What Is Tadalafil (TAD)?

By Nicolette Natale, D.O. • 6 min read

Explore all you need to know about the erectile dysfunction treatment, tadalafil (TAD). Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis. Learn how tadalafil works, why it's a great option for stronger, longer-lasting erections and overall health, and discover how to access TAD through BlueChew.

Key Takeaways

TAD chewables contain the active ingredient tadalafil. They are easy to take on the go and have a tasty fruit punch flavor.
It is a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis for harder, longer-lasting erections.
The medication starts working within 30 minutes to an hour and lasts 24-36 hours (the most extended coverage of any PDE5 inhibitor).

When it comes to erections, reliability matters. That’s why BlueChew offers TAD chewables—our fruit punch-flavored tablets that contain the active ingredient tadalafil. With TAD, you get long-lasting coverage (we’re talking up to 36 hours), convenient chewable dosing, and the confidence that comes with stronger, more dependable erections.

But TAD isn’t just about what happens in the bedroom. Research suggests tadalafil may also support exercise performance, heart health, and overall well-being—making it one of the most versatile medications in men’s health.

In this article, we’ll cover what TAD is, how it works, why a chewable beats a pill, and how BlueChew makes it easy to get started.

tadealafil — TAD contains the active ingredient tadalafil. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis.

What are TAD chewables?

The active ingredient in TAD chewables is tadalafil, a prescription medication originally made famous for improving erections. It also has other potential health benefits that we’ll cover in this blog.

TAD offered through BlueChew is a convenient chewable tablet prescribed to enhance erections. It's one of the most commonly recommended medications for patients seeking a reliable solution for boosting sexual performance.

Why use a chewable tablet instead of a pill?

Chewable tablets have unique advantages, especially for patients who have trouble swallowing regular pills.

Just pop the tablet in your mouth, chew thoroughly, and wait for the positive effects to kick in. This makes it much easier to take TAD on the go without needing water, enhancing the spontaneity in your sex life.

Research has shown that chewable PDE5 inhibitors may be more bioavailable. Because the tablet is broken down so finely when you chew, more of the medication may be available to be absorbed by your system. Increased bioavailability may make the medication work faster.

Plus, the delicious fruit punch flavor makes taking TAD more enjoyable and eliminates the hassle of swallowing pills.

All in all, these benefits will have you ready for intimate moments faster and easier than ever before.

How does the active ingredient tadalafil work?

Tadalafil is a type of medication known as a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor or PDE5i for short.

These medications work by blocking the action of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5). This enzyme typically breaks down a molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is crucial for releasing nitric oxide (NO). When NO is released, it helps to dilate blood vessels.

By stopping PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, tadalafil increases the levels of NO. This increase in NO relaxes the smooth muscles in blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the penis.

What does this mean for you?

When you take TAD and experience sexual stimulation, it's easier to get and maintain a hard, long-lasting erection. The TAD tablets offered through BlueChew may lead to better sex and boost your confidence in the bedroom.

What are the potential health benefits of tadalafil?

Besides enhancing erections, the active ingredient tadalafil has gained attention for its growing list of potential health benefits. Although not FDA-approved for these uses, research has found that tadalafil may support a variety of health parameters. From workout recovery to reducing cardiac risk, taking tadalafil may help you feel in tip-top shape and boost your performance in and out of the bedroom.

Potential health benefits may include:

Increased blood flow and blood oxygenation
Enhanced exercise capacity
Enhanced cognition
Reduced inflammation
Increased muscle protein synthesis and reduced muscle fatigue
Increased lean muscle mass and reduced waist circumference
Increased testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol levels
Improved fat metabolism, reductions in abdominal fat, and weight loss
Improved blood vessel health
Reduced blood pressure
Improved blood sugar control
Protection of the heart from damage caused by heart attacks or other events that restrict blood flow
Reduced risk of death from a major cardiovascular event like a heart attack
Improved prostate and urinary health

For biohackers interested in diving deeper, check out our blog post on the science behind Tadalafil’s health-enhancing properties.

How often can I take TAD?

TAD is intended for as-needed use.

Your BlueChew health care professional will give you specific instructions, but generally you should take your TAD chewable tablet about 30 minutes before sexual activity.

Avoid taking it more often than your health care professional recommends.

If you're seeking a daily dose of tadalafil and essential vitamins—all in one chewable—consider BlueChew’s DailyTAD.

How long does tadalafil last?

