Tadalafil dosage: Cialis dosing basics
Tadalafil dosage depends on your condition and schedule. Here is FDA label dosing for ED and BPH, plus the max dose and safety basics.
Key facts
- Tadalafil Daily is $129/month (billed $387 every 90 days), charged only after a clinician approves it.
- Answer a few health questions online. A licensed clinician reviews them. If approved, it ships to your door.
- Adults 18 or older. A licensed clinician reviews your health history and decides whether treatment is appropriate for you. Availability depends on the state you live in.
Tadalafil (Cialis) dosing depends on why you take it and whether you use it daily or only before sex. The FDA label has different schedules for erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and ED with BPH. This page summarizes labeled tadalafil dosage for education only. If you want help thinking through dosing questions with your own health history and labs, you can use PocketMD from Vitals Vault.
- Tadalafil dosage is either daily or as needed, depending on ED or BPH.
- For ED as needed, the FDA label lists 10 mg before sex, adjustable to 20 mg or 5 mg.
- For ED daily use, the FDA label lists 2.5 mg daily, adjustable to 5 mg daily.
- The FDA label maximum is 20 mg once daily for ED and 5 mg once daily for BPH.
What is the labeled tadalafil dosage?
FDA label dosing details (ED and BPH)
| Indication | How it is taken | Starting dose on label | Adjustment on label | Maximum on label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erectile dysfunction (ED), as needed | Before anticipated sexual activity | 10 mg | May increase to 20 mg or decrease to 5 mg based on efficacy and tolerability | 20 mg once daily |
| ED, once daily | Taken at about the same time every day, without regard to timing of sexual activity | 2.5 mg once daily | May increase to 5 mg once daily based on efficacy and tolerability | 5 mg once daily |
| Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) | Once daily at about the same time every day | 5 mg once daily | If using with finasteride, 5 mg once daily for up to 26 weeks is described on label | 5 mg once daily |
| ED with BPH | Once daily at about the same time every day | 5 mg once daily | Not specified beyond standard adjustment considerations | 5 mg once daily |
Tablet strengths
The FDA label lists tadalafil tablets in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. Your prescription strength depends on the schedule your clinician chooses.
Can you take 30 mg?
The FDA label does not list 30 mg as a recommended dose for ED or BPH. For ED as needed, the label maximum is 20 mg once daily, so taking more than that can raise the risk of side effects without proven added benefit.
How much can you take?
How much Cialis you can take depends on your prescribed schedule and your health factors. On the FDA label, the maximum is 20 mg once daily for ED as needed and 5 mg once daily for daily ED or BPH dosing.
Kidney and liver dosing
The FDA label includes dose adjustments and maximums for people with kidney impairment or liver impairment, and for people on dialysis. Your prescriber uses these limits to reduce side effect risk.
If you miss a dose (daily dosing)
If you are prescribed tadalafil once daily, ask your prescriber or pharmacist what to do if you miss a dose. The label emphasizes not taking more than one dose per day.
When to talk to a clinician
Chest pain or nitrate use
If you use nitrates or have chest pain, do not take tadalafil unless a clinician has specifically cleared it. Seek urgent care for chest pain, especially during or after sexual activity.
Prolonged erection
Get urgent medical care for an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism). This is uncommon but can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly.
Sudden vision or hearing changes
Stop sexual activity and get medical care right away for sudden vision loss or sudden decrease or loss of hearing. These events have been reported with PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil.
Low blood pressure symptoms
Call a clinician if you have dizziness, fainting, or severe lightheadedness, especially if you also take blood pressure medicines or alpha blockers. Dose and timing may need review.
Kidney or liver disease
Tell your prescriber if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or are on dialysis. The FDA label includes different maximum doses and schedules in these situations.
Practical dosing tips to discuss
Pick one schedule
Daily and as-needed tadalafil are different regimens. Ask your prescriber which one you are on before changing how you take it.
Avoid double-dosing
The label maximums are once per day. If you think your dose is not enough, talk with your clinician instead of taking extra.
Bring a med list
Share all prescriptions, OTC meds, and supplements. Interactions can change what dose is safe, especially with blood pressure drugs.
Ask about kidney and liver limits
If you have kidney or liver issues, dosing limits can be lower. Confirm your personal maximum with your prescriber.
Report side effects early
Headache, flushing, and indigestion are common. If side effects are bothersome, your clinician may adjust the regimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take 30 mg of Cialis?
The FDA label for tadalafil (Cialis) does not list 30 mg as a recommended dose. For ED taken as needed, the labeled maximum is 20 mg once daily. Taking more than the label maximum can increase side effect risk.
How much Cialis can you take?
It depends on whether you are prescribed daily dosing or as-needed dosing and on your kidney and liver function. On the FDA label, the maximum is 20 mg once daily for ED as needed and 5 mg once daily for daily ED or BPH.
Is tadalafil dosage 40 mg ever recommended?
For ED or BPH, the FDA label does not recommend a 40 mg tadalafil dose. If you see 40 mg mentioned, it may reflect nonstandard use or confusion with other products, and it should be discussed with a clinician.
What is the Cialis max dose for ED?
For ED taken as needed, the FDA label maximum is 20 mg once daily. For ED once daily dosing, the label maximum is 5 mg once daily. Your prescriber may set a lower maximum based on interactions and medical conditions.
Does Cialis dosing change with kidney disease?
Yes. The FDA label includes lower maximum doses and different schedules for people with kidney impairment, including those on dialysis. Your clinician uses these limits to reduce the risk of low blood pressure and other side effects.