How long is tadalafil effective?

‍What is tadalafil?

Tadalafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil is the active substance in Cialis. Cialis is a brand name and was the first to market tadalafil in 2002. Since the patent on tadalafil expired in 2017, it has also been produced as a generic variant. The price of tadalafil has fallen considerably now that it is also available generically. This without the effectiveness or quality differing from the proprietary Cialis variant.

Like other agents in the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, tadalafil improves blood flow to the penis. This is due to the relaxation of the blood vessels.

How does tadalafil work?

Tadalafil works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for breaking down cGMP. When sexual stimulation occurs, cGMP is produced, which leads to relaxation of the blood vessels and increased blood flow to the penis. This process supports obtaining and maintaining an erection. By inhibiting PDE5, tadalafil ensures that cGMP remains active longer, which improves the body's natural erection process.

Duration and effect of tadalafil

One of the most important characteristics of tadalafil is its prolonged duration of action. After ingestion, the drug can remain effective for up to 36 hours. This does not mean that an erection is present continuously, but that the drug can respond effectively to sexual stimulation during this period. This long duration of action offers men flexibility and reduces the need to take the medication immediately before sexual activity, unlike some other agents that only work for a few hours.

How long does tadalafil stay in your body?

After taking tadalafil, the maximum blood concentration is usually reached within 2 hours. Tadalafil has a half-life of approximately 17.5 hours, as shown by this research from the University of North Carolina. A half-life of 17.5 hours means that the body breaks down the amount of tadalafil in the blood by half during this time. Within 36 hours, most of the drug is gone from the body, but traces may remain for some time. This means that the benefits of tadalafil are noticeable for up to 36 hours. For many users, this is a reason to choose tadalafil instead of sildenafil - the active substance in Viagra. The half-life of sildenafil is 4 hours, so the benefits are no longer noticeable after 8 hours. However, the longer the substance is in the blood, the longer any side effects also persist. For sildenafil and tadalafil, these are mainly flushing and headache. If you suffer from this, this may be a reason to choose sildenafil. In consultation with one of the Fellos doctors we can see which treatment suits you best.

Variables that affect operation

Although tadalafil is effective for most users, various factors can influence the effect and effectiveness.

1. Dosage

The standard dosage of tadalafil ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg. It is usually recommended to start with a 10mg dose; if this is not effective, a 20mg dose can be tried. However, a higher dose also means more risk of possible side effects. These side effects are usually flushing, headache or muscle pain with tadalafil. On the tadalafil medication page, you will find an overview of all possible side effects.

2. Age

Older men can benefit from tadalafil for longer, as the body is less likely to break down the drug. This can extend the duration of action.

3. Food and alcohol

High-fat meals may slow the absorption of tadalafil, so it takes longer for the medicine to start working. Excessive alcohol consumption, on the other hand, can reduce the effect and increase side effects such as dizziness.

4. Health condition

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease may affect the effectiveness of tadalafil. People with liver or kidney problems may also find that the medicine stays in their bodies longer.

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