The effects kick in within 30 minutes, providing you with rock-hard erections for 24 to 36 hours. This extended time frame eliminates the stress of having to specifically plan for sexual activity. This is crucial for some patients, as anxiety has been linked to erectile troubles.

However, TAD may not be right for everyone, so it is essential to explore the pros and cons of each chewable offered by BlueChew before choosing the best plan for you. If you're interested in learning more about the differences between these medications, click here to check out our blog post comparing our medications, where we hash out the key highlights of each chewable.

For more personalized guidance, consult a BlueChew licensed healthcare professional to help you determine the best medication and dosage tailored to your specific needs.

TAD kicks in within 30 minutes and can last up to 36 hours.

What are the potential side effects of tadalafil?

While tadalafil is typically well-tolerated, it's important to note that, like all prescription medications, it carries a risk of specific side effects.

Although tadalafil has a solid track record spanning over two decades for its safety and effectiveness, it's crucial to stay informed about potential side effects to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Here's what to look out for:

Headache
Upset stomach
Muscle pain
Back pain
Flushing
Nose or throat irritation
Stuffy nose
Runny nose

Other possible side effects include a prolonged erection, low blood pressure, sudden vision or hearing changes, or tinnitus.

Although rare, it is also possible to have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in tadalafil chewables.

If you experience any of these side effects, don't hesitate to contact a member of our BlueChew team. You may need a lower dose or to switch to another similar medication. Our team of medical providers is here to offer prompt assistance and guidance, ensuring you're on the right plan to improve your sexual wellness.

Tell your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if these side effects do not subside or worsen.

BlueChew offers chewable tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil for erectile dysfunction.

BlueChew TAD Plans

The TAD chewables offered through BlueChew may help boost your sex life and overall health.

BlueChew makes it easy. Just select a plan, complete an online patient intake, and you’re done. A medical provider will review your information and, if appropriate, prescribe your plan to be shipped directly to your door.

No doctor appointments or patient support charges make it a stress-free experience.

With plans starting as low as $25 per month, BlueChew can fit into anyone’s budget. Plus, there’s no commitment - easily cancel or switch plans anytime. Click here to explore all plan options for treatments at BlueChew.

FAQ

What is tadalafil?

Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, a type of prescription medication that works by increasing levels of nitric oxide to cause the relaxation of blood vessels. This leads to increased blood flow to the body, particularly the penis, for harder, longer-lasting erections.

How does tadalafil work?

Tadalafil works by blocking the action of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5), which normally breaks down a molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), crucial for releasing nitric oxide (NO). When NO is released, it helps to dilate blood vessels. As the vessels dilate, this increases blood flow to the penis. This will only occur when you experience sexual stimulation.

Why is tadalafil different from other medications?

Tadalafil has the longest duration of action of erection-enhancing medications, providing you with coverage for 24-36 hours after consumption. This may lead to increased opportunities for spontaneous sex and give you the ability to enjoy relaxed and natural sexual encounters on your time. Its positive effects occur after 30 minutes of consumption, so wait at least 30 minutes before you attempt sexual activity

How often can I take TAD?

TAD is prescribed for as-needed use, meaning it is best to take it in advance of an anticipated sexual encounter. Stick with a regular dosing schedule and follow your doctor's directions for the best results. Check with your BlueChew medical provider or contact us for more specific dosing information. There’s 24/7 support waiting for you.

What are the potential general health benefits of tadalafil?

Besides boosting erections, tadalafil may offer a range of potential health benefits. Although not FDA-approved for these uses, research has found that tadalafil may reduce cardiac risk, blood pressure, waist circumference, abdominal fat, and inflammation. Additionally, it can increase testosterone levels, blood oxygenation, and improve fat metabolism, blood vessel health, and exercise capacity. It is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. With all of these advantages, Tadalafil can give you the edge you need to optimize your health.

Interested in learning more about the science behind these benefits? Click here.

What are the possible side effects of tadalafil?

Tadalafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction, but like other prescription label drugs, it does carry the risk of some side effects. Possible side effects include headache, indigestion, sudden vision loss, hearing loss, low blood pressure (especially when combined with other medications that may lower blood pressure like amyl nitrate), and irregular heartbeat. It is also possible to have an unusual or allergic reaction to the ingredients in Tadalafil. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided here is not a substitute for, and should never be relied upon as, professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks, benefits, and appropriateness of any treatment. BlueChew offers compounded medications prescribed solely for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance enhancement. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.