How long does tadalafil last?

Tadalafil is known as the “weekend pill” for a reason: one dose can work for up to several days.

So if you’re looking for an ED treatment that gives you more flexibility around sex, tadalafil could be an option. Unlike Viagra (sildenafil), which typically works for around 4 to 6 hours, tadalafil can keep working for much longer.

Here’s how long you can expect tadalafil to last, along with expert tips to get the best results.

How long does tadalafil last?

First, it’s worth considering how long tadalafil takes to kick in. For most men, tadalafil starts working within 30 to 60 minutes of taking the tablet.

Planning to have sex? Take your tablet at least 30 minutes beforehand. Don’t forget that you still need to be sexually stimulated to get an erection. Taking the tablet won’t get you instantly hard by itself.

Unlike sildenafil, which can work for a few hours after you take it, a single dose of tadalafil can work for up to 36 hours. That gives you a much bigger window for sex, without having to time things down to the hour.

How long does a single dose of tadalafil last?

How long tadalafil stays active depends on the type your clinician prescribed you. Tadalafil is available in two main forms: on-demand use (which you take before you anticipate having sex) and tadalafil daily use (taken at the same time every day). Tadalafil comes in several doses. Check out our guide to tadalafil dosages for more detailed info.

20mg

20mg is the maximum standard on-demand strength prescribed for erectile dysfunction. A single 20mg dose of tadalafil remains effective for up to 36 hours.

10mg10mg is the standard starting dose for on-demand use. Just like the 20mg dose, a single 10mg tablet provides an effective window of up to 36 hours. 

5mg

You can take 5mg tadalafil as an on-demand dose, or as a once-daily treatment. An on-demand 5mg dose can support erections for up to 36 hours. If you take 5mg daily, tadalafil builds up over 5 days to give continuous coverage rather than a single start-and-stop window, so you don’t have to plan for sex in advance.

2.5mg

2.5mg is the lowest available strength of tadalafil, designed just for once-daily use. When taken consistently each day, 2.5mg maintains stable levels in your system to deliver uninterrupted erection support.

Does a higher tadalafil dose last longer?

Nope. That’s a common misconception. More tadalafil doesn't mean more hours of action. Some men do find they have stronger erections on a higher dose, but it can also increase the risk of tadalafil side effects.

Best time to take tadalafil for sexual activity

Taking tadalafil at the right time can help you get the most from it. If you've been prescribed on-demand tadalafil, take your 10mg or 20mg tablet at least 30 minutes before sex.

Prefer not to plan ahead? That's where tadalafil's long-lasting effect can be useful: once it starts working, many men have up to 36 hours in which tadalafil can help them respond to sexual stimulation.

If you’ve been prescribed the lower daily tadalafil dose, you take it once a day regardless of when you plan to have sex, as you’ll be covered continuously.

Factors that affect how long tadalafil lasts

Tadalafil can work for up to 36 hours, but exactly how long it affects you can vary. Things such as your age, health, alcohol intake and other medicines can all play a part.

• Age: Your body may process tadalafil more slowly as you get older.
• Your health: Liver or kidney problems can affect how your body processes tadalafil.
• Alcohol: Drinking heavily can make it harder to get an erection and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Food: Unlike some ED medicines, tadalafil can be taken with or without food.
• Other medicines: Some medicines can interact with tadalafil, so tell your doctor or pharmacist what you're taking.

Tadalafil vs sildenafil: duration comparison

As we mentioned before, the main difference between tadalafil and sildenafil is their duration of action. Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) lasts for about 4 to 6 hours. Tadafanfil, on the other hand, can last up to 36 hours.

Get your confidence up

Tadalafil stands out among ED treatments due to its unmatched flexibility. Other sex-life-boosting options are available, though. At Voy, our clinicians can assess your health, symptoms and treatment goals to help determine the best treatment for you.

And if your ED is accompanied by symptoms such as low sex drive, fatigue or reduced strength, we can help investigate whether an underlying health issue, such as low testosterone, could be contributing. Take our sexual health quiz today for a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs and lifestyle.