How Long Does Tadalafil Stay in Your System?

Tadalafil, also known by the brand name Cialis, is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE50) inhibitor that is prescribed for erectile dysfunction. The medication is also prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia and pulmonary artery hypertension. If you are considering taking tadalafil, you may wonder how long it stays in your system. Understanding how long does tadalafil stay in your system can help you assess potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

How Long Does Tadalafil Stay in Your System Comparison Table

How long does Cialis stay in your system?	Duration
Blood	2-3 days after last dose
Saliva	24-48 hours
Urine	3-5 days
Hair	Up to 90 days
Semen	3-4 days

How Long Does Tadalafil Stay in Your Blood?

Tadalafil is taken by mouth and is rapidly absorbed in the small intestines. Tadalafil may take effect as early as 16 minutes, but it usually peaks at about 2 hours after it is taken. When measured in the blood, the maximum concentration time may range from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on several factors, such as individual metabolism and whether you took the medication with or without food. Tadalafil has high bioavailability when taken by mouth. This means that most of the active medication gets absorbed into the bloodstream (around 80%). Once it reaches the bloodstream, tadalafil binds tightly to plasma proteins. This affects how the medication interacts with other medications you may have taken. The way tadalafil binds to proteins is one reason its effects may last up to 36 hours. One thing to consider when answering the question of how long Cialis stays in your system is its half-life. Half-life is used to determine how long Cialis remains in your system, as well as how long other medications may remain in your system. Half-life is the length of time it takes for half of a given dose of medication to get out of your bloodstream. Many factors can affect the half-life of any drug. For tadalafil, the half-life in a healthy young person is around 17.5 hours. The effects of tadalafil last around 36 hours. In people over age 65, tadalafil may last up to 22 hours. For most drugs, it takes about 5 half-lives to fully clear from the system. For tadalafil, a half-life of around 17.5 hours means that the drug would be undetectable in the blood after 3-4 days. When taken daily, it takes tadalafil about 5 days to reach steady state, meaning that after 5 days of daily use, there is a consistent amount of tadalafil in the bloodstream. Tadalafil’s long half-life means it can remain in the bloodstream for several days when taken orally, but it typically only lasts 36 hours. Tadalafil may also be detected in other bodily fluids.

How Long Does Tadalafil Stay in Your Saliva?

When you take tadalafil by mouth, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to various bodily fluids. One of the fluids in which tadalafil can be detected is saliva. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands in the face, an area rich in blood vessels. Many drugs that can be detected in the bloodstream can also be detected in saliva, though at lower concentrations. Tadalafil reaches its peak concentration in the bloodstream around 2 hours after oral administration. Because tadalafil is strongly bound to proteins in the bloodstream, only small amounts can move to the saliva and other fluids. Unbound tadalafil particles cross through the walls of the bloodstream into the saliva glands through a process called diffusion, where particles move from an area where they are more concentrated to an area where they are less concentrated. There aren’t a lot of studies about how long tadalafil stays in your saliva. Because of this, estimates of how long tadalafil remains in saliva are based on studies of other drugs. Pharmacokinetics is the study of how medications behave in the body and includes factors such as absorption, bioavailability, protein binding, and half-life. Based on the pharmacokinetics of similar medications, tadalafil should appear in the saliva within a few hours after you take it orally. This accounts for how long it takes the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream and then distributed throughout the body, including the saliva. Tadalafil levels in the saliva should peak about 2-4 hours after taking it. The levels will fall in a similar pattern to the blood levels, though the levels will be lower. Based on a half-life of 17.5 hours and how much tadalafil is protein-bound, tadalafil is generally detected in the saliva for 1-2 days after use. The highest concentrations are usually around 24 hours. If a test detects very small amounts of tadalafil, then it may be detectable for up to 96 hours. Many factors can affect how long tadalafil lasts in the body, including saliva. In addition to the test's sensitivity, how long will Cialis stay in your system can be influenced by age, how you take it, the dose you take, other drugs you may take, how much saliva you produce, how saliva is collected, and individual metabolism factors. Because tadalafil has a longer half-life than other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, it may persist in the blood and saliva longer than its counterparts.

