Tadalafil

Tadalafil used to treat erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary hypertension. It inhibits certain enzymes, which leads to an expansion of the blood vessels, consequently to more blood flow in the penis, or to reduced pressure in the heart arteries.

What is Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5, a specific enzyme in the human body. The active ingredient is used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension.

Tadalafil is sold under the brand name Cialis® in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets for erectile dysfunction. Dosage for pulmonary hypertension is 40 mg daily and is sold under the brand name Adcirca®. Like sildenafil and vardenafil, tadalafil is only used in erectile dysfunction when it is needed acutely and not preventively.Its long-term effects (up to 36 hours) gave the drug its nickname "The Weekend Pill".

Headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle pain, and runny nose are common side effects of the drug. Tadalafil is taken orally, at least 30 minutes before sex.

Pharmacological effect

Even if Tadalafil Just as sildenafil and vardenafil act as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, it differs from the other drugs in that it has a longer half-life.

This leads to a longer period of action. What Tadalafil also earned the nickname "the weekend pill". This extended half-life in particular is also relevant for use in pulmonary hypertension. The erection of the penis is brought about by increased blood flow, driven by relaxation of the local arteries. This reaction results in the release of nitric oxide by the nerve cells, which also stimulates the muscle cells. The reaction of the muscles to the nitrogen oxides is increased by taking Tadalafil.

However, since sexual arousal is necessary for the release of nitrogen oxides, Tadalafil will have no effect if there is no sexual arousal. The starting dose for any man should be 10 mg taken before sex, but no more than once a day. Depending on the individual tolerance, the dosage should be reduced to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg.

It is also assumed that tadalafil causes blood vessels to dilate in the heart arteries, thereby reducing the pressure on the blood vessels. Heart failure can be a consequence of untreated pulmonary hypertension.

Medical application & use

Before taking Tadalafil the package insert should be read carefully; if any information remains incomprehensible, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.

Tadalafil is taken orally, on an empty stomach, or with a meal. For the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, 40 mg should be taken once a day. For erectile dysfunction, tadalafil should only be taken when needed. Here the dose can vary from 5 mg to 20 mg depending on the tolerance. One dose per day should remain, overdosing can cause significant side effects.

Attention should also be paid to the reaction to other drugs. The attending physician should be informed and the dosage adjusted if necessary. In preparation for sexual intercourse, tadalafil should be taken at least 30 minutes before. The stimulating effects of the drug can last up to 36 hours.

Unless the doctor prescribes otherwise, the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be avoided during treatment with tadalafil. The juice increases the blood's absorption of certain drugs.

You can find your medication here

Risks & side effects

Headache, stomach pain, back pain, muscle pain, runny nose, body aches, dizziness, or vision problems may occur when taking Tadalafil.

If the side effects mentioned occur and persist, a doctor should be consulted. The side effects are not inevitable; most men will not notice any side effects. Eye problems can occur, especially if the patient also has heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or is over 50 years old.

Heart problems and the physical exertion during sex can increase the stress. If the following symptoms occur, urgent medical help should be sought: severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain. If a painful erection occurs that lasts more than 4 hours, the use of tadalafil should be stopped and a doctor should also be consulted.