How long does tadalafil last after taking it?

Tadalafil is the generic version of the branded erectile dysfunction medicine, Cialis. Another name for tadalafil, or Cialis, is “the weekend pill”. This should give you an idea of how long does tadalafil lasts after taking it. Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours after taking, just under a weekend’s duration. Before we go into further depth into how long does tadalafil lasts after taking it, we will first go over the basics of erectile dysfunction and how tadalafil works.

You can use the navigational table below to skip to the topics that interest you.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as when a man cannot get a firm enough erection for satisfying sexual intercourse (Muneer et al., 2014). A study in 2000 found that about 150 million men worldwide had some form of erectile dysfunction, and it was speculated that the numbers would exceed 300 million men worldwide over the next 20 years (McKinlay 2000).  The Massachusetts Male Aging Study confirms the exponentially increasing rate of erectile dysfunction, with an expected incidence of over 600,000 new cases per year in white men aged 40 to 69 alone (Johannes et al.2000).

Before we go any further, it must be stressed that the one-off poor performance is not usually a cause for concern; it’s when it starts to persist for over six months that the alarm bells should start ringing. When this happens, it is described as chronic erectile dysfunction.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

The following long-term conditions are linked to the increasing rates of erectile dysfunction (Orimoloye et al., 2019):

• Heart disease,
• High cholesterol, and
• High blood pressure

Diabetes and erectile dysfunction

Diabetes is another long-term condition that plays a leading role in the development of erectile dysfunction (Maiorino et al., 2014). The constant high blood sugar seen in diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to a decreased ability to get and sustain an erection (Guay et al., 2007).

Tadalafil key facts

If you have been exploring erectile dysfunction treatments, then you may have come across the “weekend pill” or Cialis. Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis, and its main advantage over its rivals is its long duration of action, 36 hours for most men, compared to 4 to 6 hours for other erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra and Levitra.

What is tadalafil?

Originally developed as a heart medication, but when tadalafil was found to improve blood flow to the penis, its focus switched from heart disease to erectile dysfunction.

Tadalafil works in a similar fashion as Viagra or sildenafil by increasing the blood flow to the penis. More blood flow means a firmer, longer-lasting erection, but sexual arousal is still a prerequisite.

How does tadalafil work?

Tadalafil belongs to a type of drug called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of a cGMP, a chemical responsible for widening the blood vessels (Corbin et al.,2004). When there is more cGMP present, the blood vessels are dilated, allowing more blood to flow into the penis to cause an erection.

Tadalafil increases cGMP levels by blocking the enzyme that breaks it down, phosphodiesterase type 5 or PDE5. By blocking PDE5, tadalafil maintains high cGMP levels, dilating the blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow into the penis to initiate the erection. However, tadalafil still requires sexual arousal for it to work (Andersson et al., 2018).

How long does tadalafil last after taking it?

When talking about how long drugs last, a term that often crops up is half-life. What does the half-life of a drug mean? It’s the time it takes for the drug’s concentration to decrease by 50% in the blood. So, when we have the information regarding the half-life of tadalafil, we can answer the question, “How long does tadalafil last after taking it?”

The half-life of tadalafil is 17.5 hours in normal healthy men, but it may increase to 21.6 hours in elderly men. In comparison, the half-life of two other popular erectile dysfunction treatments, sildenafil and vardenafil, is about 4 hours each (Francis and Corbin 2003). This longer half-life for tadalafil means that the therapeutic window, or the time when an erection can be stimulated, is increased to 36 hours (Porst et al 2003).

The exact duration of tadalafil can vary depending on other factors such as age, overall health, and the presence of other medications.

One important point to remember is that the longer half-life means that if under the supervision of a doctor, any nitrate medication is prescribed, it must be deferred for at least 48 hours after ingestion of tadalafil, compared with 24 hours for sildenafil and vardenafil (Kloner et al. 2003).

Dosing of tadalafil

Tadalafil starts working within 30-60 minutes of taking it and can last up to 36 hours, hence its nickname, “the weekend pill.” For many men, one dose is enough to support sexual activity throughout an entire day or longer.

