Tadalafil (Cialis): What It Does and How to Use It
Tadalafil is a pill used mainly for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood flows better to the penis and the prostate. Unlike some ED pills, tadalafil can last up to 36 hours — that gives couples more spontaneity.
There are two common ways to take tadalafil: as-needed dosing and daily dosing. As-needed pills usually come in 10 mg or 20 mg taken about 30–60 minutes before sex. Daily dosing is lower — typically 2.5–5 mg once a day — and is aimed at men who want regular readiness or who also have BPH symptoms.
Practical dosing tips
Start low. If you’re new to tadalafil, many doctors recommend starting at 10 mg for as-needed use or 2.5 mg daily. If you get strong side effects or don’t need frequent doses, your doctor can lower or raise the dose. Don’t double up; take only the dose prescribed for the day.
Food affects some ED drugs less than others. Heavy, fatty meals can delay the effect of tadalafil for some people, but the impact is smaller than with older ED medicines. Alcohol can lower blood pressure and increase dizziness — limit how much you drink when you plan to take tadalafil.
Safety: interactions and side effects
Never mix tadalafil with nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain). The combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Be careful with alpha-blockers for prostate issues or high blood pressure — timing and dose adjustments matter. Tell your doctor about heart medicines, blood pressure pills, and recreational drugs before starting tadalafil.
Common side effects are headache, flushing, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches. These usually fade within a day or two. Seek help right away if you get chest pain, severe dizziness, sudden vision loss, or an erection lasting more than four hours — that needs urgent care.
Who should avoid tadalafil? Men taking nitrates, people with certain heart conditions, or those advised by their doctor not to have sex for health reasons. Older adults and people with kidney or liver problems may need dose changes.
Thinking of buying tadalafil online? Use caution. Choose pharmacies that require a prescription, show a real business address, and offer pharmacist contact. Avoid bargain sites with no prescription or products priced way below market — fake meds are common and risky.
Want more reading? eDrugstore.com has practical articles on ED alternatives, Cialis peers, and herbal options. If you’re unsure whether tadalafil is right for you, talk to a clinician — a short chat can avoid big problems later.
Short checklist before you take tadalafil: confirm your prescription, check current medicines for interactions, avoid nitrates, limit alcohol, and watch for warning signs. That keeps things simple and safer.
