Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects a lot of men and can affect their self-esteem and their romantic relationships. If you’re experiencing ED, you’re far from alone.
One medication that can help is tadalafil (Cialis), a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection. Another option is Caverject, for which it is important to understand expected duration and safety tips.
Tadalafil is known for working for a relatively long time compared to other ED medications. But just how long does tadalafil 20 mg last, and what factors can affect its duration?
How Tadalafil Works: The Science Behind the Duration
To understand how long tadalafil lasts, it helps to know how it works in the first place.
Understanding PDE5 Inhibitors
PDE5 enzymes regulate blood flow. Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor, meaning it blocks the action of PDE5. When PDE5 is inhibited, blood vessels relax and widen. This is why it’s used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil specifically targets PDE5, which means it helps increase blood flow to the penis when a man is sexually stimulated.
The Mechanism of Action and Sexual Stimulation
It’s important to understand that tadalafil requires sexual stimulation to work. It doesn’t automatically cause an erection. Arousal is still necessary.
Here’s what happens when you take tadalafil: When you become sexually aroused, your brain sends signals to your penis. Tadalafil helps the blood vessels in your penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow in, which leads to an erection.
Tadalafil 20mg: Onset and Duration of Action
Time to Onset
So, you’ve taken your tadalafil 20mg pill – how long until it kicks in? Typically, you can expect it to start working within 30 to 60 minutes. Some studies show that the first erection response can happen as quickly as 16 minutes, with the average around 30 minutes. Keep in mind that individual factors can influence this timeframe.
Duration of Effectiveness: The 36-Hour Window
This is where tadalafil really shines. It’s known for its long-lasting effects, remaining effective for up to 36 hours, and sometimes even stretching to 48 hours in some individuals.
What does this mean for you? It means less time pressure and more spontaneity when it comes to sexual activity. You don’t have to meticulously plan everything around a pill.
Tadalafil Levels Over Time
While tadalafil provides a generous window of effectiveness, it doesn’t stick around in your system forever. After about 96 hours, it’s virtually gone from your bloodstream. Around the 36-hour mark after taking a 20mg dose, the tadalafil level in your blood is around 100 µg/l.
Factors Affecting Tadalafil’s Duration and Effectiveness
Dosage and Individual Response
The 20mg dose of tadalafil is a higher dose, intended to be taken as needed. However, the way your body responds to any medication can be different from how someone else’s body responds. So, while the average duration of effectiveness is around 36 hours, your experience may vary.
Metabolism and Health Conditions
Your metabolism plays a role in how long tadalafil lasts. A faster metabolism might mean the drug is processed and eliminated from your system more quickly. Also, certain health conditions can impact how well tadalafil works. If you have liver or kidney problems, for instance, tadalafil might not be as effective, or it could last longer in your system.
Food and Alcohol Interactions
One of the good things about tadalafil is that food doesn’t affect how it’s absorbed. You can take it with or without a meal. As for alcohol, moderate drinking is usually okay. But keep in mind that heavy alcohol consumption can make it harder to get an erection, which kind of defeats the purpose of taking tadalafil in the first place, and it’s important to know what you need to know before mixing Cialis and alcohol.
Tadalafil vs. Other ED Medications: A Comparative Look
So, how does tadalafil stack up against other erectile dysfunction medications?
Comparing Tadalafil to Sildenafil (Viagra)
The main difference between tadalafil and sildenafil (Viagra) is how long they last. Sildenafil’s effects usually last for about 4 hours, while tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. This is why tadalafil is sometimes called “the weekend pill.”
Another difference is food. Sildenafil works best if you take it on an empty stomach. Tadalafil isn’t affected by food, so you can take it whenever you want.
Other PDE5 Inhibitors: Avanafil and Vardenafil
Besides sildenafil and tadalafil, there are other PDE5 inhibitors available, such as avanafil (Spedra) and vardenafil (Levitra).
These medications have different durations and unique characteristics, so talk to your doctor to see which one is right for you.
Tadalafil for Other Conditions: Beyond Erectile Dysfunction
It turns out that tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, can be used for medical conditions other than erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Tadalafil at a 5mg dose is approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate. It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder to relieve symptoms.
Tadalafil for Pulmonary Hypertension
Tadalafil can also treat pulmonary hypertension by widening blood vessels in the lungs to improve blood flow.
Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, tadalafil can cause side effects. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and muscle aches. Dizziness is also a potential side effect.
Before taking tadalafil, it’s important to discuss any existing health conditions and all medications you’re currently taking with your doctor or other healthcare provider.
Tadalafil is contraindicated for people taking certain medications, such as nitrates. Also, if you experience dizziness after taking tadalafil, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
It’s also crucial to avoid combining tadalafil with recreational drugs. Combining tadalafil with drugs like “poppers,” stimulants, or hallucinogens can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tadalafil make you harder?
Tadalafil doesn’t directly make you harder, but it facilitates erections by increasing blood flow to the penis. You still need sexual stimulation to achieve an erection. Tadalafil helps make it easier to get and maintain an erection when you’re aroused.
Is 20mg stronger than 10mg?
Yes, 20mg of tadalafil is a stronger dose than 10mg. It will generally produce a more pronounced effect and may last longer in your system. However, it also carries a potentially higher risk of side effects.
How long does tadalafil keep you erect?
Tadalafil doesn’t keep you constantly erect. Instead, it allows you to achieve and maintain an erection more easily when you are sexually stimulated. The effects of tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours, giving you a wider window of opportunity for sexual activity.
Does chewing up Viagra work faster?
Chewing Viagra might lead to slightly faster absorption, as it bypasses some of the initial breakdown in the stomach. However, the difference is likely minimal. Taking it on an empty stomach is generally considered a more reliable method for faster absorption.
Is 20mg tadalafil strong?
Yes, 20mg of tadalafil is considered a strong dose. It’s often prescribed for men who haven’t had success with lower doses, like 10mg. Because of its strength, it’s crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before using it.
Putting It All Together
So, how long does tadalafil 20 mg last? The answer is: potentially up to 36 hours. This long duration is why it’s often called “the weekend pill.”
But before you start taking tadalafil, it’s really important to talk with a healthcare professional. They can help you decide if it’s right for you and what the right dosage is.
Finally, remember that a healthy lifestyle can also make a big difference. Eating well, exercising, and managing stress can all contribute to improved erections and overall sexual health, but for those who are cannabis users, it is important to know the tips to help manage concerns about ED.