The most commonly prescribed dose for erectile dysfunction is 10-20 mg taken for on-demand dosing, and lower doses, such as 2.5-5 mg, for once-daily dosing. The doses can be titrated up or down depending on response and side effects.

Bioavailability of tadalafil compared to sildenafil

Not all of a drug is absorbed when taken orally. This is because the drug has to pass through the stomach, small intestine, and liver before reaching the bloodstream.

First-pass metabolism occurs in the liver, which can reduce the amount of active drug that makes it into circulation. We measure this by a drug’s bioavailability, that is, the amount of the drug that reaches circulation.

Tadalafil is approximately 80% bioavailable, compared to 40% and 15% with sildenafil and vardenafil, respectively (Francis and Corbin 2003).

Absorption of tadalafil compared to sildenafil

When compared to other PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil has the slowest absorption, with a mean of 2 hours to reach its maximum concentration. While sildenafil and vardenafil reach their maximum concentrations after about 50 minutes (Briganti et al, 2005).

How soon does tadalafil start to work?

The onset of action of tadalafil can be as early as 15 minutes after taking the oral dose, but studies have shown that successful erections occur in fewer than 40% of men at this time point (Brock et al, 2002; Porst et al 2003).

So, even though some outliers may experience an erection within 15 minutes, it is wise not to take this as gospel. Rather it is more accurate to say that an erection may take up to 2 hours in the majority of men. So, it is better to give an expectation of an erection within two hours rather than 15 minutes. This is because if an erection hasn’t occurred after 15 minutes, it can create performance anxiety or loss of confidence in the treatment, leading to treatment failure (Carson, 2007).

Tadalafil and fatty meals

Another important difference between tadalafil and other erectile dysfunction treatments, such as sildenafil and vardenafil, is the difference in their relative absorption after the consumption of a fatty meal (Corbin and Francis, 2002).

Both sildenafil and vardenafil have decreased absorption when taken with a fatty meal, while the absorption of tadalafil is unaffected by fatty meals or alcohol consumption, respectively (Francis and Corbin 2003).

This unique pharmacokinetic trait of tadalafil results from slower absorption and longer half-life, and it can, therefore, be taken with meals or alcohol without a decrease in its effectiveness (Carson 2007).

Factors that can affect how long tadalafil works

Several personal factors can affect how well and how long tadalafil works for you:

• Health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney issues can affect blood flow and may impact tadalafil’s effectiveness. If you have health concerns, discuss these with your doctor to ensure you get the best results.
• Other medications: Certain medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-anxiety drugs, may interact with tadalafil. It is important to inform the prescriber about any other medicines you take to avoid potential drug interactions and to alter the dosage and timing of tadalafil.
• Alcohol Intake: While moderate drinking is generally safe, excessive alcohol can reduce tadalafil’s effectiveness. If you want to learn more about the effects of taking alcohol with erectile dysfunction treatments, read our blog, “Can I drink while taking sildenafil?”
• Lifestyle habits: Smoking, lack of physical activity, and poor diet can affect blood flow, which may reduce the duration of tadalafil’s effects.

Can you combine sildenafil and tadalafil?

No, you cannot take both tablets together. However, if you want an erectile dysfunction treatment that combines the short—and long-acting effects of sildenafil and tadalafil, then there is a way you can do this. Medical Mojo has compounded a unique triple-combined erectile dysfunction soluble oral patch designed for rapid absorption via the buccal mucosa.

The soluble oral patch is attached to the inside of the cheek, where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, where it can cause an erection within half an hour, with the effects lasting for 36 hours.

The soluble oral patch is available in three strengths. So, if you want the flexibility of sildenafil and the confidence of the long-lasting action of tadalafil, try the Medical Mojo triple erectile dysfunction soluble oral patch today.

