Tadalafil
About
Tadalafil belongs to the group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors, primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Sometimes, Tadalafil is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). Erectile dysfunction is the inability to keep a hard and erect penis suitable for sexual activity. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called as prostate enlargement, is the non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland.
Tadalafil contains ‘Tadalafil’, which works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis; this allows the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited. Thereby, it helps to treat erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil relaxes the bladder and prostate muscles, thereby reducing enlarged prostate symptoms such as difficulty in urination and urgent need to urinate. Tadalafil used to treat pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) by relaxing the blood vessels in the chest. Thereby increasing the blood supply to the lungs and decreasing the workload of the heart.
You are advised to take Tadalafil for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, back pain, muscle pain, pain in the legs and arms, nasal congestion, indigestion, and facial flushing. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Do not take Tadalafil if you are taking nitrates (used to treat angina), riociguat (used to treat pulmonary hypertension) or alpha-blockers; if you have heart problems or stroke, low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Tadalafil is not intended for use in women. Tadalafil may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Tadalafil should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Uses of Tadalafil
Medicinal Benefits
Tadalafil belongs to the group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors. Tadalafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Sometimes, Tadalafil is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). Tadalafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis; this allows the blood to flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited. Thereby, it helps to treat erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil relaxes the bladder and prostate muscles, thereby reducing enlarged prostate symptoms such as difficulty in urination and urgent need to urinate. Tadalafil used to treat pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) by relaxing the blood vessels in the chest. Thereby, increasing the blood supply to the lungs and decreasing the workload of the heart.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tadalafil
- Headache
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Pain in legs and arms
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
- Facial flushing
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Tadalafil if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are taking nitrates (used to treat angina), riociguat (used to treat pulmonary hypertension) or alpha-blockers; if you have heart problems or stroke, low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure, if you ever had a loss of vision. Inform your doctor if you have sickle cell anaemia (abnormal red blood cells), multiple myeloma (cancer of bone marrow), leukaemia (blood cell cancer), deformation in the penis, severe kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience loss of vision or hearing while taking Tadalafil. Tadalafil may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Tadalafil should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Tadalafil may interact with anti-hypertensive (amlodipine, lisinopril, losartan, metoprolol, riociguat), alpha-blockers (tamsulosin), anti-anginal (nitroglycerin), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole), antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin), anti-TB (rifampicin), anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine), anti-HIV (ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiovascular/heart disease, renal dysfunction (kidney impairment), pulmonary disease, alcoholism, liver disease, seizure disorder, hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa (loss of vision) and priapism (prolonged erection of the penis).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are advised not to consume alcohol while taking Tadalafil as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeTadalafil is not recommended for use in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTadalafil is not recommended for use during breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionTadalafil may cause dizziness. Therefore you are advised to drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Tadalafil if you have liver impairment/liver disease or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Tadalafil if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeTadalafil should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Erectile dysfunction:
- Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercising may help you manage erectile dysfunction.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it may temporarily impair your ability to get an erection.
- Avoid the usage of tobacco.
- Share intimate time with your partner.
- Stay sexually active to prevent further problems with erectile dysfunction.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
- Avoid foods like sugars, carbonated beverages, tea, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate and tea.
- Limit fluid intake as excess fluid intake could cause an urge to urinate frequently.
- Avoid drinking excess alcohol or caffeinated drinks as they can worsen the symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking.
- Take 6-8glasses or liquids every day.
- Avoid processed foods. Instead, choose whole, unprocessed foods.
- Include fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich food in your diet.
Special Advise
- Take Tadalafil 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse. However, it is best to take it an hour before sexual activity.
- Do not take Tadalafil more than once a day. Take Tadalafil as prescribed by the doctor.
- Talk to your doctor if the erection persists for greater than four hours.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Erectile dysfunction: It is the inability to keep a hard and erect penis suitable for sexual intercourse. It could be a sign of physical or psychological conditions such as fear of sexual failure, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or stress. Certain health-related factors such as smoking, drinking, being overweight, being physically inactive, and high blood pressure also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include difficulty in getting an erection, difficulty in maintaining the erection during intercourse and decreased sexual desire.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called prostate enlargement, is the non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland due to the multiplication of cells. This leads to swelling and squeezing of the urethra and limits the urine flow. It is an age-associated prostate gland enlargement which can cause problems with urination. BPH symptoms include loss of bladder control, frequent urination, inability to urinate, incomplete bladder emptying, weak urinary stream, dribbling at the end of the urinary stream, sudden urge to urinate, and painful urination.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): High blood pressure affects the arteries in the lungs and heart, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. It occurs due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels which increases the workload on the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles.
FAQs
Tadalafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, thereby allows the blood flow into the penis when the person is sexually excited.
Tadalafil relaxes the muscles in the bladder and prostate, thereby reduces the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate such as difficulty in urination and urgent need to urinate.
In some cases, Tadalafil is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) by relaxing the chest's blood vessels. Thereby, increasing the blood supply to the lungs and decreasing the workload of the heart.
No, do not take Tadalafil with nitrates. Taking Tadalafil with medicines used to treat angina/chest pain, such as nitrates/nitroglycerin, may cause severe lowering of blood pressure. You are advised not to take Tadalafil if you are taking nitrates or have a history of heart attack/stroke.
No, Tadalafil should not be taken along with blood-pressure-lowering medicines. Tadalafil relaxes and widens the blood vessels; this causes a decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, if Tadalafil is taken with blood pressure lowering medicines, it could lead to a lowering of blood pressure.