How Long Does Tadalafil Stay in Your Urine?

Tadalafil is metabolized in your liver and excreted in your stool and urine. Only about one-third of Tadalafil is excreted through your urine. This means it is possible for tadalafil or its breakdown products to appear in your urine. Tadalafil is not generally included in a standard drug panel. However, in certain circumstances, tadalafil-specific urine testing may be necessary. There are few studies on how long tadalafil may remain in your urine, but this can be inferred from the medication's pharmacokinetics. Based on the half-life of tadalafil, which is around 17.5 hours, a single dose of the drug may be detectable in the urine for up to 5 days. After 5 half-lives, about 95% of a single dose of tadalafil is eliminated from the body. This is usually when a medication is considered out of your system. When tadalafil is broken down, some of the breakdown products, or metabolites, can be detected in the system for a longer period, depending on the testing method and its sensitivity. After a single dose of tadalafil, it may take up to 5 days for these metabolites to clear from your urine. If you take tadalafil more regularly, or if you are on higher doses of the medication, it may accumulate in your system and take longer to clear.

How Long Is Tadalafil in Your System, and What Affects Its Duration?

Many factors can affect how long it takes for tadalafil to clear your system, whether in blood, saliva, or urine. Some of these factors depend on the medication, such as the dose or frequency of use. Other factors are unique to the individual, such as age and health status.

Dosage and Frequency of Use

The dose of tadalafil can impact how long the drug stays in your system. The higher the dose you take, the more tadalafil enters your body and becomes protein-bound. Higher doses of the medication take longer to metabolize and excrete if you assume that all other factors are equal. This means that dose matters when you’re pondering how long does Cialis 5mg stay in your system vs. how long does 20mg of Cialis stay in your system. Even though the half-life of the drug stays the same, it will take longer for the 20mg dose to drop below detectable levels. Higher doses of tadalafil and other medications can result in the metabolites of the drug building up in your system. The metabolites may be detectable even after tadalafil has cleared. These metabolites can persist in the blood, urine, or saliva for a longer period. The test's sensitivity can also affect how long Cialis remains in the system. Similarly, how often you take tadalafil can affect how long tadalafil is in your system. You can take Tadalafil at lower daily doses or on an as-needed basis. Regular daily dosing, such as that used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, low-dose daily use for erectile dysfunction, or the higher daily doses often prescribed for pulmonary artery hypertension, can result in accumulation of the medication over time. This is because you don’t have the 5 half-life clearance time between doses. This accumulation over time leads to higher doses once the drug reaches a more steady state in your system. Five half-lives is the answer to the question "How long does Cialis last in your system?" and five half-lives is usually how long it takes for the drug to reach steady state. This means that the amount of medication cleared from the body equals the amount absorbed. The overall amount of the drug in your system is generally higher than a single dose of the drug. This higher dose means it takes more time for the drug to clear your system if you use it regularly, versus using it one time.

Metabolism and Liver Function

Tadalafil is primarily metabolized in the liver. A group of enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 system completes this task. The specific enzyme that breaks down tadalafil is CYP3A4. This converts tadalafil into inactive forms that can then be excreted in stool and urine. When you take tadalafil by mouth, it is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream. It is then carried to the liver, where it is broken down. The rate at which tadalafil is broken down in the liver varies from person to person. People with a faster metabolism break down and eliminate the medication more quickly than those with a slower metabolism. A faster metabolism usually results in a shorter detection window than a slower metabolism. Because tadalafil is metabolized in the liver, liver health is important for its metabolism and elimination. A healthy liver results in a tadalafil half-life of 17.5 hours. However, people with a liver that doesn’t function as well, usually due to conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or fatty liver disease, will have a slower metabolism, which can affect how long Cialis stays in your system. Because of the slower metabolism, tadalafil will stay in your system longer. It is important to note that people with decreased liver function may require lower doses of tadalafil because they are at an increased risk for side effects of the medication. Some of these side effects may include:

• Headaches
• Low blood pressure
• Flushing

Some people with severely decreased liver function or liver failure may not be able to take tadalafil at all. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any health conditions you may have to ensure the medication is safe for you.

