From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is 10 mg taken orally before anticipated sexual activity, with the option to increase to 20 mg if needed or decrease to 5 mg if side effects occur. When considering the treatment of erectile dysfunction, it is essential to weigh the benefits and risks, prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as outcomes. According to the study by 1, daily use of 2.5 and 5 mg tadalafil for 12 weeks was well tolerated and significantly improved erectile dysfunction in diabetic men. However, for the general population, the typical starting dose is higher. Some key points to consider when prescribing tadalafil include:
- Tadalafil can be taken with or without food and works within 30 minutes, with effects lasting up to 36 hours.
- For men who anticipate more frequent sexual activity (twice weekly or more), a daily dosing regimen of 2.5 mg to 5 mg may be more appropriate, which allows for spontaneity in sexual activity.
- Tadalafil works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which increases blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.
- Common side effects may include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and nasal congestion.
- It's crucial to avoid taking tadalafil with nitrate medications as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Men with certain cardiovascular conditions, liver or kidney problems should consult their healthcare provider for potential dose adjustments, as the efficacy of PDE5-Is is independent of the duration of diabetes, glycaemic control and microvascular complications, but may be affected by other health conditions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended starting dose of tadalafil tablets for use as needed in most patients is 10 mg, taken prior to anticipated sexual activity. The dose may be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability. 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. The tadalafil tablets dose for once daily use may be increased to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability.
The dose of Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is:
- For use as needed: 10 mg (starting dose), which may be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg based on individual efficacy and tolerability.
- For once daily use: 2.5 mg (starting dose), which may be increased to 5 mg based on individual efficacy and tolerability 2.
From the Research
Tadalafil Dosage for Erectile Dysfunction
The provided studies do not specify the exact dosage of Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction. However, they compare the efficacy and safety of Tadalafil with other phosphodiesterase inhibitors like Sildenafil and Vardenafil.
Comparison with Other Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
- Tadalafil has a longer duration of action compared to Sildenafil and Vardenafil 3, 4.
- Tadalafil is similarly effective as Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction 3, 5.
- Patient preference studies have shown that Tadalafil is preferred over Sildenafil due to its longer duration of action 6.
Efficacy and Safety
- Tadalafil has been shown to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, with a success rate comparable to Sildenafil 5.
- The safety profile of Tadalafil is similar to that of Sildenafil and Vardenafil, with common adverse effects including headache, flushing, and dyspepsia 3, 4.
Patient Preference
- Patient preference for Tadalafil or other phosphodiesterase inhibitors depends on various factors, including personal characteristics, medication profile, and side-effect profile 6, 7.
- A study comparing Vardenafil and Sildenafil found that patients preferred Vardenafil due to its efficacy and safety profile 7.