What happens if you take 60 mg of tadalafil?

What happens if you take 60 mg of tadalafil?

Tadalafil is a prescription medicine commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and, at different doses under specialist care, pulmonary arterial hypertension. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors and works by increasing blood flow to certain areas of the body.

But what happens if you take 60 mg of tadalafil when your prescribed dose is considerably lower?

Taking 60 mg is more than the usual recommended dose for erectile dysfunction and should not be considered a stronger or faster way to improve sexual performance. For ED, tadalafil is generally taken as needed at doses such as 10 mg, with the dose sometimes increased to 20 mg depending on effectiveness and tolerability. It should not be taken more than once in 24 hours.

Is 60 mg of Tadalafil Too Much?

Yes. 60 mg of tadalafil is above the standard recommended dose for erectile dysfunction.

The usual on-demand dose is 10 mg, which may be adjusted to 5 mg or 20 mg depending on the individual’s response. Daily tadalafil for ED is generally prescribed at much lower doses.

Therefore, taking 60 mg does not simply mean getting three times the benefit of a 20 mg tablet. Instead, a higher dose can increase the likelihood and severity of unwanted effects.

If you accidentally take more tadalafil than prescribed, the NHS recommends seeking urgent medical advice.

Side Effects of 60 mg of Tadalafil

The effects can vary from person to person. Some people may experience only mild side effects, while others can develop more noticeable or potentially serious reactions.

Possible effects include:

  • Headache
  • Flushing or feeling unusually warm
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Back or muscle pain
  • Nasal congestion
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Lower blood pressure

These effects occur because tadalafil relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow. Taking a larger-than-recommended amount can increase the intensity of these effects.

Can 60 mg Cause a Long-Lasting Erection?

It can increase the risk of priapism, which is an erection that lasts longer than four hours and may be painful.

Priapism is a medical emergency because prolonged lack of oxygenated blood flow to penile tissue can cause permanent damage.

If an erection lasts more than four hours, seek emergency medical attention rather than waiting for it to disappear on its own.

Why Is Taking More Tadalafil Risky?

A common misconception is that a higher dose automatically produces a stronger erection. However, tadalafil does not work simply by increasing sexual desire.

It helps improve blood flow when sexual stimulation occurs. Increasing the amount beyond the recommended dose can increase drug exposure without providing a proportional improvement in erectile function.

Tadalafil is also relatively long-acting. Its effects can remain relevant for up to 36 hours, which is one reason it should not be taken more than once a day for ED.

This means taking an excessive dose can potentially expose you to unwanted effects for an extended period.

What About Blood Pressure?

Tadalafil can lower blood pressure because it relaxes blood vessels.

At higher-than-recommended doses, dizziness or light-headedness may become more noticeable. This can be particularly concerning for people who already have low blood pressure or who take medicines that also lower blood pressure.

One of the most important interactions involves nitrates, which are commonly used for chest pain. Combining tadalafil with nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and should be avoided.

Alcohol can also increase the likelihood of dizziness and low blood pressure when taken with tadalafil.

What Should You Do If You Accidentally Take 60 mg?

If you accidentally take 60 mg, do not take another dose to compensate or try to counteract it with another medicine.

Instead:

  1. Contact a doctor, pharmacist, poison-control service, or appropriate urgent medical service for individual advice.
  2. Tell them how much tadalafil you took and when you took it.
  3. Mention any other medicines, supplements, or recreational substances you have taken.
  4. Do not take additional tadalafil or another ED medicine unless a healthcare professional tells you to.
  5. Avoid excessive alcohol because it can increase dizziness and low blood pressure.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, a seizure, sudden vision or hearing changes, or an erection lasting more than four hours.

Does 60 mg of Tadalafil Make It Work Better?

Not necessarily.

For ED, tadalafil is prescribed within specific dosage ranges because the goal is to find the lowest effective dose that provides satisfactory results while minimizing side effects.

If 10 mg or 20 mg does not seem effective, taking extra tablets without medical advice is not the appropriate solution. Your doctor may instead review factors such as timing, sexual stimulation, other medicines, health conditions, and possible causes of ED.

ED can sometimes be associated with conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, so persistent erection problems deserve proper medical evaluation.

How Long Does Tadalafil Stay Active?

Tadalafil is known for its relatively long duration of action. For ED, its effects may last up to 36 hours.

However, this does not mean you will have an erection continuously for 36 hours. Rather, tadalafil can improve the ability to achieve an erection in response to sexual stimulation during that period.

This long duration is another reason why taking additional tablets too soon can be unsafe.

FAQs

1. What happens if you take 60 mg of tadalafil by mistake?

You may experience stronger or more frequent side effects such as headache, flushing, indigestion, dizziness, muscle pain, or low blood pressure. Because 60 mg is above the usual ED dose, contact a healthcare professional for advice, particularly if you develop concerning symptoms.

2. Is 60 mg of tadalafil dangerous?

It can be. Although the outcome varies between individuals, 60 mg is higher than the standard recommended dose for ED and can increase the risk of adverse effects. Serious symptoms require urgent medical attention.

3. Can 60 mg of tadalafil cause priapism?

A higher exposure to tadalafil may increase the risk of a prolonged erection. An erection lasting longer than four hours requires emergency medical treatment.

4. Can I take Viagra after taking 60 mg of tadalafil?

Do not combine tadalafil with sildenafil (Viagra) or another PDE5 inhibitor unless your healthcare professional specifically instructs you to do so. Combining ED medicines can increase the risk of adverse effects, including low blood pressure.

5. How often can tadalafil be taken?

For on-demand ED treatment, tadalafil should not be taken more than once per day. Daily tadalafil is prescribed at different, lower doses depending on the condition being treated.

6. What should I do if I feel dizzy after taking too much tadalafil?

Sit or lie down somewhere safe and contact a healthcare professional for advice. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy. If dizziness is severe, you faint, have chest pain, or experience difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical help.

Final Takeaway

So, what happens if you take 60 mg of tadalafil? The answer is that you are taking substantially more than the usual recommended ED dose, which can increase the likelihood of side effects without guaranteeing better erectile performance.

Tadalafil can be an effective treatment when used at the appropriate dose, but taking extra tablets is not a safe way to improve its effectiveness. If you accidentally take 60 mg, seek medical advice rather than taking another dose or trying to manage the situation yourself.

Most importantly, seek emergency care for symptoms such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden vision or hearing loss, fainting, seizures, or an erection lasting more than four hours.