Tadalafil: A Beginners Guide

Tadalafil is a medicine you’ve probably not heard of until you are in the position to need it. Millions of men have turned to this medication for help with numerous health conditions.

In this context, we will summarize what this medication is, what it does, and how to use it safely.

An Overview Of Tadalafil

Tadalafil belongs to a group of medications known as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors or PDE5 inhibitors.

The use of Tadalafil was approved in the United States in 2003. This drug was initially developed by ICOS Corporation, and later, it was marketed by Eli Lilly and Company [1].

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) first approved Tadalafil in the year 2003. In its first year on the market, Tadalafil generated more than $200 million worldwide [2].

Tadalafil Formulation

Tadalafil tablets contain tadalafil as the active salt along with the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose, hypromellose, iron oxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, triacetin, and titanium dioxide.

Tadalafil Brand Name

Some of the popular brand names of Tadalafil, along with their manufacturers, are Tadacip (Cipla Limited), Zydalis (Zydus Cadila), Vidalista (Centurion Laboratories Private Limited), Tadalis (Ajanta Phatma Limited, Cialis (Eli Lilly), and Megalis (Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited).

Vidalista is available at the following dosage strengths at Vedi Care Health – Vidalista Professional (Sublingual tablet), Vidalista 20 Mg (Oral tablet), Vidalista 40 Mg (Oral tablet), and Vidalista 60 Mg (Oral tablet).

Tadalafil Uses

Tadalafil is approved by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration to treat the following conditions –

Erectile Dysfunction

Tadalafil is an excellent option for treating Erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a condition among men where a man finds it hard to keep and get an erection.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a condition that negatively impacts the arteries of the lungs. It is a type of high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which is responsible for carrying oxygen-poor blood to the lungs from your heart.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common benign tumor found in men. This condition is characterized by a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

Tadalafil Working Mechanism

Tadalafil works by reducing the activity of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (an enzyme). This enzyme is responsible for breaking down a molecule called cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) which relaxes the muscles of the body.

By reducing the activity of phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme, Tadalafil elevates the level of cGMP in the penile area, leading to the relaxation of muscles in the abdomen, which is important for treating conditions like impotence or ED.

This thus improves blood flow, resulting in a firmer erection.

For benign prostatic hyperplasia, Tadalafil works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder, and for pulmonary arterial hypertension, this PDE5 inhibitor shows its effects by opening the blood vessels that carry blood to the lungs from the heart, thus allowing easy blood flow.

What Is The Onset Of Action Of Tadalafil?

Tadalafil starts to show its effects within 30 to an hour of intake. It is important to keep in mind that ED pills such as Tadalafil make it easier for you to maintain an erection only when you’re sexually aroused.

Tadalafil Dosage Informnation

Tadalafil is available in the dosage strengths of 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. The dosage of Tadalafil varies from condition to condition.

• The usual Tadalafil dosage for erectile dysfunction is 10mg, taken once daily.
• The dose of Tadalafil for benign prostate hyperplasia is 2.5mg or 5 mg, taken once daily. But if you’ve both ED and BPH, the dose is 5mg.
• For pulmonary hypertension, the usual dose of Tadalafil is 40 mg – two 20mg tablets, taken once a day.

How To Take Tadalafil? Administration Guidelines

• Take Tadalafil with a plain glass of water or juice.
• Individuals can take this medicine on an empty stomach or with food.
• Do not break or chew the pill.
• Individuals who are taking this ED pill for benign prostatic hyperplasia should make sure to take this medicine at the same time every day.
• Take Tadalafil as recommended by your doctor.

Tadalafil Reviews

On the website Webmd, Tadalafil has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 [3].

On the website drugs.com, Tadalafil has 754 reviews (81% positive and 11% negative) and has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 [4].

Tadalafil Warnings And Precautions

To ensure effective and safe treatment with Tadalafil, consider the following precautions.

• Avoid food containing vitamin C, such as grapefruit, while taking Tadalafil.
• Individuals below the age of 18 should avoid taking Tadalafil.
• The consumption of this medicine among females is not recommended.
• People with kidney dysfunction should avoid taking Tadalafil or consult their doctor for dose adjustments.
• Before taking Tadalafil, ensure you’re not allergic to any of its compositions.

Tadalafil Interactions

Tadalafil tablets can interact with other medications, supplements, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. This interaction can result in lowering the potency and efficacy of either of the medicines and increases the risk of experiencing side effects.

Examples of drugs that have the potential to interact with Tadalafil are [5] –

• Angina drugs (nitrates) such as butyl nitrite, nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and amyl nitrite.
• Certain HIV drugs, such as ritonavir.
• Oral antifungal drugs, including ketoconazole and itraconazole.
• High blood pressure medicines (alpha-blockers) such as terazosin, prozosin, and alfuzosin.
• Other erectile dysfunction medicines like Vardenafil and Sildenafil.
• Epilepsy drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.
• Other pulmonary arterial hypertension drugs, like riociguat.

Tadalafil Side Effects

Tadalafil is usually well tolerated in most individuals, but if it is not used as directed, then it could lead to side effects.

According to the FDA, the common side effects of this medication include – headaches, back pain, upset stomach, nasal congestion, muscle pain, limb pain, and flushing.

Serious side effects of this medication include – hearing loss, vision loss, and prolonged painful erection.

Tadalafil Side Effects Long-Term

There are no long-term side effects with the use of Tadalafil – in fact, few studies have shown that the use of Tadalafil in the long term is well tolerated.

Safe Disposal And Storage Of Tadalafil Tablets

• Keep Tadalafil away from damp or moist areas.
• Store the medication at room temperature.
• Do not expose Tadalafil tablets to direct light.
• For proper disposal of Tadalafil, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Conclusion

If you’re one of the many men in the US suffering from ED, medicines like Tadalafil can improve your condition.  But you must take this medicine safely with a doctor’s consultation for optimal results.