Tadalafil
Tadalafil treats erectile dysfunction and can be taken as needed or as lower daily doses depending on prescriber choice. It is also licensed for benign prostatic hyperplasia urinary symptoms in men. Pulmonary hypertension uses exist at different strengths supervised in hospital care.
This medicine is part of the Blood pressure, cholesterol & related category.
Generic name: tadalafil
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Tadalafil treats erectile dysfunction and can be taken as needed or as lower daily doses depending on prescriber choice.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Headache, back pain, muscle aches, facial flushing, indigestion, or nasal congestion.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Tadalafil with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Tadalafil is used for
Tadalafil treats erectile dysfunction and can be taken as needed or as lower daily doses depending on prescriber choice. It is also licensed for benign prostatic hyperplasia urinary symptoms in men.
Pulmonary hypertension uses exist at different strengths supervised in hospital care.
How does Tadalafil work, and how long does it take to work?
PDE5 inhibition enhances erectile tissue blood flow with stimulation and may relax prostate and bladder neck smooth muscle for urinary symptoms.
Long half-life means effects may last up to 36 hours for some on-demand doses — not meaning a continuous erection.
How and when should you take Tadalafil?
Follow whether your prescription is daily low dose or larger infrequent dose — do not mix schedules without advice.
Can be taken with or without food.
What are the common side effects of Tadalafil?
Headache, back pain, muscle aches, facial flushing, indigestion, or nasal congestion.
Serious side effects of Tadalafil — when to get urgent help
Seek emergency help for chest pain where nitrates might be considered — tell crews you took tadalafil. Priapism over four hours is an emergency.
What if you miss a dose of Tadalafil?
For daily tablets, take when remembered; skip if nearly next — do not double. For as-needed use, there is no fixed schedule.
Who should not take Tadalafil?
Nitrate therapy, recent stroke or heart attack, unstable angina, and some serious heart conditions without cardiology clearance.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Tadalafil? — other interactions
Alpha-blockers need careful timing to reduce hypotension. Some antifungals and HIV drugs raise tadalafil levels.
Tadalafil in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not used for women in ED/BPH licensing; pulmonary hypertension pregnancy is specialist-only.
Blood tests and monitoring on Tadalafil
Blood pressure and symptom review when used for BPH alongside other prostate drugs.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Tadalafil?
Sildenafil, vardenafil, Tamsulosin for urinary symptoms alone, or surgical options.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Tadalafil
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Tadalafil used for?
- Tadalafil treats erectile dysfunction and can be taken as needed or as lower daily doses depending on prescriber choice. It is also licensed for benign prostatic hyperplasia urinary symptoms in men. Pulmonary hypertension uses exist at different strengths supervised in hospital care.
- How long does Tadalafil take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Tadalafil with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Tadalafil with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Tadalafil?
- Headache, back pain, muscle aches, facial flushing, indigestion, or nasal congestion. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Why two different tadalafil doses?
- Daily low doses allow spontaneity; higher on-demand doses are taken less frequently — use only the schedule on your prescription.
- Can tadalafil help prostate symptoms without ED?
- It is licensed for urinary symptoms from BPH in men; your GP assesses suitability alongside other medicines.
Need personalised advice?
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Often used with
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