How long does Tadalafil (Cialis) last 

Tadalafil is an FDA-approved medication for Erectile Dysfunction. Its use has helped men achieve and maintain a strong erection during sexual intercourse. Tadalafil (Cialis) works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme and enhancing the penile smooth muscles to increase blood flow, resulting in stronger erections. Tadalafil’s main function is to improve the body’s physiological erectile response upon sexual stimulation. A 2004 study published in the European Urology Journal reported that 443 men suffering from mild to severe ED reported improved sexual function and superior treatment satisfaction with Tadalafil compared to placebo over 4 weeks. 

Tadalafil comes in two different dosage options based on individual needs and sexual lifestyle fit. One is a lower daily-dose regimen (2.5 mg and 5 mg), and a higher dose to be taken as needed before engaging in sexual activity (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg). 

Tadalafil usually starts working within 30 minutes and takes up to 2 hours to reach peak concentration in the bloodstream. A single dose of Tadalafil can be effective for up to 36 hours, acquiring the title ”weekend pill”. 

It is crucial to understand how long Tadalafil lasts to be able to plan effective ED treatment. Tadalafil’s duration of effect, the longest among all other PDE5 inhibitors, is available in different dosages for individual needs. The differences in dosages, coupled with Tadalafil’s unique pharmacokinetics, can result in addressing various degrees of ED severity. Therefore, in his article, we will take a look at how Tadalafil works, its onset time, duration of effect, dosages, and factors affecting Tadalafil’s efficacy. 

What is Tadalafil? 

Tadalafil is the second PDE5 inhibitor approved by the FDA for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in 2003. Tadalafil is best known for its longest duration of effect, among other PDE5 inhibitors, lasting up to 36 hours per dose. Its longer half-life (17.5 hours) has earned it the name of “weekend pill”. A 2004 study by McMahon et al. reported that even 10 mg or 20 mg of Tadalafil can significantly improve erectile function even when taken 24 to 36 hours before sexual activity, compared to a placebo. A 2025 meta-analysis of multiple Tadalafil trials published by Uppal et al. shows that a single dose of Tadalafil significantly improved erectile function with higher rates of patients achieving sexual satisfaction. 

Tadalfil’s 36-hour duration of action makes it more suitable for men who want longer effectiveness, and allows for spontaneous sex more than once a day. It is also preferred by men who don’t want to time their meals around ED medication, as Tadalafil can be taken on an empty stomach. 

Tadalafil is marketed under Cialis (brand name). Generic alternatives such as Vidalista, Tadarise (containing the active ingredient Tadalafil) are also available. 

How does Tadalafil work?

Tadalafil is an oral ED pill that helps men achieve and maintain a firm erection for sexual intercourse. It functions as a PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor, which helps improve blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Tadalafil, the active ingredient of Cialis, prevents the breakdown of cyclic GMP (cGMP). cGMP promotes relaxation of the smooth muscles in the penis, and its increased levels lead to improved blood flow to the penis for a stronger erection. 

Here is what happens in your body when you take Tadalafil to get a stronger erection. 

A 2005 study published in the Springer Journal reported on Tadalafil’s unique molecular structure and spatial arrangement, which render it 9,000 times more selective than other PDE5 inhibitors on the market today, for example, Sildenafil (Viagra), Vardenafil, and Avanafil. Tadalafil’s highly selective phosphodiesterase activity (inhibition) results in less than 0.1% occurrence of vision abnormalities, a constant side effect reported by Sildenafil users. 

A meta-analysis of the long-term efficacy and tolerance of Tadalafil published in Sexual Medicine (2019) reported that long-term use of Tadalafil (up to 2 years) has not yielded any reports of loss of effectiveness of the medication over time. 

How fast does Tadalafil start to work?

