OnePin Peptide Library · Hormonal
Tadalafil
Cialis
Tadalafil (brand names Cialis, Adcirca) is a long-acting, selective phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor approved for erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Compared to other PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil/Viagra, vardenafil/Levitra), tadalafil's distinguishing feature is its dramatically longer half-life - ~17.5 hours vs 3-5 hours for sildenafil. This makes it suitable for daily low-dose use (2.5-5mg daily) rather than only on-demand higher dosing.,Beyond its FDA-approved indications, daily low-dose tadalafil has gained interest in the longevity, cardiovascular, and athletic communities for its endothelial function support, vasodilatory effects, possible cardiovascular protection, and workout performance benefits (improved blood flow, pumps, recovery). Dr. Peter Attia and others have discussed daily tadalafil as part of cardiovascular optimization protocols.,Daily low-dose tadalafil (2.5-5mg) provides sustained PDE5 inhibition without peak/trough variability of on-demand dosing. This supports continuous endothelial nitric oxide signaling, smooth muscle relaxation in vasculature, and potentially reduced cardiovascular events. It is often prescribed for men dealing with both ED and BPH simultaneously.
Daily dose: take same time each day with or without food. On-demand: take 30 min - 2 hours before sexual activity (effect can last 24-36 hours). Avoid taking with high-fat meals on first doses (slightly delays onset, minimally affects efficacy).
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
Tadalafil selectively inhibits PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5), the enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Inhibiting PDE5 increases cGMP levels in tissues with high PDE5 expression - primarily corpus cavernosum (penile erectile tissue), prostate/bladder smooth muscle, and pulmonary vasculature.,Increased cGMP causes smooth muscle relaxation via protein kinase G activation. In penile tissue, this allows arterial inflow and venous occlusion necessary for erection (in response to sexual stimulation - tadalafil doesn't cause spontaneous erections without arousal).,In prostate and bladder smooth muscle, cGMP increase relaxes lower urinary tract tissue, improving urinary flow in BPH.,In pulmonary vasculature, cGMP-mediated vasodilation reduces pulmonary artery pressure - the basis for PAH treatment.,Off-label endothelial benefits: PDE5 is expressed in systemic vasculature (lower than in target tissues but functionally relevant). Daily PDE5 inhibition improves systemic endothelial function via sustained NO/cGMP signaling. This may explain cardiovascular benefits seen in observational studies.,Workout performance: improved blood flow during exercise enhances oxygen delivery to muscles, supporting endurance and recovery. Anecdotal reports of improved 'pumps' and reduced muscle fatigue.,Long half-life (~17.5 hours) provides sustained effect - on-demand 10-20mg lasts 24-36 hours; daily 2.5-5mg provides continuous baseline.
Tadalafil selectively inhibits PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5), the enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Inhibiting PDE5 increases cGMP levels in tissues with high PDE5 expression - primarily corpus cavernosum (penile erectile tissue), prostate/bladder smooth muscle, and pulmonary vasculature.,Increased cGMP causes smooth muscle relaxation via protein kinase G activation. In penile tissue, this allows arterial inflow and venous occlusion necessary for erection (in response to sexual stimulation - tadalafil doesn't cause spontaneous erections without arousal).,In prostate and bladder smooth muscle, cGMP increase relaxes lower urinary tract tissue, improving urinary flow in BPH.,In pulmonary vasculature, cGMP-mediated vasodilation reduces pulmonary artery pressure - the basis for PAH treatment.,Off-label endothelial benefits: PDE5 is expressed in systemic vasculature (lower than in target tissues but functionally relevant). Daily PDE5 inhibition improves systemic endothelial function via sustained NO/cGMP signaling. This may explain cardiovascular benefits seen in observational studies.,Workout performance: improved blood flow during exercise enhances oxygen delivery to muscles, supporting endurance and recovery. Anecdotal reports of improved 'pumps' and reduced muscle fatigue.,Long half-life (~17.5 hours) provides sustained effect - on-demand 10-20mg lasts 24-36 hours; daily 2.5-5mg provides continuous baseline.
What to expect
Days 1-5: Building to steady state (daily) or acute effect (on-demand).
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Safe & synergistic
Keep separate
Pharmacokinetics
Storage. Store at room temperature (15-30C) in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Tablets shelf-stable 2-3 years.
Regulatory status
PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED in the US. Generic tadalafil widely available since 2018 (significant cost reduction). FDA-approved for ED (Cialis), BPH (Cialis), and PAH (Adcirca 40mg daily). Off-label use for cardiovascular optimization is common but requires physician oversight.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open Tadalafil straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
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The guide & community
The complete Tadalafil walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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