Tadalafil (Generic)

Tadalafil is the generic name for medications commonly known as Cialis (used for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia) and Adcirca (used for pulmonary arterial hypertension).

Meaning:

Tadalafil is a member of a group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Like sildenafil, it works by improving blood flow to certain parts of the body, particularly by relaxing the smooth muscles in blood vessels.

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Tadalafil helps increase blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. Its effects can last up to 36 hours, which is why it’s sometimes called the “weekend pill.”
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Tadalafil helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder, improving symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak urinary flow, and frequent urination.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Tadalafil relaxes blood vessels in the lungs, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the heart’s workload.

Health Benefits:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Helps men with ED achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Improves urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate.
• Erectile Dysfunction and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (ED/BPH): Tadalafil can treat both conditions if they occur together.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Increases exercise capacity and reduces symptoms of high blood pressure in the lungs.

Dosage:

The dosage of tadalafil varies based on the condition being treated:

• Erectile Dysfunction:

1. As needed use: The typical starting dose is 10 mg, taken orally at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Your doctor may adjust the dose to 20 mg or decrease it to 5 mg, depending on how well it works and any side effects. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once per day.
2. Once-daily use: The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily, taken at about the same time each day. This allows for sexual activity at any time without needing to plan ahead.

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): The usual dose is 5 mg once daily, taken at the same time each day.
• Erectile Dysfunction and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (ED/BPH): The usual dose is 5 mg once daily, taken at the same time each day.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): The typical dose is 40 mg taken once daily.

Important Precautions:

Tadalafil may interact with other medications and might not be safe for everyone. Key precautions include:

• Nitrates: Do not take tadalafil if you’re using nitrate medications (e.g., for chest pain or heart problems), as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Alpha-blockers: If you’re taking alpha-blockers for high blood pressure or prostate issues, tadalafil should be started at a lower dose to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Other PDE5 inhibitors: Do not take tadalafil with other PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil or vardenafil.
• Heart conditions: People with certain heart problems should use tadalafil cautiously and only under a doctor’s supervision.
• Blood pressure: Tadalafil can lower blood pressure. Use with caution if you have low or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Vision problems: A rare but serious eye issue, called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), has been linked to PDE5 inhibitors. Be cautious if you have a history of NAION or other eye conditions.
• Hearing problems: Tadalafil has been associated with sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
• Priapism: In rare cases, tadalafil can cause a painful and prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), which requires immediate medical attention.
• Liver or kidney disease: Your doctor may need to adjust the dose if you have liver or kidney issues.
• Grapefruit juice: Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice, as it can increase tadalafil levels in your blood.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of tadalafil may include:

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Back pain
• Flushing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Indigestion

Serious side effects are rare but can occur and require immediate medical attention, including:

• Sudden vision loss
• Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Chest pain
• Severe allergic reaction
• Seizures
• Prolonged erection (priapism)

It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using tadalafil. They will assess your medical history, other medications you may be taking, and the condition you’re treating to determine if tadalafil is safe and appropriate for you, as well as the correct dosage. Always take this medication with a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider.