Erectile Dysfunction (ED) - Dosing & Treatment

This guide explains how to take your erectile dysfunction medication, how ED medication dosing is decided, and what to do if your treatment is not working as expected.

MedExpress provides personalised erectile dysfunction treatment through an online clinical consultation. A MedExpress clinician will recommend a dose based on your health, treatment response, side effects, other medications, and treatment preferences.

Use this guide when you need to:

Understand how to take sildenafil tablets
Understand how to take tadalafil tablets
Understand how to take daily tadalafil treatment
Understand how to take sildenafil and tadalafil chewable tablets
Learn how ED medication dosing is personalised
Know what to do if you miss a daily dose
Understand switching between ED medications
Know when to contact a healthcare professional

How do I take sildenafil on-demand tablets?

Take one sildenafil tablet approximately 30 to 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Swallow the sildenafil tablet whole with water.

Important sildenafil guidance:

Do not take more than one sildenafil tablet in any 24-hour period.
Sildenafil usually works best on an empty stomach or after a light meal.
A high-fat meal may delay how quickly sildenafil starts working.
Sexual stimulation is required for sildenafil to work.
The effects of sildenafil typically last 4 to 6 hours.
Do not combine sildenafil with any other erectile dysfunction medication in the same 24-hour period.

How do I take tadalafil on-demand tablets?

Take one tadalafil tablet approximately 30 to 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Swallow the tadalafil tablet whole with water.

Important tadalafil on-demand guidance:

Do not take more than one tadalafil tablet in any 24-hour period.
Tadalafil can be taken with or without food.
The effects of tadalafil may last for up to 36 hours.
Because tadalafil may last up to 36 hours, you do not need to time sexual activity as precisely around the dose.
Sexual stimulation is required for tadalafil to work.
Do not combine tadalafil with any other erectile dysfunction medication in the same 24-hour period.

How do I take tadalafil daily tablets?

Take one tadalafil daily tablet at approximately the same time every day.

Swallow the tadalafil daily tablet whole with water.

Important tadalafil daily guidance:

You do not need to plan sexual activity around the time you take your tadalafil daily tablet.
You may attempt sexual activity at any time while taking tadalafil daily treatment.
Tadalafil daily tablets can be taken with or without food.
It may take up to 5 days of daily tadalafil use before you notice the full benefit.
Do not take more than one tadalafil daily tablet per day.
Do not combine tadalafil daily treatment with any on-demand ED medication unless your clinician specifically tells you to.

How do I take sildenafil and tadalafil chewable tablets?

Chew the sildenafil and tadalafil chewable tablet thoroughly before swallowing.
Do not swallow the chewable tablet whole.
You may drink water with the chewable tablet if needed.
Sildenafil and tadalafil chewable tablets can be taken with or without food. However, a high-fat meal may delay how quickly the sildenafil component starts working.

How do I take daily-use chewable ED tablets?

If your MedExpress clinician has prescribed daily-use chewable ED tablets:

Take one chewable tablet at approximately the same time every day.
Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.
Do not swallow the chewable tablet whole.
You do not need to plan sexual activity around the time you take the daily-use chewable tablet.
Do not take more than your prescribed daily amount.

How do I take on-demand chewable ED tablets?

If your MedExpress clinician has prescribed on-demand chewable ED tablets:

Take one chewable tablet 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.
Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.
Do not swallow the chewable tablet whole.
Do not take more than one chewable tablet in any 24-hour period.
Do not combine chewable tablets of different strengths in the same 24-hour period.
Do not combine chewable tablets with any other ED medication.

Is there a standard ED medication dose that works for everyone?

No. There is no single standard ED medication dose that works for everyone.

A MedExpress clinician will personalise your ED medication dose based on:

Your response to treatment
Any side effects you experience
Your overall health
Other medications you take
Your treatment goals and preferences

Your ED treatment plan may include:

Starting at a standard dose and adjusting based on your response
Increasing the dose if the ED medication is not effective enough
Decreasing the dose if side effects are bothersome
Switching between on-demand ED medication and daily ED medication
Switching between sildenafil, tadalafil, or chewable ED treatment where appropriate

The goal of ED treatment is to:

Improve erectile function effectively
Minimise side effects
Make treatment manageable for you
Help your ED medication fit your lifestyle and preferences

What should I do if I miss a dose? Daily ED treatment only

This missed dose advice applies only if you are taking tadalafil daily tablets or daily-use chewable ED tablets.

If you miss a daily ED medication dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Take your next dose at your usual time.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Do not double-dose daily ED medication.

Can I switch between ED medications?

Yes. A MedExpress clinician may recommend switching between ED medications if another treatment option is more suitable for you.

A MedExpress clinician may recommend switching if:

Your current ED medication is not providing enough benefit.
Side effects are bothersome at your current dose.
Your lifestyle or treatment preferences have changed.
You would like to try a different dosing schedule, such as on-demand treatment instead of daily treatment.
You would like to try daily treatment instead of on-demand treatment.

When switching ED medications, your clinician will advise you on the appropriate starting dose of the new ED medication.

Do not switch between ED medications or combine ED medications unless your clinician tells you to.

How many times should I try ED medication before deciding it does not work?

ED medications may not work on the first attempt. You may need to try your ED medication on at least 4 to 8 separate occasions with sexual stimulation before deciding the medication is not effective.

Early attempts may be affected by:

Anxiety
Stress
Worry about performance
Unfamiliarity with the medication
Timing of the dose
Food or alcohol intake

Allow yourself time to become comfortable with the ED medication and follow the dosing instructions provided by your MedExpress clinician.

General tips for all ED medications

Follow these general safety tips for sildenafil, tadalafil, and chewable ED medications:

Storage: Store ED medication at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
Keep away from heat and moisture: Store ED medication away from direct sunlight, heat, and damp areas.
Keep out of reach of children: Store ED medication securely.
Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of ED medication and increase the risk of side effects.
Timing: For on-demand ED medication, allow enough time for the medication to start working before sexual activity.
Sexual stimulation: ED medication requires sexual stimulation to work.
Do not double dose: Never take more than the prescribed amount in a 24-hour period.
Do not combine ED medications: Do not combine sildenafil, tadalafil, chewable ED tablets, or any other ED medication unless your clinician specifically tells you to.