. These usually pass in a few hours. Stop the drug and get urgent care if you notice sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours (seek emergency care for priapism).
Major interactions: never take tadalafil with nitrates (found in chest pain meds or recreational drugs) — the combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Be cautious with alpha-blockers for prostate issues; your doctor may start at a low dose and monitor you. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ritonavir, ketoconazole) raise tadalafil levels — dose changes may be needed. Grapefruit can boost levels too, so avoid large amounts.
Avoid heavy drinking when using tadalafil — alcohol increases the chance of dizziness and low blood pressure. If you have heart disease or recent heart surgery, check with your doctor before using ED meds because sexual activity itself can stress the heart.
Buying online? Use licensed pharmacies only. Watch for sites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription or offer prices that seem unreal. A genuine pharmacy will verify your prescription and list contact details.
Finally, tadalafil helps with symptoms for many people, but it’s not right for everyone. Talk openly with your doctor about medical history, other medications, and what you want from treatment. That simple conversation makes your treatment safer and more likely to work.
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