What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments Explained
13/04/2026
No Comments
Read More
When is the best time to take Tadalafil? dosage & timing guide
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.
4 min read time
Written by: Sunny Dhain
Medically reviewed by: Tannaz Sohrabi
Published 14/03/2024
Updated 31/07/2026
Content
Join our newsletter
Sign up to enjoy regular updates, exclusive promotions, and special offers.
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
Tadalafil is prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED), either as a daily dose or when needed, and the timing depends on which has been prescribed.
New to Tadalafil? Start a consultation
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 the “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
Tadalafil taken daily uses a lower dose of 2.5mg or 5mg and is taken at the same time every day, regardless of whether sexual activity is planned.
Once steady levels are reached, usually within a few days, you don’t need to time the dose around sexual activity. This may be more appropriate for people who are sexually active two or more times a week or who prefer not to plan around a dose.
Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. Alcohol intake should be limited, as it can increase the likelihood of side effects such as dizziness and headache.
Dosage and timing should always be confirmed by your 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 the evening.
- Consistency, rather than the specific hour, is most important. Taking it alongside a regular daily habit, such as with breakfast or before bed, may help you remember your dose.
- Steady levels take several days to build up, so the full effect of daily tadalafil may not be noticeable immediately during the first few days of treatment.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless your next dose is due soon. If so, skip the missed dose rather than taking two doses together, in line with BNF guidance.
Time of day does not affect the effectiveness of tadalafil 5mg daily. Whether you take it in the morning or evening can be based on what best suits your routine.
5mg is the higher of the two daily tadalafil doses, the other being 2.5mg. The dose prescribed will depend on your response, tolerability and your clinician’s assessment, in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
Not sure if Tadalafil is right for you? Check your suitability with a consultation
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.
FAQs
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.
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
Ready to get started?
What is the Best New ED Treatment? Explore Hezkue This Valentine’s Day
09/02/2026
No Comments
Read More
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
-
Current version
-
31st Jul 2026 Edited by: Sunny Dhain, MPharmRS PGDip IndP
-
31st Jul 2026 Medically reviewed by: Tannaz Sohrabi
-
6th Mar 2024 Written by: Sunny Dhain, MPharmRS PGDip IndP
Share:
Medically reviewed by:
Tannaz Sohrabi
Tannaz is Governance 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
Blog suggestions
Orforglipron is a once-daily weight loss pill developed by Eli Lilly and marketed in the US as Foundayo. Unlike injectable GLP-1 treatments, it is taken by mouth without food or water restrictions. Here, we explain how orforglipron works, how effective
Orforglipron is a once-daily weight loss pill developed by Eli Lilly and marketed in the US as Foundayo. Unlike injectable GLP-1 treatments, it is taken by mouth without food or water restrictions. Here, we explain how orforglipron works, how effective
The Wegovy pill has been approved in the UK and is expected to become available through regulated providers from 1 July 2026. Learn who may be eligible, how to access it safely and what to expect from this once-daily weight
The Wegovy pill has been approved in the UK and is expected to become available through regulated providers from 1 July 2026. Learn who may be eligible, how to access it safely and what to expect from this once-daily weight
The Wegovy tablet is a once-daily weight loss pill containing semaglutide, offering an alternative to weekly injections. Discover how it works, how much weight people may lose, how it compares with injections and when it could become available in the
The Wegovy tablet is a once-daily weight loss pill containing semaglutide, offering an alternative to weekly injections. Discover how it works, how much weight people may lose, how it compares with injections and when it could become available in the
Related products
Read more about Men's Health
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments Explained
Clara Hanson Smith
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting over 50% of men between 40 and 70 in the UK…
How To Reduce Side Effects Of Finasteride
Clara Hanson Smith
How to the reduce side effects of Finasteride Table of Contents Written by: The Family ChemistMedically reviewed by: Tannaz SohrabiPublished: 30/03/2026 What is Finasteride and how does it work? Finasteride is a commonly prescribed medication for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride works by blocking the
Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and When To Get Treatment
Clara Hanson Smith
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting over 50% of men between 40 and 70 in the UK…