pronounced as (tah da' la fil)
Tadalafil (commonly known by its brand name Cialis) serves as a prescription medication specifically designed to address erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection for sexual performance. Additionally, Tadalafil effectively alleviates symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which may include various urinary difficulties such as hesitation, dribbling, a weak urine stream, and incomplete bladder emptying. Patients might also experience painful urination alongside increased urinary frequency and urgency, all of which are notably prevalent in adult males. Moreover, another brand of Tadalafil, Adcirca, is utilized for patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This condition is marked by elevated blood pressure within the arteries that supply blood to the lungs and may manifest through symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and persistent fatigue during physical exertion. The functioning of Tadalafil falls under the pharmacological category of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by enhancing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal and consequently facilitating an erection. In the context of PAH, Tadalafil aids by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs, thereby allowing blood to circulate more effectively and reducing the strain of high blood pressure.
It is imperative to understand that while Tadalafil is effective in managing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, it does not serve to cure the condition nor does it stimulate sexual desire. Additionally, this medication does not function as a contraceptive and is unable to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Tadalafil is manufactured in tablet form intended for oral consumption. Patients have the flexibility to take this medication with or without food, as it is not dependent on meals for absorption.
When prescribed Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, it is crucial to adhere closely to your healthcare provider's specific instructions along with the general guidelines provided here. There exist two principal methods of administration for Tadalafil: one being a daily regimen and the other being "as needed." It is advisable to discuss with your healthcare professional to ascertain which schedule aligns best with your needs. In instances where Tadalafil is taken as needed, it is commonly advised to do so approximately 30 minutes prior to engaging in sexual activity, and it should not be ingested more frequently than once every 24 hours. Your physician will provide recommendations on the optimal timing for taking your dose of Tadalafil in relation to sexual activity. Alternatively, some individuals may be prescribed a daily, consistent dosing of Tadalafil, permitting them the freedom to engage in sexual activity at any time since this approach eliminates concerns regarding the timing of each dose. Should you opt for the daily regimen, consistency in taking the medication at the same time every day is vital. In cases where patients have preexisting health conditions or are concurrently taking other medications, your healthcare provider may adjust your Tadalafil dosage or suggest a less frequent intake. It is essential to follow the precise instructions outlined on your prescription label, and do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist for clarification on any aspect you may find confusing. Tadalafil must be taken exactly as directed; deviations such as taking an excessive or insufficient amount or increasing the frequency at which it is consumed can lead to undesired outcomes.
For those using Tadalafil to manage conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension or benign prostatic hyperplasia, it remains vital to observe your doctor's recommendations and the accompanying guidelines outlined herein. Typically, Tadalafil should be taken just once each day, and all tablets constituting your daily dosage ought to be consumed concurrently; splitting tablets for multiple doses is not advisable. Aim to take Tadalafil at approximately the same time daily, which can assist in maintaining steady levels of the medication in your system. If you are already on medications specifically for treating BPH, your doctor might advise you to cease taking those drugs at least one day prior to commencing your treatment with Tadalafil. Thoroughly follow your physician's directives and consult with them or your pharmacist if any part of the process is unclear.
When beginning Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, your physician will likely start you on a standard dosage, then make adjustments as necessary based on your body's response. Should you find that Tadalafil is not producing the desired results or if you experience any adverse effects, it is crucial to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider.
For patients prescribed Tadalafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is important to recognize that while it effectively manages PAH, it does not provide a cure for the condition. Continuation of Tadalafil usage is advisable even if you feel improvement, and cessation of the medication should only occur after consulting with your physician.
For further information, consider requesting a copy of the manufacturer's patient information from your pharmacist or doctor.
This medication may also be prescribed for other indications; do not hesitate to inquire with your physician or pharmacist for additional details.
Prior to starting Tadalafil,
- Notify your healthcare provider and pharmacist should you have any known allergies to tadalafil, other medications, or any components present in Tadalafil tablets. Request your pharmacist to provide you with a list of the ingredients if needed.
- Inform your doctor if you are currently taking or have recently taken riociguat (Adempas) or any nitrates, including isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), and nitroglycerin (Minitran, Nitro-Dur, Nitromist, Nitrostat, etc.). Nitrates are found in various forms such as tablets, sublingual tablets, sprays, patches, pastes, and ointments. If any doubt exists regarding whether your medications contain nitrates, consult your physician. Generally, your doctor will advise against combining Tadalafil with nitrates.
- Disclose to your doctor if you utilize recreational drugs containing nitrates, commonly referred to as "poppers," such as amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite while undergoing Tadalafil treatment, as your physician will likely discourage the concurrent use of these substances with Tadalafil.
- Be aware that Tadalafil is marketed under the brands Adcirca and Cialis. It is important to only utilize one of these brands at any given time for treatment.
