How Long Does Tadalafil Last?

How long does tadalafil last? Tadalafil is advertised to last 36 hours, but other factors, such as dosage and individual variation, also influence its duration. Tadalafil (also known as Cialis) is a medication most commonly used for erectile dysfunction. It may also be used for benign prostatic hypertrophy and pulmonary arterial hypertension, among other indications. Tadalafil belongs to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Tadalafil is available in several doses that may either be taken as needed for sexual activity or as a daily dose for more spontaneity with sexual activity or for other indications.

6 factors that affect how long tadalafil lasts

Many factors affect tadalafil's duration of action. These factors can be grouped into six categories. We'll explore some of these.

 

1. Age

Age plays a significant role in determining the duration of Cialis. Males aged 65 years or older have a higher exposure to tadalafil compared to younger males, around 25% higher. This is due to less medication being cleared orally, allowing more medication to be absorbed in the stomach. This resulted in a change in the half-life of tadalafil, from an average of 17.5 hours in people under the age of 65 to approximately 22 hours in people aged 65 and older. This half-life may indicate that tadalafil lasts longer in people over 65, but it may also suggest that older individuals are more likely to experience side effects. So, if you're wondering how long tadalafil lasts, age plays a role. That said, the dose of tadalafil does not need to be adjusted solely based on age.

 

2. Health conditions

Several health conditions may influence tadalafil effective time. The effects of some of these are summarized below.

 

Liver impairment

Tadalafil is metabolized in the liver. For those patients with liver disease, it can affect the metabolism and may affect how long tadalafil lasts. According to labeling by the Food and Drug Administration, studies show that doses up to 10 mg can be used in people with mild to moderate liver disease (specifically those with a Child-Pugh Class of A or B). You should not use tadalafil if you have severe liver disease (Class C). In individuals with liver disease, tadalafil may remain in the blood for a more extended period and be more concentrated. This can increase the risk of side effects associated with tadalafil in addition to affecting tadalafil's effectiveness. Some of the side effects that may be more common include:

• Flushing
• Headaches
• Drops in blood pressure

People with liver disease should speak with their healthcare provider about the potential need for dose adjustments before taking tadalafil.

 

Kidney impairment

Tadalafil may be metabolized in the liver, but the kidneys are responsible for eliminating the medication. Around 36% of tadalafil is excreted through the kidneys. In individuals with kidney disease, tadalafil may accumulate in the blood. Even in people with mild to moderate kidney disease, tadalafil may be much more concentrated in the blood. Studies estimate that the amount of exposure a person experiences is almost doubled in people with kidney disease. Tadalafil is also not significantly removed by dialysis, so high amounts of the medication remain present even when undergoing dialysis on a regular schedule. In individuals with mild to moderate kidney disease, tadalafil should not be administered in doses exceeding 10 mg every 48 hours. Once-daily doses should commence at 2.5 mg. For people with severe kidney disease or who are on dialysis, the as-needed dose should be no more than 5 mg every 72 hours, and once-daily use is not recommended. Similar to those with liver disease, people who have kidney disease may have an increased risk of side effects such as:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Muscle aches
• Low blood pressure
• Reflux or indigestion

If you have kidney disease and are taking Cialis or tadalafil, your healthcare provider may want to monitor you closely to ensure that the drug is not building up in your system and causing side effects.

 

Cardiovascular disease

Heart disease doesn't appear to have a significant effect on how long tadalafil lasts; however, a new study suggests that tadalafil and other medications in the class may have a significant impact on heart disease. The study identified a significant decrease in death due to heart attack and stroke in people who took Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors.

 

Diabetes

Diabetes may affect how long tadalafil lasts, though the data is mixed. Small studies have shown a slight effect of diabetes on the duration of tadalafil's action, while other studies have found no significant change in the duration of Cialis's action. It should be noted that tadalafil and other medications in the PDE5 inhibitor class may not work as well for erectile dysfunction in people who have diabetes. Diabetes can affect the arteries in the penis and make it less responsive to medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. It does appear that the once-daily dosing may allow Cialis to build up in the bloodstream more than the one-time dosing in people with diabetes. This may suggest that the daily dosing of medication might be more effective than taking a single dose before intercourse. If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider can guide you on the best medication to treat ED or other medical conditions, as well as the most effective way to take this medication.

 

Obesity

Obesity is linked to erectile dysfunction, as people who are obese are also more likely to have erectile dysfunction. However, there is no direct relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the duration of tadalafil's effect. However, obesity can affect how well tadalafil works. A 2024 study looked at people who had gastric bypass surgery to evaluate ED medications such as tadalafil. How long does it last, and how effective is it? The study found that people who have undergone a type of gastric bypass surgery called Roux-en-Y have less absorption of tadalafil, and the medication is absorbed more slowly. This is due to the smaller stomach as well as bypassing the part of the small intestine where many medications are absorbed into the blood. This leads to tadalafil potentially taking longer to start working and also not lasting as long in people who have had gastric bypass surgery.

