Tadalafil: What It Does, How to Use It, and How to Buy Safely

Have questions about tadalafil? You're not alone. Tadalafil (brand name Cialis) treats erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s also approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension under different dosing. Below you'll find simple, practical facts about how it works, how to use it, common side effects, and how to buy it without getting burned.

Quick facts and how it works

Tadalafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme, which helps increase blood flow to the penis when you're sexually aroused. That’s the basic action that helps with erections. It can also relax muscles in the prostate and bladder, easing BPH symptoms like weak stream or frequent urination.

One of tadalafil’s main perks is how long it lasts. A single dose can work up to 36 hours, so people call it the "weekend pill." Onset time varies—some feel effects in 30–60 minutes. For BPH and some ED patients a low daily dose is an option instead of taking it only before sex.

Dosing, timing, and common side effects

Typical as-needed dosing for ED: 10 mg taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity; can be adjusted down to 5 mg or up to 20 mg depending on effect and tolerance. Daily dosing options are 2.5–5 mg once a day when regular sexual activity is expected. For BPH, doctors often use daily doses.

Common side effects are headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and back pain. Most are mild and short-lived. Stop tadalafil and get medical help if you have sudden vision loss, hearing loss, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism).

Important interactions: never use tadalafil with nitrates (nitroglycerin or similar drugs)—that combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Be cautious with alpha-blockers (used for BPH or high blood pressure), and tell your doctor about any strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like certain antifungals or HIV drugs—they can raise tadalafil levels.

Keep alcohol moderate. Heavy drinking plus tadalafil can increase the chance of dizziness or lowering blood pressure too much.

Store tadalafil in a cool, dry place away from children. Follow the label for expiration and disposal.

Thinking about buying tadalafil online? Treat that like a medical decision, not a bargain hunt. Use licensed pharmacies, require a prescription, check for clear contact info, look for real customer reviews, and avoid sites that push large discounts without asking medical questions. If a site ships without a prescription, it’s a red flag.

If you’re curious how tadalafil compares to other drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil, talk to your clinician—each drug has pros and cons depending on timing, duration, and side effects. Your doctor can match the option to your heart health, medications, and lifestyle.

Got specific health conditions or questions about interactions? Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Tadalafil works well for many people, but safe use depends on your full medical picture.