Tadalafil is used to treat male sexual function problems
(impotence or erectile dysfunction-ED). In combination with sexual
stimulation, tadalafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help
a man get and keep an erection.
Tadalafil is also used to treat the symptoms of an
enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). It helps to relieve
symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak
stream, and the need to urinate often or urgently (including during the
middle of the night). Tadalafil is thought to work by relaxing the smooth
muscle in the prostate and bladder.
This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted
diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Practice "safe
sex" such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for
more details.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
Tadalafil is also available in another brand for high
blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking tadalafil and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, as
directed by your doctor. Do not take tadalafil more often than once
daily.
The manufacturer directs to swallow this medication
whole. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be
split/crushed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this
medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your
doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including
prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
To treat the symptoms of BPH, take this medication as
directed by your doctor, usually once a day. If you are also taking
finasteride with this medication to treat symptoms of BPH, talk with your
doctor about how long you should keep taking this
medication.
To treat erectile dysfunction-ED, there are 2 ways that
tadalafil may be prescribed. Your doctor will determine which is the best
way for you to take tadalafil. Follow your doctor's directions exactly
since your dosage depends on how you are taking it. The first way is to
take it as needed, usually at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
Tadalafil's effect on sexual ability may last up to 36
hours.
The second way to treat ED is to take tadalafil
regularly, once a day every day. If you take it this way, you may attempt
sexual activity at any time between your doses.
If you are taking tadalafil to treat both ED and BPH,
take it as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. You may attempt
sexual activity at any time between your doses.
If you are taking tadalafil once daily for BPH, or for
ED, or for both, take it regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help
you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Headache, stomach upset, back pain, muscle pain, stuffy
nose, flushing, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart,
especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and
experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop and get
medical help right away:
- severe dizziness
- fainting
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- nausea
Rarely, sudden decreased vision, including permanent
blindness, in one or both eyes (NAION) may occur. If this serious problem
occurs, stop taking tadalafil and get medical help right away. You have a
slightly greater chance of developing NAION if you have heart disease,
diabetes, high cholesterol, certain other eye problems ("crowded disk"),
high blood pressure, if you are over 50, or if you smoke.
Rarely, a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes
with ringing in the ears and dizziness, may occur. Stop taking tadalafil
and get medical help right away if these effects occur.
In the rare event you have a painful or prolonged
erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and get medical help
right away, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking tadalafil, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- heart problems (such as heart attack or life-threatening
irregular heartbeat in the past 6 months, chest pain/angina, heart
failure)
- stroke in the past 6 months
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- high or low blood pressure
- dehydration
- penis conditions (such as angulation, fibrosis/scarring,
Peyronie's disease)
- history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism)
- conditions that may increase the risk of priapism (such as
sickle cell anemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma)
- eye problems (such as retinitis pigmentosa, sudden decreased
vision, NAION)
- bleeding disorders
- active stomach ulcers
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This brand of the drug is not usually used in women.
During pregnancy, tadalafil should be used only when clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
Tadalafil can cause a serious drop in your blood
pressure when used with nitrates, which can lead to dizziness, fainting,
and rarely heart attack or stroke. Do not use any of the following with
tadalafil or within 48 hours of your last dose of
tadalafil:
- certain drugs used to treat chest pain/angina (nitrates such
as nitroglycerin, isosorbide)
- recreational drugs called "poppers" containing amyl or butyl
nitrite
If you are also taking an alpha blocker medication (such
as doxazosin, tamsulosin) to treat an enlarged prostate/BPH or high blood
pressure, your blood pressure may get too low which can lead to dizziness
or fainting. Your doctor may start treatment with a lower dose of tadalafil
or adjust your alpha blocker medication to minimize your risk of low blood
pressure.
Other medications can affect the removal of tadalafil
from your body, which may affect how tadalafil works. Examples include
azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide
antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin), HIV protease inhibitors
(such as fosamprenavir), rifampin, ritonavir, among others.
Do not take this medication with any other product that
contains tadalafil or other similar medications used to treat erectile
dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil,
vardenafil).
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule
and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the
time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the
regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.