What is a Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a prescription drug used to treat male sexual function problems such as impotence or erectile dysfunction. It increases blood flow to the penis, helping men to get and maintain an erection.
How Does Tadalafil Work?
Tadalafil increases blood flow to a specific area of the body. It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
In the case of erectile dysfunction, when a person becomes sexually aroused, tadalafil increases blood flow to the penis. This helps the spongy tissue of the penis to fill with blood, making it become harder.
Tadalafil also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder, which helps to relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty urinating.
When treating pulmonary hypertension, tadalafil relaxes the blood vessels in the lungs, allowing blood to flow more easily.
How to Use Tadalafil?
Tadalafil comes as an oral tablet. It’s usually taken once daily at around the same time each day. If you’re using it for erectile dysfunction, you can take it either as needed before sexual activity or daily. If taking it daily, it’s best to take a lower dose of 2.5 or 5mg. If taking it as needed, the dose is typically 10mg, but this can be increased or decreased depending on how well it works for you.
Tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water, and can be taken with or without food. If you’re taking the medication daily, make sure you take the expected strength of the tablet as prescribed.
Remember, tadalafil is not a daily medication like a vitamin, and should only be taken once per day.
What are the Uses of the Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is prescribed for the following conditions:
Erectile dysfunction (impotence): It helps men to get and keep an erection.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate are known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder to relieve symptoms such as difficulty urinating.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension: It relaxes blood vessels in the lungs to improve exercise ability.
What are the Side Effects of the Tadalafil?
Here are the most commonly reported side effects of tadalafil:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and pains
- Back pain
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Stomach pain.
- Flushing or redness of the skin
- Nasal congestion
- Dizziness
- Vision changesThese side effects should usually go away within a few days or weeks.
Less common but more serious side effects include:Painful or prolonged erections last 4 hours or more.
Sudden decrease or loss of vision or hearing.
Allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing)
Low blood pressure (symptoms include feeling lightheaded or dizzy)
Get medical help as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.
What are the Warning and Precautions of the Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is not suitable for everyone. Don’t take it if you’re also using nitrate drugs, such as nitroglycerin, for chest pain or heart problems. Combining tadalafil with nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Do not take tadalafil if you’re allergic to it, or any of the other ingredients in the tablets. Check with your pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking, especially alpha blockers, antihypertensives, or potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as ketoconazole or ritonavir.
Tadalafil may make you feel dizzy. Don’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous if you’re affected.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol while taking tadalafil, as this can increase the risk of dizziness.
Do not take the medication if you’re pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of tadalafil for pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been established.
Store tadalafil safely out of the reach of children.
If you experience sudden loss of vision or hearing, stop taking tadalafil and get medical advice immediately.
In the event of a prolonged erection lasting 4 hours or more, stop taking the medication and seek medical help to avoid permanent damage.
How Does Tadalafil Interact with Other Medicines?
Tadalafil can interact with many other medications, so your healthcare provider should be made aware of all medicines, vitamins and supplements you’re taking.
Here are some of the medications that can react with tadalafil:
Nitrates, such as glyceryl trinitrate, which are used to treat chest pain.
Riociguat is another treatment for pulmonary hypertension.
Alpha blockers, such as doxazosin, are used to treat an enlarged prostate or high blood pressure.
Blood pressure medications, including beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Other erectile dysfunction treatments, such as sildenafil or vardenafil.
Protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir, are used to treat HIV.
Antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole.
Certain antibiotics, including erythromycin and rifampin.
Alcohol, because it can increase the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure.
Grapefruit juice, as it can increase the level of tadalafil in your blood and the risk of side effects.
This list is not exhaustive, so make sure you check with a healthcare professional before taking tadalafil with any other medications.
What happens if I miss a dose of Tadalafil?
If you miss a dose of tadalafil, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In which case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day.
Missed doses are not a problem, but they may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. If you often forget doses, consider setting an alarm or using a medication reminder.
What happens if I overdose on Tadalafil ?
As with any medication, it’s possible to overdose on tadalafil. Taking too much can lead to dangerous side effects, including:
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
- Priapism (a prolonged and painful erection)
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Allergic reaction
- Nausea
Fainting If you think you have overdosed on tadalafil, seek emergency medical help immediately, or contact your local poison control centre.
