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When is the best time to take Tadalafil? dosage & timing guide

9 min read time

Written by: Sunny Dhain

Medically reviewed by: Tannaz Sohrabi

Published 14/03/2024 Updated 31/07/2026

Tadalafil should be taken 30–45 minutes before sexual activity and is effective for up to 36 hours. For daily use, a lower dose is taken at the same time each day. When the dose is taken does not affect efficacy; consistency is what matters.

New to Tadalafil? Start a consultation

Tadalafil is prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED), either as a daily dose or when needed, and the timing depends on which has been prescribed.

This guide explains both approaches, how the medication should be taken, who it is suitable for, and when to stop taking it, with reference to NHS, BNF and manufacturer prescribing information throughout.

When to take Tadalafil for ED

As-needed dosing

The as-needed dosing uses a 10mg or 20mg dose, taken 30–45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Its effect lasts for up to 36 hours, which is why tadalafil is sometimes referred to as a “weekend pill.”

This is generally recommended for people who are sexually active less than twice a week, according to the electronic Medicines Compendium Summary of Product Characteristics for Cialis.

Daily dosing

Taking Tadalafil daily uses a lower dose, 2.5 mg or 5 mg, and is taken at the same time every day, regardless of whether sexual activity is planned.

Once certain levels are reached, usually within a few days, you don’t need to time the dose around sexual activity. This is more appropriate for those who are sexually active two or more times a week, or don’t want to plan around a dose.

Tadalafil can be taken with or without food, although a heavy meal may delay its effect. Alcohol intake should be limited, as it can increase the likelihood of side effects such as dizziness and headache, according to the NHS.

Dosage and timing should always be confirmed by the prescriber before starting treatment.

When is the best time to take tadalafil 5mg daily?

The dose should be taken at the same time each day. There is no advantage to taking it in the morning versus evening.

Consistency, rather than the specific hour, determines effectiveness. Taking the dose alongside a regular daily habit – taking it with breakfast or before bed can help.

Steady-state levels take several days to establish, so the onset with as-needed dosing should not be expected in the first days of daily treatment.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless the next dose is due shortly – in which case the missed dose should be skipped rather than doubled, per BNF guidance.

Time of day does not affect the effectiveness of the 5mg daily dose. Choosing whether to take it in the morning or the evening is up to you and your schedule.

5mg is the higher of the two daily doses (the other being 2.5mg) and is typically prescribed once initial tolerability has been established, in line with the manufacturer’s guidance. For those on the 5mg daily dose:

How to take Tadalafil

Confirm dose with the prescribing pharmacist – as-needed (10–20mg) or daily (2.5–5mg).
Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Food is not required, but a heavy meal should be avoided before the as-needed dose, as it may delay onset.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided, as they can interact with tadalafil and increase the risk of side effects, according to the FDA prescribing information for Cialis.
Alcohol intake should be limited, as it increases the risk of side effects.
As-needed regimen: take 30–45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity.
Daily regimen: take at the same time every day, regardless of sexual activity.
The prescribed dose should not be exceeded; one dose per day is the maximum for either regimen, per BNF dosing information. Other ED medicines shouldn’t be taken within 24 hours of tadalafil either.

What is Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction and, in some cases, symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), according to the EMC product information.

It works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis, which supports the ability to achieve and maintain an erection in response to sexual stimulation. It does not produce an erection independently of stimulation.

How long it lasts makes Tadalafil different to other ED treatments: Tadalafil remains active for up to 36 hours, compared with approximately 4–5 hours for sildenafil (Viagra), according to FDA prescribing data.

Onset for the as-needed dose is typically 30–45 minutes.

Who can take Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is not suitable for everyone. A clinician or doctor will assess the following before prescribing, in accordance with manufacturer prescribing guidance and BNF contraindication data:

Prescription-only medicine – A review of medical history, current medications and general health is required before prescribing.

Cardiovascular conditions – Caution or avoidance is advised for those with a recent heart attack, stroke, unstable angina, or certain heart rhythm disorders.