Common FAQs about Tadalafil

Summary

Tadalafil offers a lasting solution for erectile dysfunction, supporting erections for up to 36 hours in many men. It can start working within two hours, and food does not affect its absorption. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help maximise the efficacy of tadalafil.

Want to learn more about sildenafil and other erectile dysfunction treatments?

If you would like to learn more about erectile dysfunction and the various treatments, have a read of informative, evidence-based blogs.

Understanding Viagra headaches: causes and solutions

Why does Viagra cause heartburn?

Can Viagra cause blood clots?

Can Viagra cause a stroke?

Does Viagra make you last longer?

Can I drink alcohol while taking sildenafil?

Can Viagra make you bigger?

How long does sildenafil last for?

How often can you take Viagra? A guide for safe use and effectiveness

Can you take Viagra with blood thinners?

What is Kamagra?

What is the difference between Viagra and Viagra Connect?

What is Invicorp?

Need to talk to someone about erectile dysfunction?

Don’t feel shy talking about erectile dysfunction; as we mentioned previously, think of it as the canary in the mineshaft, warning you that something could be wrong with your health.

 At Medical Mojo, we are here to help. We can advise you on the correct treatment and what to do when the PDE5 inhibitors don’t work. We can even compound a completely personalised solution. However, the first step is reaching out to us. So, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

References:

1. Muneer A, Kalsi J, Nazareth I, Arya M. Erectile dysfunction. BMJ. 2014 Jan 27;348:g129.
2. McKinlay JB. The worldwide prevalence and epidemiology of erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res. 2000;12:S6–S11. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3900567.
3. Johannes CB, Araujo AB, Feldman HA, et al. Incidence of erectile dysfunction in men 40–69 years old: longitudinal results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol. 2000;163:460–3.
4. Ayta IA, McKinlay JB, Krane RJ. The likely worldwide increase in erectile dysfunction between 1995 and 2025 and some possible policy consequences. BJU Int. 1999 Jul;84(1):50-6
5. Orimoloye OA, Feldman DI, Blaha MJ. Erectile dysfunction links to cardiovascular disease-defining the clinical value. Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2019 Nov;29(8):458-465.
6. Maiorino MI, Bellastella G, Esposito K. Diabetes and sexual dysfunction: current perspectives. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2014 Mar 6;7:95-105. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S36455. PMID: 24623985; PMCID: PMC3949699.
7. Guay AT. ED2: erectile dysfunction = endothelial dysfunction. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2007;36(2):453–463.
8. Corbin JD. Mechanisms of action of PDE5 inhibition in erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res. June 2004; 16(1)Suppl 1: S4–7. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901205, PMID 15224127.
9. Andersson, K.E., 2018. PDE5 inhibitors–pharmacology and clinical applications 20 years after sildenafil discovery. British journal of pharmacology, 175(13), pp.2554-2565.
10. Francis SH, Corbin JD. Molecular mechanisms and pharmacokinetics of phosphodiesterase-5 antagonists. Curr Urol Rep. 2003;4:457–65. doi: 10.1007/s11934-003-0027-x.
11. Porst H, Padma-Nathan H, Giuliano F, et al. Efficacy of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction at 24 and 36 hours after dosing: a randomized controlled trial. Urology. 2003;62:121–5. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(03)00359-5.
12. Kloner RA, Hutter AM, Emmick JT. Time course of the interaction between Tadalafil and Nitrates. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003a;42:1885–60. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2003.09.023.
13. Briganti A, Salonia A, Gallina A, et al. Drug Insight: oral phospho-diesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. Nat Clin Pract Urol. 2005;2:239–47. doi: 10.1038/ncpuro0186.
14. Brock GB, McMahon CG, Chen KK, et al. Efficacy and safety of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: results of integrated analyses. J Urol. 2002a;168:1332–6. doi: 10.1016/S0022-5347(05)64442-4.
15. Carson CC. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: state of the therapeutic class. Urol Clin North Am. 2007;34:507–15. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2007.08.013. 
16. Corbin JD, Francis SH. Pharmacology of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Int J Clin Pract. 2002;56:453–9.