Age

Age plays a significant role in how long tadalafil lasts in your system. Males 65 years or older often have a slower metabolism, resulting in greater exposure to tadalafil than younger males. Studies have shown that this exposure is usually 25% higher. These age differences are usually due to the amount of medication cleared orally. With less orally cleared medication, more is absorbed in the stomach, which results in a longer half-life in people over 65. In men over age 65, the half-life of tadalafil is around 22 hours rather than the normal 17.5 hours seen in men under age 65. As a result, tadalafil may last longer in people over age 65 and may also be in the system longer. This also means that people over age 65 may have more side effects from tadalafil than people under age 65. Even though age does factor into how long tadalafil stays in your system, doses of tadalafil don’t have to be adjusted based on age alone.

Kidney Function

Tadalafil is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the stool and urine. About 36% of tadalafil is cleared through the kidneys. This means that the kidneys play a role in how long tadalafil stays in your system. People with kidney disease may have slower tadalafil excretion, leading to a buildup of the medication in the bloodstream. This can happen even with mild or moderate kidney disease. Some studies estimate that tadalafil blood concentrations may be twice as high in people with kidney disease as in those with normal kidney function. In addition to being present at higher doses, tadalafil is not significantly removed during dialysis. This means that even if a person with kidney disease is getting dialysis on a regular schedule, the medication can remain in the bloodstream at high levels. Tadalafil doses may need to be adjusted in people who have kidney disease. For people with mildly to moderately decreased kidney function, the once-daily dose of tadalafil should start at 2.5mg for benign prostatic hyperplasia or erectile dysfunction. The as-needed dose of the medication should be no higher than 10mg every 48 hours unless your healthcare provider tells you differently. As with any medication, make sure to discuss all medications and health conditions with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication, such as tadalafil. For people who are on dialysis or have severe kidney disease, once-daily use of tadalafil is not recommended, and the as-needed dose is usually not more than 5mg in 72 hours. As with liver disease, having kidney disease may put you at an increased risk of side effects from tadalafil. Some of these side effects may include:

• Aching muscles
• Back pain
• Headaches
• Decreased blood pressure

Food

Unlike other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, you do not need to take Cialis on an empty stomach, and you can take it with or without food. Food generally does not significantly affect how long tadalafil stays in your system, but some foods can affect its absorption rate. Foods that slow absorption, such as heavy or fatty foods, can slow the rate at which tadalafil works. Foods that can affect the CYP3A4 enzyme in the cytochrome P450 system can also affect how tadalafil is metabolized. One example of a food that can affect this is grapefruit. Grapefruit is well known for having compounds that can potentially interfere with several medications. These compounds affect how the medication is absorbed in the intestines. This can cause increased absorption and a higher risk of side effects. Increased absorption of the medication may result in higher levels of the medication in the bloodstream and, therefore, a longer time for the medication to get out of your system. Grapefruit can affect absorption for up to 3 days, so you should avoid taking tadalafil within 72 hours of eating grapefruit. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you determine if you should restrict your diet when taking this medicine.

Other Medications

Other medications can significantly impact tadalafil and its metabolism. This means that other medications may affect how long tadalafil stays in your system. Similar to grapefruit, the medications that have the greatest impact on tadalafil metabolism are those that inhibit CYP3A4. These medications can affect the amount of tadalafil in your bloodstream, how long it lasts in your system, and the risk of side effects.

Blood Pressure Medications

Some blood pressure medications, such as calcium channel blockers, can affect the CYP3A4 enzyme. These medications block the enzyme, leading to increased tadalafil levels in the bloodstream. Amiodarone is another heart medication that has a greater effect on heart rhythm than on blood pressure, but it can also decrease the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme, leading to higher levels. Higher levels of tadalafil in the bloodstream can prolong its time in the system.