 

3. Lifestyle factors

In addition to health conditions, lifestyle factors may also influence the duration of tadalafil's effectiveness.

 

Diet

Cialis can be taken with or without food, which is different from other medications in the PDE5 inhibitor class. Food doesn't significantly impact the duration of tadalafil, but certain foods can affect the absorption of the medication. For example, consuming heavy fatty foods can delay stomach absorption, which in turn can delay the onset of symptoms. Another food that can interfere with tadalafil is grapefruit. Grapefruit has compounds that interfere with several medications. Specifically, these compounds interfere with the CYP3A4 enzyme, which is responsible for metabolizing medications in the intestine. Inhibiting this enzyme leads to increased absorption and may result in more side effects from tadalafil. The inhibitory effect of grapefruit can last up to 3 days, so you may want to avoid grapefruit altogether if you are taking tadalafil. It may be best to discuss any dietary restrictions with your healthcare provider or pharmacist (for any medication).

 

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol can impact erectile function, especially if consumed in large amounts. Furthermore, alcohol use can potentially decrease the effectiveness of tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors. Alcohol doesn't directly impact how long Cialis lasts. Still, it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or headaches, because alcohol can dilate the blood vessels, which is also one of the ways that tadalafil works. Because tadalafil can stay in your system for up to 36 hours, alcohol use after taking the medication can also increase the risk of side effects.

 

Smoking

Like alcohol, smoking doesn't necessarily have a direct impact on the duration of tadalafil efficacy. However, also like alcohol, smoking increases the risk of erectile dysfunction and can make ED worse, which may impact how effective tadalafil is. Smoking can cause damage to the blood vessels throughout the body, and this can make it difficult for tadalafil to increase the blood flow to the penis to cause an erection.

 

4. Medications

Many medications can potentially interact with tadalafil and affect its duration of action. Most of these medications affect how tadalafil is metabolized by inhibiting the CYP3A4 enzyme, similar to how grapefruit interacts with the medication. Medications that interfere with tadalafil can increase the risk of side effects from the medication. They may also increase the duration of the medication's effectiveness and enhance the amount of the medication in the bloodstream.

 

Nitrates

One of the most commonly discussed medication interactions when it comes to Cialis and other PDE5 inhibitors is nitrates such as nitroglycerin. Nitrates do not directly impact how long tadalafil lasts. However, these medications can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure can be life-threatening. For this reason, tadalafil should not be taken within 48 hours of nitrate medications such as nitroglycerin.

 

Blood pressure medications

Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem and verapamil are CYP3A4 inhibitors. These medications may increase the amount of tadalafil in the body, potentially prolonging its effect. Amiodarone is another medication that is used for abnormal heart rhythms (but not necessarily blood pressure) that inhibits CYP3A4.

 

Antibiotics

Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis and other infections, may also decrease the duration and effectiveness of tadalafil. This decrease actually increases the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme. This means that tadalafil is broken down more quickly and remains in the system for a shorter period. Other antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clarithromycin, are CYP3A4 inhibitors, which means that they may increase tadalafil levels in the blood by slowing its metabolism. This may increase the risk of side effects. Suppose a healthcare provider recommends taking antibiotics or any other medication. In that case, it's essential to inform them about any medications you may be taking and ask whether it is safe to continue taking tadalafil while on those medications.

 

Antifungals

Many antifungals can potentially increase the length of time that tadalafil lasts. Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, and fluconazole are all CYP3A4 inhibitors. These medications all strongly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme and carry warnings to avoid use with drugs such as Cialis or tadalafil.

 

HIV treatments

Several HIV treatments are inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme. Ritonavir and cobicistat are two of these medications. In fact, most of the protease inhibitors are potent inhibitors of CYP3A4. As with other CYP3A4 inhibitors, these medications can increase the concentration of tadalafil in the bloodstream and prolong its duration of action. Taking these medications together can also potentially increase the side effects of tadalafil.

 

5. Metabolism

When it comes to tadalafil and metabolism, the activity of your individual CYP3A4 enzymes largely affects how long the medication lasts. If your body has more active CYP3A4 enzymes, tadalafil may break down more quickly, resulting in a shorter duration of action. On the other hand, if your body has less active CYP3A4 enzymes, tadalafil may break down more slowly, resulting in a longer duration of action than 36 hours.

 

6. Dosage

 

Medications are often measured by their half-life. The half-life is how long it takes for the body to break down half of the active medication. That said, tadalafil lasts how long? Tadalafil has a half-life of 17.5 hours. The daily dosing of tadalafil allows the medication to be in your bloodstream continuously, whereas the as-needed doses generally have a duration of 36 hours. All doses of tadalafil generally have a duration of 36 hours if taken as a single dose.

