From the Guidelines
Tadalafil (Cialis) is the erectile dysfunction medication that can be taken daily at a lower dose of 2.5 to 5 mg, unlike other ED medications which are typically taken as needed. This daily regimen allows for spontaneous sexual activity without timing doses around anticipated intimacy. The daily dosing maintains a steady level of the medication in your bloodstream, which can be beneficial for men who have frequent sexual activity or who prefer not to plan ahead. Tadalafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for breaking down chemicals that cause erections. The daily dose is lower than the as-needed dose (which is typically 10-20 mg) to minimize side effects while maintaining effectiveness. Common side effects include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and nasal congestion. Before starting daily tadalafil, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it's appropriate for your specific health situation, especially if you have heart problems, take nitrates, or have other medical conditions 1.
Some key points to consider when taking tadalafil daily include:
- The medication should be taken at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level in the bloodstream
- It's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and not exceed the recommended daily dose
- Tadalafil can interact with other medications, such as nitrates, so it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're taking
- Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor the effectiveness and safety of the medication
Overall, tadalafil is a viable option for men with erectile dysfunction who prefer a daily medication regimen, but it's essential to weigh the benefits and risks with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day in most patients The recommended starting dose of tadalafil tablets for once daily use is 2.5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day, without regard to timing of sexual activity.
Tadalafil can be taken every day, with a recommended starting dose of 2.5 mg for once daily use. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day in most patients 2.
From the Research
ED Medications for Daily Use
- Tadalafil is a medication that can be taken daily for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) 3, 4, 5.
- The recommended daily dose of tadalafil is 2.5mg or 5mg, which has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated in clinical studies 3, 4.
- Tadalafil once daily has been compared to tadalafil on-demand in clinical subgroups of men with ED, and both regimens have been found to be efficacious 4.
- The long-term safety and tolerability of tadalafil have been assessed in a 24-month extension trial, and it was found to be safe and well-tolerated with a low rate of discontinuations due to adverse events 5.
Comparison with Other ED Medications
- Sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil are all phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors that are effective in the treatment of ED, but they differ in their pharmacokinetics 6, 7.
- Sildenafil has been found to be a very effective medicinal product with a success rate of 82% in patients with ED, but it may not be suitable for daily use 7.
- Vardenafil and tadalafil have been found to have efficacy data approximately comparable to sildenafil, but there is limited data available on their long-term use and safety 7.
Safety and Efficacy
- Tadalafil has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical studies, with a low rate of serious adverse events and no consistent pattern of serious adverse events assessed as causally associated with tadalafil administration 3, 5.
- The most common treatment-emergent adverse events associated with tadalafil are headache, dyspepsia, nasopharyngitis, and back pain 5.
- Tadalafil has been found to be efficacious in improving erectile function in patients with ED, including those with comorbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and hyperlipidemia 3, 4.