Liver or kidney impairment – May require a reduced dose or closer monitoring.

Medication interactions – Particularly nitrates (used for angina) and certain alpha-blockers (used for blood pressure or prostate enlargement). Taking it alongside other medication can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, according to the NHS.

Allergies – Should be avoided by those with a known hypersensitivity to tadalafil or its ingredients.

Age – Not licensed for use under 18; older adults or those with existing health conditions may require dose adjustment.

Sex – Tadalafil is licensed for use in men only.

Not sure if Tadalafil is right for you? Check your suitability with a consultation

When to stop taking Tadalafil

Tadalafil should be stopped, and you should contact your prescriber or get urgent medical attention, if any of the following side effects occur:

Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Sudden vision changes or vision loss in one or both eyes.

Priapism: an erection lasting more than 4 hours, which requires emergency treatment to prevent lasting damage.

Sudden hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Symptoms suggestive of a heart attack: chest pain, nausea, sweating, or a sudden loss of vision or hearing.

Other severe symptoms: fainting, irregular heartbeat, breathlessness, or swelling of the hands, feet or ankles.

Practical considerations when taking Tadalafil

Food: Tadalafil can be taken with or without food, but a heavy meal can slow absorption of the dose.

Alcohol: intake should be limited, as it increases the risk of side effects.

Grapefruit: grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided, as they can raise tadalafil levels in the blood.

Storage: store at room temperature, away from moisture, and out of reach of children.

Adherence (daily dose): set a daily reminder to help stay consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to take tadalafil in the morning or at night?

There is no clinical difference. Because the effect lasts up to 36 hours, time of day is not as important as consistency. The choice should be based on routine – a fixed time each day for daily dosing, or 30–45 minutes before sexual activity for as-needed dosing.

When is the best time to take 5mg of tadalafil daily?

Any time that can be maintained consistently. Morning or evening is equally effective; the important thing is to maintain steady drug levels.

Is 40mg of tadalafil too much?

Yes. The as-needed dose typically starts at 10mg and may be increased to a maximum of 20mg; the daily dose maximum is 5mg. 40mg exceeds prescribing limits and increases the risk of side effects without additional benefit.

Does Cialis make you harder than Viagra?

There is no clinical evidence that either medication produces a firmer erection than the other; individual response varies. The principal difference between them is duration of action – up to 36 hours for tadalafil versus approximately 4–5 hours for sildenafil.

Does Cialis keep you from ejaculating?

There is no strong evidence that tadalafil directly prevents ejaculation, although delayed ejaculation has been reported as a side effect in some patients. It is licensed to treat erectile dysfunction rather than ejaculatory function – further information is available on our premature ejaculation page.

Can you drink alcohol with Cialis?

Alcohol intake should be limited while taking tadalafil. Excessive alcohol can increase the likelihood of headache and dizziness, lower blood pressure, and make it difficult to get an erection.

What is the downside of Cialis?

Commonly reported side effects include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and nasal congestion. Because of its extended duration of action, side effects may persist for longer. The risk of interaction with nitrates and certain blood pressure medications also applies.

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How we reviewed this article:

Sources

Tadalafil (2026) NHS [accessed 31st July 2026]
Tadalafil — Indications and dose (2026) NICE, British National Formulary (BNF) [accessed 31st July 2026]
Cialis 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg film-coated tablets — Summary of Product Characteristics (2026) Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) [accessed 31st July 2026]

Current version
31st Jul 2026 Edited by: Sunny Dhain, MPharmRS PGDip IndP
31st Jul 2026 Medically reviewed by: Tannaz Sohrabi

Medically reviewed by:

Tannaz Sohrabi

Tannaz is Superintendent Pharmacist at The Family Chemist, where she leads the clinical governance and safety standards of the pharmacy and online clinic. With extensive experience across both hospital and community pharmacy, she brings a strong clinical background and a deep understanding of patient care to the service.

Last reviewed: 31st Jul 2026

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When is the best time to take Tadalafil? dosage & timing guide

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