A single dose of Tadalafil can start to work within 15 minutes to 2 hours. Tadalafil, like all PDE5 inhibitors, is not an aphrodisiac. It requires sexual stimulation to function properly. Tadalafil has the slowest absorption rate of all the PDE5 inhibitors. This means that Tadalafil takes longer to be absorbed by the body. It usually reaches peak concentration in the bloodstream from anywhere between 15 minutes to 6 hours (average time of 2 hours) after a single dose.

According to a 2003 study published in Taylor & Francis noted that Tadalafil’s absorption is not influenced by food, and after metabolism, it achieves 80% bioavailability compared to 40% and 15% with Sildenafil and Vardenafil, respectively.

Plasma Concentrations of Tadalafil following a single 20 mg dose

Do different dosages affect Tadalafil’s onset time?

The onset time of Tadalafil directly depends on the prescribed dosage as well. When prescribed as-needed doses (medication taken when required), your starting dose will be 10mg or 20 mg. Tadalafil 10 or 20mg will remain active for up to 36 hours, allowing you to participate in spontaneous sex and enjoy greater flexibility. 

In the case of daily dose Tadalafil (2.5 mg or 5mg), the onset is slower. As Tadalafil is in lower doses, several days of consistent use is required before reaching peak concentration and effect. On average, the steady-state plasma concentration of Tadalafil is generally achieved after 5 days of daily doses. This allows for a constant amount of active Tadalafil in the system, making pre-planning sex a thing of the past. 

How long does Tadalafil last? 

A single dose of Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. Tadalafil is available in different dosages, which dictate its duration of action. Tadalafil as-needed prescription is available at 10 or 20mg dosages, which are designed for a faster onset and short-term sexual activities. 

Tadalafil Daily, an alternative daily-dosing regimen, consists of dosages of 2.5 and 5mg tablets designed to be taken daily. Tadalafil Daily, in smaller doses, provides a continuous effect upon sexual stimulation, as long as the medication is taken regularly. 

Tadalafil’s 36-hour window is often associated with its extended duration of effectiveness. However, this does not mean that your erection will last for 36 hours. It simply means that, after taking a 10 or 20mg dose (as needed), the medication will remain active in your body up to 36 hours. Within that 36-hour window, you can achieve a viable erection if sexually aroused. Tadalafil, in your bloodstream, will help enhance your erection by stimulating blood flow into your penis. This extended duration provides sexual freedom and invites spontaneity in the bedroom without the added pressure of pre-planning sex. It’s also important to reserve some recovery time after ejaculation, so don’t expect to immediately get an erection during the recovery period. 

How long does Tadalafil stay in your system?

Tadalafil can remain in your system for 3 to 4 days post a single dose. Known for its longest duration of effect, Tadalafil’s effects can last up to 36 hours. Its pharmacokinetic trait of slower absorption and longer half-life (17.5 hours) makes the drug last longer in your body. 

Its long duration of effect is also dangerous for men, which significantly increases the risk of severe side effects. Tadalafil is also contraindicated with nitrate medication (usually prescribed for cardiovascular issues) and might be ill-suited for older people.

Older men or men suffering from renal conditions such as kidney or liver problems may find that their body takes a longer time to process and clear Tadalafil from their system. 

How does the Tadalafil dosage affect how long it lasts?

Tadalafil Dosage refers to how much of the active ingredient “Tadalafil” is in them. Tadalafil is available in various dosages: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, and 60mg. The lower doses (2.5 and 5 mg) are usually prescribed for daily use, whereas the higher doses (10, 20, 40, and 60mg) are prescribed to be taken as needed (up to 2 hours before sexual activity). 

In order to optimise Tadalafil’s effectiveness and duration of effect according to individual needs, lifestyle fit, and underlying health conditions, patients must remain vigilant of their dosages and their timings. As Tadalafil can present variations in efficacy and duration in different men, it may require some trial and error to determine the optimum dosage and usage. Your healthcare provider will most likely start you on a lower dosage of Tadalafil (Cialis) and increase it over time to find your optimum dosage for desired results. 