- Provide your doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of all medications—both prescription and nonprescription—that you are currently taking, including vitamins and nutritional supplements. Be sure to mention medications such as alpha-blockers (e.g., alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), etc.), antifungals (e.g., fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Onmel), etc.), and various other treatments impacting blood pressure or erectile dysfunction. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your medication dosages or monitor you closely for potential side effects.
- Discuss any herbal supplements you are taking with your physician, particularly St. John’s wort, as it may interact with Tadalafil.
- Inform your doctor if you smoke, have experienced prolonged erections exceeding 4 hours, or have recently suffered from dehydration due to diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, or inadequate fluid intake. Also disclose any historical occurrences of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), conditions affecting penis shape, diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure irregularities, heart-related incidents (like heart attacks or angina), or any previous stroke. Other critical medical histories to share include ulcers, bleeding disorders, circulation issues, or any blood-related disorders such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, and leukemia.
- If you are a female patient considering Tadalafil for PAH, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or nursing. In the event of pregnancy while on Tadalafil, immediate communication with your physician is essential.
- When preparing for surgery (including dental procedures), it is vital to notify relevant healthcare professionals of your Tadalafil usage.
- Engage in discussion with your physician regarding the safe consumption of alcohol while on Tadalafil. Heavy drinking (defined as more than five glasses of wine or five shots of whiskey) might heighten the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects like dizziness or decreased blood pressure.
- If you are prescribed Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, let your doctor know if you have ever been cautioned against sexual activity due to medical reasons or if you experience chest pain during sexual endeavors, as these scenarios may represent a strain on heart function, especially if heart conditions are present. In the event of any chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity, seek immediate medical assistance and refrain from such activities until advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
- Ensure that all healthcare professionals involved in your care are aware of your Tadalafil prescription, particularly in emergency situations where accurate information about your last dose is important.
Engage in a conversation with your healthcare provider regarding the implications of consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your Tadalafil treatment.
If you take Tadalafil regularly for erectile dysfunction and miss a dose, take it as soon as it comes to mind. However, if it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular regimen. Avoid doubling up on doses.
For those on Tadalafil for PAH or BPH, similar guidelines apply regarding missed doses—take it as soon as you remember, but skip if it’s nearly time for the next dose. Do not exceed the prescribed one dose per day.
Tadalafil may lead to side effects. Please notify your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms become severe or persist:
- headache
- indigestion or heartburn
- nausea
- diarrhea
- flushing
- discomfort in the stomach, back, muscles, arms, or legs
- cough
Some side effects can be more severe. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
- sudden decrease or loss of vision (further information provided below)
- blurred vision
- color vision changes (such as a blue tint on objects or trouble differentiating between blue and green)
- sudden decrease or loss of hearing (additional information below)
- ringing in the ears
- erection persisting for longer than 4 hours
- lightheadedness
- chest pain
- rashes, hives
- difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or limbs
- skin blistering or peeling
Instances have been reported where patients experienced a sudden loss of vision in association with Tadalafil or medications in its category. In some occurrences, this vision loss was permanent. The exact cause linking Tadalafil to vision changes remains unclear. In any case of sudden vision loss while taking Tadalafil, seek immediate medical counsel. Do not take any further doses of Tadalafil or related medications until you've spoke with your healthcare provider.
Similar cases of abrupt hearing loss have also been documented, often involving just one ear, with some patients not regaining their hearing after discontinuation of treatment. If you experience sudden hearing loss, along with symptoms like ringing in ears or dizziness, reach out for medical assistance right away. Again, avoid taking additional doses of Tadalafil or related medications without professional advice.
Other side effects may occur. Please contact your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual reactions while using this medication.
In the event of a serious side effect, either you or your doctor should report the incident to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program, which can be accessed online or by calling 1-800-332-1088.
Store this medication in its original container, ensuring it is tightly sealed and placed out of children's reach. It should be kept at room temperature, away from moisture and heat sources (avoid bathrooms).
Unnecessary medications should be discarded in a safe manner to prevent accidental ingestion by children, pets, or others. Never flush medications down a toilet. Optimal disposal methods include utilizing a medicine take-back program. For further information on take-back options in your area, consult your pharmacist or local waste management department. The FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website also offers guidance if a take-back program is not accessible to you.
It's crucial to maintain all medications out of children's reach, as many packaging types (including weekly pill organizers, eye drop containers, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not designed to be child-resistant and can be easily opened by young children. To avoid accidental poisoning, ensure safety caps are always secured and store medications in a safe location that is out of sight and reach of children.
If you suspect an overdose, reach out to the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or visit their online portal. For immediate medical emergencies such as collapse, seizures, or difficulty breathing, promptly call emergency services at 911.
Keep all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider.
Never share your medication with others. For any inquiries related to prescription refills, contact your pharmacist.
Maintain an updated, written record of all prescription and non-prescription medications you are currently using, including dietary supplements. Present this list at every doctor visit or if hospitalization occurs. This information is also essential to have on hand during emergencies.
- Adcirca®
- Cialis®
- Entadfi® (combination product containing Finasteride and Tadalafil)