Tadalafil for Erectile Dysfunction: Dosage, Indian Brands, and Safety Guide

The tadalafil dose for erectile dysfunction usually starts at 10 mg taken 30 to 60 minutes before sex, or 2.5 to 5 mg once daily for men who prefer a daily option. The right dose depends on how severe erectile dysfunction is, how often sexual activity occurs, and overall health factors such as age, heart health, and other medications. This guide explains how doctors choose the correct tadalafil dose, what the maximum dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is, how to use it safely, and how it compares with other ED medicines. It also covers long-term safety, Indian brand options, pricing, diet considerations, and situations where tadalafil may not be the right choice.

Quick Guide: Tadalafil at a Glance

• Standard Start Dose: 10 mg (30–60 minutes before sex)
• Daily Dose: 2.5 mg or 5 mg (same time each day)
• Maximum Safe Limit: 20 mg in 24 hours
• Typical Price (India): ₹25 to ₹75 per tablet (generic brands)

What Is Tadalafil and How Does It Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

How Tadalafil Works in the Body

• Tadalafil blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which normally limits blood flow in the penis.[1]
• This action strengthens the effect of nitric oxide, a natural chemical released during sexual stimulation.
• Nitric oxide helps relax vascular smooth muscle in penile arteries.
• As the blood vessels relax, blood flows more easily into the penis.
• Improved blood flow helps achieve and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.

Unlike some other ED medicines, tadalafil remains active in the body for much longer[2]. This longer action explains why tadalafil for erectile dysfunction offers both on-demand use and a daily dosing option known as Tadalafil Daily. As tadalafil affects blood vessels throughout the body, doctors also prescribe it for benign prostatic hyperplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension, using different doses and treatment goals.

What Is the Best Tadalafil Dosage for You? (5mg vs 10mg vs 20mg)

Recommended Standard Dosages

The most common starting tadalafil dose in erectile dysfunction is 10 mg, taken about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. Based on response and tolerance, doctors may adjust the dose to 5 mg or 20 mg. Another option is daily tadalafil, taken as 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily, regardless of the timing of sex. Many men choose this option for greater spontaneity and consistent confidence[3].

Maximum Dose of Tadalafil

The maximum dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is 20 mg within 24 hours. Taking more than this does not improve erections and significantly increases the risk of side effects and adverse events. Staying within the recommended range helps maintain both safety and effectiveness.

Why You Should Never Take 40mg of Tadalafil

Some people wonder whether taking 40 mg of tadalafil will produce stronger or faster erections. In practice, this is considered unsafe double-dosing.

Taking more than the recommended maximum dose of 20 mg in 24 hours does not improve effectiveness. Instead, it significantly increases the risk of side effects such as severe headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, and priapism (a prolonged, painful erection).

Higher doses also increase strain on the heart and blood vessels, especially in people with underlying cardiovascular conditions. Any dose adjustment beyond 20 mg should only be considered under direct medical supervision.

Daily Dose vs On-Demand Dose

Daily dosing is often preferred by men who are sexually active several times a week or who also have urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate. On-demand dosing suits men who want occasional use.  If you miss a daily tadalafil dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue as usual. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed tablet.

Can You Cut a 20 mg Tadalafil Tablet in Half?

While some people do this to reduce costs, doctors generally advise against splitting tablets because the coating helps with proper absorption, and splitting may result in uneven dosing.

Which Dose Is Best for You?

Doctors consider several factors when choosing a tadalafil dose for erectile dysfunction:

• Severity of erectile dysfunction
• Age
• Kidney or liver health
• Other medications
• Sensitivity to side effects

Most clinicians follow a “start low and adjust slowly” approach to find the safest effective dose. 

Most men respond well to 10 mg of tadalafil. Moving to 20 mg increases duration, not strength. Taking higher doses without medical advice only raises side-effect risk.

Tadalafil Dose Adjustments in Kidney or Liver Disease

When kidney or liver function is reduced, tadalafil can remain in the body for longer. This increases the risk of side effects, so doctors often adjust the dose or extend the time between doses.

Kidney (renal) impairment

• Mild kidney problems: Dose adjustment is usually not needed
• Moderate kidney disease: On-demand dosing is typically limited to 10 mg every 48 hours
• Severe kidney disease or dialysis: Lower doses with longer gaps may be advised, and daily tadalafil is usually avoided

Liver (hepatic) Impairment

• For on-demand use, doctors generally start with 10 mg.
• In more advanced liver disease, tadalafil is used cautiously due to limited safety data

Because kidney and liver health directly affect how the drug is cleared, tadalafil dosing should always be individualised rather than self-adjusted.

How Long Does Tadalafil Last?

Tadalafil is often called the “weekend pill” because its effects can last up to 36 hours. This does not mean a constant erection. Sexual stimulation is still required, and erections occur naturally when aroused.

Top Tadalafil Brands in India & Price Guide

In India, tadalafil is widely available as generic Tadalafil Tablets under multiple brand names. Prices can vary by pharmacy, city, and pack size.