For the best results, there are some important factors to consider:

• Maintaining a consistent dosing schedule (time and dosage should be followed as prescribed)
• Following a nutritious diet and regular exercise
• Reducing tobacco use and alcohol consumption
• Monitoring renal function (kidney, liver) for maximum effect

It is crucial to seek medical consultation and follow the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by your doctor before changing doses. Do not take more than the recommended dose and frequency, as it can cause severe side effects. 

What are the factors that affect the duration of Tadalafil?

Several physiological factors can affect how long Tadalafil works and remains effective in the body. Tadalafil shows notable variations in its bioavailability and duration of effect based on individual characteristics, underlying health conditions, drug interactions, dosage, usage, and diet. 

Individual Characteristics

• Age: Age plays an important role in determining how certain medications are processed and absorbed. Even though Tadalafil is well tolerated at all ages, older men may find that it takes longer for the medication to show effect (Wespes et al., 2007). 
• Metabolism: Older men have slower metabolism, and Tadalafil may be broken down more slowly in their bodies compared to younger men, increasing its onset and duration of effect. 

Underlying Health Conditions

• Kidney and Liver conditions: Kidney and Liver function are critical for Tadalafil metabolism and elimination. Tadalafil is predominantly metabolised through the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver and eliminated via the renal system (36%). People suffering from chronic kidney and liver impairment require some dose adjustments to optimise Tadalafil function in their bodies. 
• Diabetes Mellitus- It has been observed that male patients suffering from Diabetes mellitus experience reduced efficacy of Tadalafil by 19% with a decrease in its peak concentration by 5%. Still, Tadalafil 10 or 20mg is deemed safe and efficacious for men with diabetes. 

Drug Interactions and Contraindications

• The presence of certain medications can severely impact Tadalafil’s efficacy and duration. Drugs with inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as ketoconazole, ritonavir, and itraconazole, will increase Tadalafil’s exposure and extend its duration of effect in your system. Such interactions require a medical consult and dose adjustments, to be on the safe side. 
• Don’t combine Tadalafil with nitrates (usually for chronic heart diseases) and Guanylate cyclase, such as Riociguat, as this can lead to life-threatening hypotension (low blood pressure). 

Dosage & Usage

• It’s important to decide on your dosage and time it properly to achieve the best results. 
• For higher doses like 10 or 20 mg, it’s recommended to take Tadalafil 30 minutes to 2 hours before sexual intercourse. This allows Tadalafil to reach peak concentration and gives ample time for the full effect. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. For faster onset, avoid consuming Tadalafil with high-fat or heavy meals. 
• For lower daily doses like 2.5 or 5 mg, timing the dosage is of little importance because the medication is intended to remain in your body in a consistent amount. It is important to adhere to a precise time when taking Tadalafil daily to achieve a steady-state Tadalafil concentration. 

Diet & Alcohol

• Excessive alcohol consumption and high-fat meals can diminish the effectiveness of Tadalafil and may result in severe side effects and a delay in onset time. 
• Grapefruit juice is also known to contraindicate Tadalafil metabolism and should be avoided. 

Lifestyle choices

• Smoking has been shown to reduce Tadalafil’s half-life and reduce its duration of effect. It can also increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, such as high blood pressure. 
• Adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, stress management, and incorporating a variety of vitamins and minerals in your diet can help support your body’s response to Tadalafil. 

Does Tadalafil make you last longer? 

Yes. Tadalafil (Cialis) can help you last longer in bed, i.e, help prolong the duration of sex. A 2017 study (Karabakan et al.) reported that a 5 mg daily Tadalafil dose can help prolong the time it takes to reach intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) or ejaculation phase. Prior to the study, the average IELT to happen was 2.2 minutes with minor deviations. 

However, after 3 months of daily low-dose Tadalafil, the average ejaculation time increased to roughly 3.4 minutes. 

