Maximum Dose of Tadalafil in 24 Hours

Aubrey | calender

28 Jul 2025

What Is Tadalafil and How It Works in the Body

Tadalafil is a medication that helps with erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and sometimes with pulmonary hypertension. Most people know it by its brand name, Cialis. It works by relaxing blood vessels and helping blood flow better. That’s why it helps with erections—but it’s not an instant thing. You still need to be in the mood.

The drug doesn’t just affect one part of your body. It impacts smooth muscle, so it can also help with urinary symptoms tied to an enlarged prostate. One reason people like tadalafil is because it lasts longer than similar medications. Which also means you have to be careful how much you take.

Standard Dosage Guidelines for Tadalafil Use

Doctors usually prescribe 2.5 mg or 5 mg for daily use, and 10 mg or 20 mg for as-needed use. You don’t mix both in the same day.

If you're taking it daily, it’s a low dose that stays in your system at a steady level. You can have sex whenever, without planning. If you’re taking it as needed, you take it 30 to 60 minutes before activity. But again—not more than once in a day.

What’s the Maximum Dose of Tadalafil in 24 Hours?

The maximum dose of tadalafil in 24 hours is 20 mg. That’s it. That’s the ceiling. Whether you’re taking it on-demand or thinking of bumping your dose because 10 mg didn’t work—don’t go above 20.

Some guys look up tadalafil dosage 40 mg, thinking it’ll give them better results. It won’t. You’re just going to feel worse, not better. And honestly, that amount hasn’t been shown to be any more effective. Stick with tadalafil 20mg dosage max unless your doctor tells you otherwise, which is rare.

Why You Shouldn’t Exceed the Recommended Dose

Going over the maximum dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction can mess you up. It can drop your blood pressure, give you a pounding headache, cause back pain, or worse—land you in the ER with a 4-hour erection you don’t want.

Differences Between Daily vs As-Needed Tadalafil

Some men do better on daily use—2.5 or 5 mg every morning. That way, you’re ready anytime. Others prefer the as-needed approach—10 or 20 mg just before sex.

But you can’t combine the two. Don’t take 5 mg in the morning and another 20 mg at night. That adds up to 25 mg, which is over the maximum dose of tadalafil in 24 hours. You’ll just feel lousy and risk hurting yourself.

How Long Tadalafil Stays Active in Your System

Tadalafil stays in your body for a long time. Around 17 hours, and the effects can last up to 36 hours. That’s why it’s sometimes called the “weekend pill.” You take it Friday night, and it’s still working Saturday.

Because of that, you don’t need multiple doses in one day. If you’re not feeling the full effect, the answer isn’t taking more—it might be that you need a different plan or that it’s just not the right timing that day.

Signs You May Have Taken Too Much Tadalafil

If you ever go over the dose by accident, your body will probably tell you.

Here’s what to look for:

Face feels hot or red
Heart’s beating too fast
Can’t focus your eyes
Head feels heavy
Stomach gets upset
Back or legs hurt in a weird way
You feel like lying down but can’t relax

If it gets worse or you feel chest pressure, call for help. It’s not something to brush off.

Tadalafil and Drug Interactions That Raise Risk

Some meds really don’t mix well with tadalafil.

Don’t take it with:

Nitrates for chest pain
Alpha-blockers
Some antibiotics and antifungals
Blood pressure meds
Street drugs like “poppers”

These combos can tank your blood pressure fast. So if you’re on other meds, ask before starting tadalafil. Better safe than sorry.

When to Adjust Your Tadalafil Dose (and When Not To)

Older adults or people with kidney or liver issues might need a lower tadalafil dosage. Doctors sometimes start those patients on 2.5 mg just to be careful.

Don’t adjust your dose just because someone on a forum said 40 mg worked for them. That’s not your body, and it’s not safe. The maximum dose of tadalafil in 24 hours is still 20 mg unless your doctor gives you a medical reason to go higher—which, again, is super rare.

Always Talk to Your Doctor Before Changing Your Dose

If you're tempted to take more because your current dose isn’t working, talk to your doctor. It could be timing. It could be food. It could be another medication. But don’t guess.

Even if you're buying online, don’t just take what the package says. Your heart and blood vessels are involved here. Be smart.

Sanford Pharmacy can help guide you with real pharmacist support—not just a bottle and a label. Ask questions. Get answers. Use your meds the right way.

Tadalafil works well when used properly. Stick to your plan. Stick to the max. And enjoy it without pushing the limits.