Effects of gender on tadalafil duration

Gender does not appear to have a significant impact on the duration of Cialis's effectiveness. Studies show that the amount of medication in the blood, as well as the duration it lasts, is similar in both males and females, regardless of whether tadalafil is taken as a one-time dose or a daily dose.

How long does tadalafil last: Key takeaways

• Tadalafil is a PDE-5 inhibitor indicated for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hypertrophy, pulmonary artery hypertension, and other indications.
• Tadalafil is available in several doses, which may be used daily or as needed.
• The duration of tadalafil may be affected by several medications, especially those that interact with the CYP3A4 enzyme.
• Several health conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes, may affect how tadalafil works. If you have concerns about tadalafil and its duration, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the optimal dosing and timing of the medication.

FAQs

 

Tadalafil 5 mg: How long does it last?

The 5 mg dose of tadalafil is taken once daily unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Daily dosing allows the medication to reach a steady state in the body. This will enable Cialis to reach a steady state in the blood. If tadalafil 5 mg is taken daily, then it should stay in the system for as long as you continue to take the medication. When starting tadalafil 5mg, it takes about 5 days of daily use for it to reach a steady level in the bloodstream. If taken only once, tadalafil will last about 36 hours.

Tadalafil 10 mg: How long does it last?

Tadalafil 10 mg is taken as needed. It usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and remains effective for up to 36 hours in the bloodstream. Tadalafil doesn't cause an erection spontaneously; it does require sexual stimulation to work.

Tadalafil 20 mg: How long does it last?

Tadalafil 20 mg works for up to 36 hours with sexual stimulation. The 20 mg dose of tadalafil is taken as needed. It can take effect as soon as 30 minutes, and reaches its peak around 2 hours after taking the medication.

Tadalafil 40 mg: How long does it last?

The 40 mg dose of tadalafil is effective for up to 36 hours. This dose of tadalafil is specifically indicated for a condition known as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary artery hypertension is a very different condition from erectile dysfunction. In pulmonary artery hypertension, the blood pressure to the lungs is elevated, which can cause shortness of breath and right heart failure. The maximum dose of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction is 20mg.

How long does Cialis last?

Cialis is the brand name for tadalafil. Like its generic counterparts, Cialis lasts around 36 hours. This has led to its nickname as "the weekend pill." Cialis is available in several doses for either daily or as-needed use. So if you're wondering how long does 5mg Cialis last, the answer is around 36 hours, the same as 5mg tadalafil.

What is the '36-hour' window for tadalafil?

The 36-hour window for tadalafil refers to the duration for which the medication is generally effective after administration. This means that, with sexual stimulation, someone may be able to have an erection for up to 36 hours after taking tadalafil. This result may vary from person to person depending on individual health factors. As we discussed in this article, other factors may also affect how long tadalafil lasts. The 36-hour window primarily refers to the as-needed use of tadalafil. The daily medication provides continuous effectiveness, which some people prefer because it allows them to be more spontaneous with sexual intimacy.

When is it best to take the tadalafil tablet?

As-needed dosing for tadalafil takes about 30-60 minutes to take effect. The peak dose usually occurs around 2 hours. Therefore, if you are taking the tadalafil tablet intermittently, you should plan to take it at least 30 minutes before you plan to be sexually active. On the other hand, if you are taking a daily dose of tadalafil, it is recommended to take it at around the same time every day. Some people choose this dosing because they are being treated for other conditions, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy or pulmonary artery hypertension. Other people choose daily dosing because it allows for more spontaneity for sexual activity. Suppose you are on a medication that may potentially interfere with tadalafil. In that case, you should talk with your healthcare provider about the best time to take this medication to avoid side effects.

Does tadalafil last longer than other similar medications?

Tadalafil does, in fact, last longer than other PDE5 inhibitors. Tadalafil generally lasts around 36 hours, while other medications in this class have shorter half-lives and shorter durations. Sildenafil (Viagra) lasts around 4-5 hours, as does vardenafil (Levitra). Avanafil (Stendra) lasts up to 5 hours, but it may have a faster onset of action.

How to maximize tadalafil's duration?

Before evaluating how to maximize tadalafil's duration, consult your healthcare provider to ensure you are taking it exactly as directed. Taking the medication in a manner other than directed may increase your risk of side effects. For daily dosing of tadalafil, taking it consistently at the same time every day can help maximize its effects. Other ways to maximize the duration (and efficacy) of tadalafil include maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. If you are concerned about whether tadalafil is working as well as it could, you should talk to your healthcare provider about whether the dose you are taking is the most effective for you.

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