Tadalafil: what it does and who uses it
Tadalafil is a prescription medicine used mainly for erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). You may know it by the brand name Cialis; there's also a generic tadalafil that costs less. It helps blood flow to certain areas by blocking an enzyme called PDE5, which makes erections easier and can relax prostate and bladder muscles for BPH relief.
How tadalafil works and common uses
Tadalafil raises blood flow by widening blood vessels when sexual stimulation is present. For ED, many people take it on-demand — usually 5–20 mg taken 30–60 minutes before sex. Want longer coverage? A single dose can work up to 36 hours, so you don’t need to time things tightly. For daily use, low doses (2.5–5 mg once daily) keep steady levels and suit men who prefer spontaneity. Tadalafil is also prescribed for BPH symptoms and, in a different dose form (Adcirca), for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Dosing, interactions and safety tips
Typical on-demand doses: 5, 10, or 20 mg. Daily dosing: 2.5 or 5 mg. For PAH the tablet and dose differ — follow your doctor’s instructions. Never mix tadalafil with nitrates (nitroglycerin or similar) — that combo can dangerously drop blood pressure. Be careful with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ritonavir, ketoconazole, or some antibiotics; they can raise tadalafil levels. Alpha-blockers for prostate or blood pressure may cause dizziness when combined; doctors usually adjust timing or dose.
Common side effects are headache, flushing, indigestion, stuffy nose, back or muscle pain (tadalafil is more likely to cause back pain than other PDE5 drugs). If you get sudden vision or hearing loss, or a painful erection lasting over 4 hours, seek emergency care.
Thinking about buying tadalafil online? Make sure the pharmacy asks for a prescription, lists a licensed pharmacist, and shows a physical address and contact phone. Avoid sites that sell without prescription or offer suspiciously low prices with no verifiable credentials. Generic tadalafil is widely available and safe when dispensed by reputable pharmacies.
Storage is simple: keep tablets in a cool, dry place away from kids. If you missed a daily dose, take it when you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose — don’t double up. Always tell your doctor about heart disease, low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, or if you use alpha-blockers or nitrates.
Short practical tip: if you try tadalafil and feel dizzy or faint, stop and get medical advice before taking another dose. If you’re unsure which dose fits your life — on-demand or daily — ask your prescriber. They’ll match dose and timing to your health, meds, and lifestyle so you get the best effect with the least risk.