Tadalafil may have a role in reducing the male refractory period- the recovery time after orgasm and ejaculation. During this refractory period, a man is unable to achieve more than one orgasm or even an erection. However, this fact is not entirely conclusive, as there is a need for more comprehensive studies to confirm Tadalafil’s effect on the male refractory period. 

How long does Tadalafil last compared to other medications?

When compared with other medications (PDE5 inhibitors) available in the market, Tadalafil offers some specific advantages in terms of duration of effect and flexibility of use. A comparative analysis reveals the differences in other PDE5 inhibitors and Tadalafil 

1. Sildenafil (Viagra)

Sildenafil has a shorter duration of effect compared to Tadalafil, with effects lasting up to 4 hours. It is suitable for men who prefer planned sexual activities. Sildenafil achieves its onset 30-60 minutes after ingestion and requires precise timing of dosage to be effective. 

2. Vardenafil (Levitra)

Vardenafil lasts up to 6 hours and is ideal for those looking for a slightly longer-lasting pill than Sildenafil (Viagra). It’s closer to Sildenafil than Tadalafil in terms of duration of effect, but offers fewer side effects than Sildenafil. 

3. Avanafil 

Avanafil, with its shortest onset time of 15-45 minutes, provides effective support up to 6 hours after ingestion. Avanafil is perfect for men who want a shorter onset time and duration of effect. It’s also sold as a brand name with no generic alternative, making it an expensive purchase. 

4. Tadalafil 

Tadalafil offers unique benefits over other medications

• Maintains efficacy for 24-36 hours (half-life 17.5 hours)
• Can be taken with or without meals without a drastic decrease in efficacy
• Available in daily low-dose options to maintain a continuous effect in the bloodstream. 
• Generally more cost-effective than other medications. 

Tadalafil Vs Vardenafil: Which Is Better?

Both tadalafil and vardenafil are proven medications for erectile dysfunction. Each drug shows similar effectiveness in improving erectile function. The key difference lies in duration of action. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, which gives it the nickname “weekend pill.” In comparison, vardenafil works for 4 to 5 hours and requires closer timing to sexual activity. The choice between vardenafil vs tadalafil depends on lifestyle needs. Tadalafil suits men who want spontaneity or a daily dosing option, while vardenafil works best for those who prefer a shorter but reliable window.

Can Tadalafil Be Taken With Alcohol?

Light drinking is usually safe when using tadalafil. Moderate intake, such as one or two drinks, rarely causes harm. Problems appear when alcohol consumption becomes heavy. Both alcohol and tadalafil act as vasodilators, which means they relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Combining high alcohol levels with tadalafil increases risks of dizziness, headaches, and fainting. To stay safe, limit alcohol and allow time after taking the medication. This balance ensures tadalafil and alcohol do not interact in a dangerous way.

How Much Tadalafil Is Too Much?

Tadalafil comes in daily and as-needed doses for erectile dysfunction. The maximum safe amount is 5 mg daily or 20 mg when taken before sexual activity. Going beyond this amount increases health risks. Taking 40 mg or more can cause chest pain, dizziness, or dangerous drops in blood pressure. An overdose may even result in serious cardiovascular complications. Doctors stress that higher doses do not improve sexual performance. Instead, they only raise the chances of side effects. Safe use of tadalafil dosage depends on never exceeding prescribed limits and seeking medical help if overdose symptoms appear.

Is There A Generic For Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is widely available in generic form after Cialis lost its patent in 2018. The most common generic option is Vidalista, which is trusted for quality and affordability. These generics are FDA-approved and contain the same active ingredient. Clinical studies confirm that generic tadalafil works as effectively as brand-name Cialis. 

Many manufacturers now produce it, including Cipla, Teva, and Mylan. Prices are much lower compared to Cialis, often half or even less. Both branded and generic tadalafil require a doctor’s prescription. Men choosing Vidalista or other generics get the same results at a fraction of the cost.