Tadalafil
PrescriptionWhat is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or PDE5 inhibitors. The medication helps men achieve and maintain erections sufficient for sexual activity.
This medication works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body. Tadalafil is also sold under the brand name Cialis. The medication comes in several strengths and can be taken as needed before sexual activity or as a daily low-dose treatment.
Tadalafil requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and current medications before prescribing this treatment. The medication typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and can remain effective for up to 36 hours.
Thank you for signing up.
You are on the list. We will reach out as soon as online pharmacy services are available.
Rite Aid pharmacy is back, now online
Get notified when online pharmacy services are available in your state.
Common uses
- Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men
- Treatment of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Treatment of erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia when both conditions occur together
- Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension under the brand name Adcirca
How it works
Tadalafil blocks an enzyme in the body called phosphodiesterase type 5. This enzyme normally breaks down a substance that helps relax smooth muscle tissue. By blocking this enzyme, tadalafil allows blood vessels to stay relaxed and open wider. This increased blood flow makes it easier to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
For benign prostatic hyperplasia, tadalafil relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder. This relaxation helps improve urinary symptoms like difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and frequent urination. The medication does not cure these conditions but helps manage symptoms while you are taking it.
Taking Tadalafil? Monitor your levels.
Screen for 1,200+ health conditions
Dosage information
For erectile dysfunction, tadalafil is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. As-needed dosing typically ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg taken before sexual activity. Daily dosing is usually 2.5 mg to 5 mg taken at the same time each day. For benign prostatic hyperplasia, the typical dose is 5 mg once daily. Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your health status, other medications, and response to treatment. Never take more than one dose in 24 hours.
Side effects
- Headache
- Indigestion or upset stomach
- Back pain
- Muscle aches
- Flushing or warmth in the face, neck, or chest
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Pain in arms or legs
Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Rare but serious allergic reactions can also occur.
Drug interactions
- Nitrate medications for chest pain or heart problems, which can cause dangerous blood pressure drops
- Alpha-blockers for high blood pressure or prostate problems may increase risk of low blood pressure
- Other PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil or vardenafil should not be taken with tadalafil
- Certain antifungal medications like ketoconazole and itraconazole
- Some antibiotics including clarithromycin and erythromycin
- HIV protease inhibitors
- Blood pressure medications may have additive effects
- Grapefruit juice can increase tadalafil levels in the blood
Blood test monitoring
Your doctor should check your cardiovascular health before prescribing tadalafil. Blood pressure monitoring is important, especially if you take blood pressure medications. Testosterone levels should be checked if erectile dysfunction persists, as low testosterone can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Liver function and kidney function may need monitoring if you have existing liver or kidney disease, as these conditions affect how your body processes the medication.
Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider help ensure the medication is working safely and effectively. Your doctor may also want to monitor cholesterol levels and blood sugar, as these can affect cardiovascular and sexual health. Rite Aid offers blood testing services that measure over 200 biomarkers, including testosterone and cardiovascular markers, for $349 per year with 2 tests annually.
Taking Tadalafil? Monitor your levels.
- Track how your body responds
- Catch side effects early with blood work
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Tadalafil typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. The medication can remain effective in your system for up to 36 hours, which is longer than most other erectile dysfunction medications. Sexual stimulation is still required for the medication to work. Taking tadalafil with a large meal may delay how quickly it starts working.
No, tadalafil is a prescription medication that requires evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Your doctor needs to review your medical history, current medications, and overall health before prescribing it. Online services that claim to sell tadalafil without a prescription are not legitimate and may sell counterfeit or dangerous products. Rite Aid pharmacy services will require a valid prescription when services return.
As-needed tadalafil uses higher doses, usually 10 mg or 20 mg, taken before sexual activity. Daily tadalafil uses lower doses of 2.5 mg or 5 mg taken at the same time each day. Daily dosing allows for more spontaneity since the medication is always in your system. Your doctor will help you choose which dosing schedule works best for your lifestyle and needs.
If tadalafil becomes less effective, talk to your doctor before stopping or changing your dose. Your testosterone levels may need to be checked, as low testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction. Other health changes like diabetes, high blood pressure, or medication changes can also affect how well tadalafil works. Your doctor may adjust your dose or explore other treatment options.
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe with tadalafil, but excessive drinking should be avoided. Alcohol can lower blood pressure, and tadalafil also lowers blood pressure, so combining them may cause dizziness or fainting. Heavy alcohol use can also make it harder to get an erection, working against the medication. Limit alcohol to 1 or 2 drinks if you plan to use tadalafil.
Tadalafil is generally safe for men with stable heart disease, but it can strain the heart in certain situations. Never take tadalafil if you use nitrate medications, as this combination can cause dangerous blood pressure drops. Tell your doctor about any heart conditions, especially if you have had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months. Sexual activity itself puts strain on the heart, so your doctor will evaluate if you are healthy enough for sex.
Low testosterone is a common cause of erectile dysfunction that tadalafil alone cannot fix. Checking testosterone levels helps identify if hormone replacement therapy might help in addition to tadalafil. Normal testosterone levels are important for sex drive, energy, and overall sexual function. Rite Aid blood testing includes testosterone measurement along with over 200 other biomarkers for $349 per year.
Taking more than the recommended dose increases your risk of serious side effects. These may include severe dizziness, fainting, painful erections, or vision problems. Never take more than one dose in 24 hours. If you accidentally take too much, contact your doctor or local poison control center right away, even if you feel fine.
Many men safely take tadalafil with blood pressure medications, but dosing may need adjustment. Tadalafil can lower blood pressure, and combining it with blood pressure drugs may cause excessive drops. Alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems require special caution and dose timing. Your doctor will review all your medications to ensure safe use together.
Your doctor will recommend a blood work schedule based on your individual health needs. Initial testing may check testosterone, liver function, kidney function, and cardiovascular markers. Annual testing is often sufficient for men without other health conditions. Men with diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic conditions may need more frequent monitoring to ensure safe medication use.