Tadalafil (By mouth)
ta-DAL-a-fil
Treats erectile dysfunction and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Also treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).
Drug classes
Antihypertensive, Erectile Dysfunction Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Tadalafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where this enzyme works.
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body’s normal response is to increase blood flow to his penis to produce an erection. By controlling the enzyme, tadalafil helps to maintain an erection after the penis is stroked by increasing blood flow to the penis. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, tadalafil will not work to cause an erection.
Tadalafil is also used to treat men who have signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is caused by an enlarged prostate. Men with BPH usually have difficulty urinating, a decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, and a need to get up at night to urinate. Tadalafil will make these symptoms less severe and reduce the chance that prostate surgery will be needed. This medicine is also used to treat erectile dysfunction and signs and symptoms of BPH.
Tadalafil is also used in both men and women to treat the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is high blood pressure that occurs in the main artery that carries blood from the right side of the heart (the ventricle) to the lungs. When the smaller blood vessels in the lungs become more resistant to blood flow, the right ventricle must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Tadalafil works on the PDE5 enzyme in the lungs to relax the blood vessels. This will increase the supply of blood to the lungs and reduce the workload of the heart.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, break, or crush it.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: If you take this medicine once a day, take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you also use riociguat or a nitrate medicine. Do not take other medicines that contain tadalafil or similar medicines, such as sildenafil or vardenafil.
Some medicines and foods can affect how tadalafil works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Bosentan, carbamazepine, erythromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir Medicine to treat prostate problems or high blood pressure (including alfuzosin, amlodipine, bendroflumethiazide, candesartan, doxazosin, enalapril, losartan, metoprolol, tamsulosin, terazosin)Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tadalafil.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, leukemia, multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, bleeding problems, a stomach ulcer, or eye problems. Tell your doctor if you have angina or chest pain during sex, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high or low blood pressure, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Tell any doctor who treats you that you take tadalafil.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Low blood pressure (especially if taken with other medicines that lower blood pressure) Painful or prolonged erection Hearing or vision problemsKeep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Chest pain
Lightheadedness, fainting
Painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours
Sudden decrease in hearing or hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness
Sudden loss of vision
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Back or muscle pain
Stuffy or runny nose
Upset stomach, nausea
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Adcirca, Cialis
There may be other brand names for this medicine.