What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a prescription drug that comes as an oral tablet. It is available in generic form and also as the brand-names Cialis and Adcirca. Generally, generic drugs cost significantly less than brand-name drugs and work in a very similar way. In this article we discuss the side effects, uses, and dosage of tadalafil.
What is Tadalafil Used For?
Tadalafil (Cialis) is used for two conditions:
1) Erectile dysfunction (ED)
2) Benigh prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Tadalafil (Adcirca) is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
How is Tadalafil Used?
Tadalafil can be prescribed as a daily dosage or on an as-needed basis. When taking tadalafil on an as-needed basis, it is best to take it at least 30 minutes before sex. If you are taking it once daily, aim to take it around the same time every day.
How Often Should I Take It?
You should never exceed your recommended tadalafil dosage within a 24-hour period. Never double your dosages and if you miss a dose and are nearly due for the next one, skip the missed dose.
Should I Take It With Food?
Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. It is not affected by the type of food you take it with.
Tadalafil Side Effects
Tadalafil doesn’t usually cause drowsiness, but may have other side effects.
Common Side Effects
Commonly reported side effects of tadalafil include:
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Flushing (reddish) of the face
- Stuffy nose
- Diarrhea
If these effects are mild, they may subside within a few day or at least, a couple of weeks. If these effects are more severe and have not gone away talk with your healthcare professional.
Potential Serious Side Effects
Contact your doctor or pharmacist right way if you are experiencing serious side effects. If you think any of these symptoms are life threatening call 911 immediately.
Priapism (in men):
- A painful erection that won’t go away
Changes in vision:
- Seeing a shade of blue when staring at objects
- A sudden loss or decrease in vision
- Difficulty telling the difference between shades of colors
Hearing loss:
- Decrease in hearing
- Ringing in one or both ears
Low blood pressure:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Experiencing chest pain (angina)
Disclaimer: At ManifestRX our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Unfortunately, because drugs affect each individual differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects.
How Does Tadalafil Work?
Tadalafil is apart of a class of drugs referred to as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This means a group of medications that work and function in a similar way.
Tadalafil helps to relax the muscle in your prostrate and bladder which can improve your BPH symptoms. For erectile dysfunction, tadalafil helps increase blood flow to the penis which can help you get and keep an erection. You do, however, need to be sexual aroused for it to work.
Tadalafil Warnings
You shouldn’t use tadalafil if you have a heart condition and your healthcare professional has advised against sexual activity. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms during sexual activity:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from heart disease or a heart attack.
Tadalafil Interactions
Tadalafil may interact with other medications or supplements you are taking. To avoid possible interactions always be sure to disclose with doctor or pharmacist everything you are currently taking. Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with tadalafil include:
Nitrates
If you take tadalafil with nitrates, your blood pressure can drop precipitously to dangerously low levels.
- Nitroglycerin
- Isosorbide dinitrate
- Isosorbide mononitrate
- Amyl nitrite
- Butyl nitrite
High Blood Pressure Drugs
Taking blood pressure medication while taking tadalafil may cause your blood pressure to drop too low causing you to faint or feel dizzy. Examples of these medications include:
- Terazosin
- Tamsulosin
- Doxazosin
- Prazosin
- Alfuzosin
HIV Medication
Taking tadalafil with certain HIV drugs may increase tadalafil levels in your blood leading to low blood pressure, dizziness, and vision problems. These medications are protease inhibitors and include lopinavir and ritonavir.
Anti-Fungal Drugs
Anti-fungal drugs taken with tadalafil may increase levels of tadalafil in your blood. Examples of these drugs include ketoconazole and itraconazole.
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics taken with tadalafil can raise the level of tadalafil in your blood. In men, this can lead to priapism. These drugs include:
- Erythromycin
- Telithromycin
- Clarithromycin
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Medication
Taking other ED meds like sildenafil and vardenafil with tadalafil, may significantly increase your risk of side effects.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Drugs
If you take PAH drugs like riociguat, while taking tadalafil your blood pressure could drop to dangerously low levels.
Tadalafil Warnings
This drug may come with several warnings.
Allergy Warning
Tadalafil can cause allergic reaction in some individuals. Symptoms include:
- Rash
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of your lips, throat, or tongue
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Grapefruit Warning
Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can increase the levels of tadalafil in your blood. This can increase your risk of side effects.
Alcohol Warning
Do not consume large amounts of alcohol when taking tadalafil. They both can widen (dilate) your blood vessels and when used together, may cause your blood pressure to drop.
Tadalafil Dosage
Your exact dosage of tadalafil will depend on a few different things. Such as:
- Your age
- How severe your condition is
- The condition being treated
- Your reaction to the first dose
Dosage For Erectile Dysfunction
Generic: Tadalafil
- From: oral tablet
- Dose: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg
Brand: Cialis
- Form: oral tablet
- Dose: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg
Dosage For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Generic: Tadalafil
- Form: oral tablet
- Dose: 2.5, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg
Brand: Cialis
- Form: oral tablet
- Dose: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Dosage For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Brand: Adcirca
- Form: oral tablet
- Dose: 20 mg
Sildenafil vs Tadalafil
Sildenafil and Tadalafil treat very similar conditions. Tadalafil, however, can also treat BPH and lasts longer than sildenafil. For example, sildenafil typically lasts between 2 and 5 hours whereas tadalafil can stay in the body for up to 36 hours.
Unfortunately, the increased drug life of tadalafil may also mean you experience side effects longer than you would when taking sildenafil.
Tadalafil Dosage, Side Effects & Uses
Tadalafil is a prescription drug used to treat ED, hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is available in generic form and also as the brand-names Cialis and Adcirca.
Visit Manifest Pharmacy and see if tadalafil is right for you.