Antibiotics

Some antibiotics are CYP3A4 inhibitors, which increase tadalafil levels in the bloodstream and slow its metabolism. This can increase the risk of side effects and can cause the medication to be in your system for longer. Erythromycin and clarithromycin are examples of antibiotics that inhibit CYP3A4. Alternatively, the antibiotic rifampin, which is used to treat infections such as tuberculosis, increases the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme and can increase the metabolism of tadalafil. This can cause tadalafil to leave your system more quickly than it would otherwise. When tadalafil is broken down more quickly, it clears faster. If your healthcare provider recommends antibiotics or other medications, be sure to tell them about any medications you are taking, including tadalafil, and ask whether it is safe to take them while on the antibiotic.

Antifungals

Antifungals are another class of medications that can affect how long tadalafil is in your system. These medications, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, or clotrimazole, are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and carry warnings about using them with other medications metabolized by CYP3A4, such as Cialis.

HIV Medications

Several medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections may also affect the CYP3A4 enzyme and affect how long tadalafil is in your system. Ritonavir, cobicistat, and most protease inhibitors strongly inhibit CYP3A4 and affect Cialis metabolism. These medications can decrease the rate of tadalafil metabolism, increasing the amount of the medication in your system and potentially extending the time it can be detected. These medications may also increase the risk of side effects if taken with tadalafil.

Related FAQs

 

How long does 20mg of Cialis stay in your system?

A single dose of 20mg of Cialis is generally in your system for 2 to 5 days. Your age, metabolism, and the health of your liver and kidneys can affect this. The effects of Cialis usually last around 36 hours, but it typically takes 5 half-lives to clear from your system. With a half-life of around 17.5 hours, how long cialis can Cialis can stay in your system for longer than other medications in the class. If you have decreased kidney or liver function, Cialis may take longer to clear from your system.

How long does 5mg of Cialis stay in your system?

A single dose of 5mg Cialis may stay in your system for 2-5 days, depending on your age, metabolism, and overall health. If you take Cialis 5mg daily, the medication may stay in your system longer because, over time, its levels will be higher than after a single dose. Cialis has a half-life of 17.5 hours, and the effects may last up to 36 hours. Your age, metabolism, kidney and liver function, and other medications you take may affect how long Cialis may stay in your system. Since lower doses of Cialis (such as 5mg) don’t raise the levels of tadalafil in your bloodstream as much as higher doses, lower doses may clear your system more quickly than higher doses.

How long before surgery should I stop taking Cialis?

Your surgeon or healthcare provider can help you determine when you should stop taking Cialis before surgery; however, most people should stop taking the medication 5 days before surgery. This would allow enough time for tadalafil to be cleared from your system prior to surgery. Tadalafil can decrease your blood pressure and potentially interact with anesthesia or other medications. Depending on your age, overall health, and the function of your kidneys and liver, you may need to stop the medication earlier, later, or not at all. You should never stop taking a medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider first. If you take tadalafil for pulmonary artery hypertension, it may be unsafe to stop.

When tadalafil stops working, does it mean it’s out of your system?

No, tadalafil may still be in your system even if it has stopped working. Tadalafil may work for up to 36 hours, but it may remain in your system for 2-5 days, depending on your overall health, age, dose, how long you take it, and how well your kidneys or liver function. Trace amounts of tadalafil may remain in your system for a couple of days after the medication stops being effective.

Can you flush tadalafil out of your system faster?

There is no proven way to remove tadalafil from your system faster. Tadalafil is metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine and stool, but increasing your water intake or using “detox” products may not affect the process. Your metabolism, age, kidney and liver function, and other medications you take may affect tadalafil levels and how quickly it leaves your bloodstream. If you have concerns about how long tadalafil stays in your system, talk to your healthcare provider.

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