The branded version Cialis Daily contains the same active ingredient but is typically more expensive. Generic tadalafil offers similar effectiveness when used correctly and prescribed appropriately.

Buying Tadalafil in India: Prescription Rules & Availability

Tadalafil is a Schedule H prescription drug in India and is not available over the counter. A valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner is legally required.

With a prescription, tadalafil can be purchased from local pharmacies or licensed online pharmacy platforms. Always check for the vertical red strip on the tablet strip, which indicates a regulated prescription medicine.

Buying tadalafil without medical guidance can lead to incorrect dosing, unsafe drug interactions, and avoidable side effects.

Is Tadalafil Prescription-Only in India?

Schedule H Warning (India)

Tadalafil is a Schedule H prescription drug and should be sold only against a valid prescription from a registered

medical practitioner.

Always check for the vertical red strip on the back of the tablet strip to confirm it is a regulated prescription medicine in India.

Yes. Tadalafil is prescription-only in India, and a doctor’s assessment is required before use to ensure the correct dose and avoid unsafe drug interactions.

How to Take Tadalafil for Best Results

• Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. But very heavy meals common in Indian diets, especially those rich in ghee, butter, or deep-fried foods, may delay absorption by one to two hours. Spicy food does not reduce effectiveness.
• Small amounts of alcohol (1-2 drinks) are usually tolerated, but heavy drinking (5 or more drinks) significantly increases the risk of orthostatic hypotension, which can cause sudden dizziness or light-headedness when standing[4].
• Daily tadalafil should be taken at the same time each day. For on-demand use, never take more than one dose in 24 hours.

Tadalafil Effectiveness: What Research Shows

Clinical studies using tools like the International Index of Erectile Function show that tadalafil improves erection quality, sexual confidence, and satisfaction. Success rates range from 64% to 70%, depending on ED severity and underlying health conditions[5]. Long-term research also shows that tadalafil does not negatively affect sperm count or quality[6]. After procedures such as radical prostatectomy, tadalafil may support penile rehabilitation and help preserve erectile tissue.

Common Side Effects of Tadalafil

Most side effects are mild and temporary:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Muscle or back pain
• Nasal congestion
• Indigestion

These effects often lessen as the body adjusts.

Tadalafil Side Effects Long Term

• Available research suggests tadalafil is generally safe for long-term use when taken as prescribed.
• Concerns about tadalafil side effects long term usually relate to blood pressure changes or drug interactions rather than permanent organ damage[7].
• Regular follow-up is advised for older adults and people with chronic health conditions.

Rare but Serious Side Effects of Tadalafil

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Priapism, an erection lasting over four hours
• Sudden hearing loss or visual changes
• Severe chest pain or fainting

Drug Interactions Of Tadalafil You Should Know About

Tadalafil is processed in the liver by an enzyme called CYP3A4. Some medicines can slow this process, causing higher levels of tadalafil to stay in the body for longer. This can increase the risk of side effects. Important interactions include:

• Organic nitrates (dangerous blood pressure drop)[8]
• Alpha-blockers
• CYP3A4 inhibitors, including some antifungals and antibiotics
• HIV medicines such as a protease inhibitor
• Grapefruit juice, which can increase tadalafil levels[9]

Who Should Not Take Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is not suitable for everyone. Avoid use if you:

• Take organic nitrates
• Recently had a heart attack or stroke
• Have unstable heart disease
• Have inherited eye disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa

Extra caution is needed in conditions like sickle cell anemia or Peyronie's disease, where the risk of prolonged erections may be higher.

Tadalafil vs Sildenafil (Viagra): Which Is Better for You?

Tadalafil vs Ayurvedic Boosters

Tadalafil works by improving blood flow during sexual stimulation and is designed for predictable, on-demand results. Ayurvedic boosters such as ashwagandha or shilajit are usually taken over weeks and may support general vitality rather than immediate erection quality.

For men who need reliable, short-term improvement in erections, tadalafil is often more predictable. Herbal supplements for ED may be used as supportive options, but should not replace medical evaluation when erectile dysfunction is persistent.

When Tadalafil Does Not Work

Erectile dysfunction is treatable, even if the first option is not ideal. If tadalafil does not provide adequate results, doctors may:

• Adjust the dose
• Switch dosing strategy
• Evaluate hormone levels
• Address psychological or relationship factors
• Non-drug options like vacuum erection devices, penile implants, and future therapies like PRP are also under study, including advanced penile rehabilitation strategies.

Bottom Line

Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction remains one of the most reliable and well-studied treatment options available. When used at the correct dose, it improves erections, confidence, and quality of life for many men. Understanding the correct tadalafil dose for erectile dysfunction, respecting the maximum dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, and using the medicine responsibly reduces risks and improves results. With proper guidance, tadalafil can be a safe and effective part of ED management. Erectile dysfunction is common, treatable, and nothing to feel embarrassed about. The right information and medical support make all the difference.