Tadalafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary hypertension. It inhibits certain enzymes, which leads to dilation of blood vessels, consequently to more blood flow in the penis, or decreased pressure in the heart arteries.
What is tadalafil?
Tadalafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary hypertension. Tadalafil is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5, a specific enzyme in the human body. The drug is used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Under the brand name Cialis, tadalafil is sold in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg erectile dysfunction tablets. Dosage for pulmonary hypertension is 40 mg daily and is sold under the brand name Adcirca. Like sildenafil and vardenafil, tadalafil is used for erectile dysfunction only when it is needed acutely and not preventively. Its long-term effects (up to 36 hours) gave the drug its nickname, “The Weekend Pill.” Headaches, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, and runny nose are common side effects of the drug. Tadalafil is taken orally, at least 30 minutes before sex.
Pharmacological effects
Although tadalafil, like sildenafil and vardenafil, acts as a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, it differs from the other drugs in that it has a longer half-life. This leads to a longer period of action. Which has also earned Tadalafil the nickname “the weekend pill”. Especially this prolonged half-life is also relevant for use in pulmonary hypertension. Penile erection is brought about by increased blood inflow, driven by relaxation of local arteries. This response is followed by a release of nitric oxide by the nerve cells, which also stimulates the muscle cells. The muscle response to nitric oxide is increased by taking tadalafil. However, since sexual arousal is necessary for the release of nitric oxide, tadalafil will have no effect if sexual arousal is not prevalent. The initial dosage for each man should be 10 mg, taken before sex, but no more than once daily. Depending on individual tolerance, the dosage should be reduced to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg. Similarly, tadalafil is thought to cause vasodilatation in the arteries of the heart, thereby reducing pressure on the vessels. One consequence of untreated pulmonary hypertension may be heart failure.
Medical use and application
Before taking tadalafil, the package insert should be read thoroughly; if information remains incomprehensible, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted. Tadalafil is taken orally, on an empty stomach or with a meal. For treatment of pulmonary hypertension 40 mg should be taken once daily. In erectile dysfunction, tadalafil should be taken only if needed. Here the dose may vary from 5 mg to 20 mg depending on tolerance. It should remain at one dosage per day, overdoses can cause significant side effects. In addition, attention should be paid to the reaction with other medications. The attending physician should be informed and the dosage adjusted if necessary. In preparation for the sexual act, tadalafil should be taken at least 30 minutes before. The stimulant effect of the drug may last up to 36 hours. Unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor, consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be avoided during treatment with Tadalafil. The juice increases the absorption of certain medications by the blood.
Risks and side effects
Headache, stomach pain, back pain, muscle pain, runny nose, aching limbs, dizziness, or vision problems may occur while taking tadalafil. If mentioned side effects occur and persist, the doctor should be consulted. The side effects are not inevitable, most men will not notice any side effects. Eye problems may occur, especially if the patient also suffers from heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or is over 50 years old. Heart problems and physical exertion during sex may intensify the stress. If the following symptoms occur, medical help should be sought urgently: severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain.If a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours occurs, tadalafil use should be stopped and a doctor should also be consulted.
