Tadalafil
Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor taken by mouth. It is used for erectile dysfunction and for the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and it can be used when both conditions are present. Several manufacturers produce it, so it comes in a range of strengths and in more than one dosage form.
Medicines containing Tadalafil
Cialis
Erectile Dysfunction, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
10 · 20 · 40 · 60 · 80mg
Cialis is tadalafil in film-coated tablets, used for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. You can choose from several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.
Cialis Daily
Erectile Dysfunction
2.5 · 5mg
Cialis Daily uses tadalafil for erectile dysfunction in a daily tablet. It comes in several strengths and pack sizes. You see the price per tablet for each option.
Cialis Super Active
Erectile Dysfunction
20mg
Cialis Super Active is tadalafil in a soft capsule for erectile dysfunction. You can choose from one strength and several pack sizes. Each option lists its price per capsule.
Cialis Soft
Erectile Dysfunction
20mg
Cialis Soft contains tadalafil as a tablet for erectile dysfunction. It comes in one strength and several pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.
Apcalis SX Oral Jelly
Erectile Dysfunction
20mg
Apcalis SX Oral Jelly is tadalafil in a sachet for erectile dysfunction. It comes in a single strength and various pack sizes. You can compare the price per sachet across options.
Key points
- Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor; it is also marketed as ADCIRCA for pulmonary arterial hypertension, which should not be taken alongside it.
- Its effect usually begins within 30 to 60 minutes and can last 24 to 36 hours.
- Use is limited to patients aged 18 and over.
What tadalafil is used for
The main use is erectile dysfunction, where it helps a man achieve and keep an erection firm enough for sexual activity. It also relieves urinary symptoms linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia, and the label covers use for both conditions together. Some combination products add dapoxetine for premature ejaculation.
How it works
Tadalafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme. With the enzyme inhibited, blood flow to the penis rises during sexual stimulation, which is what allows an erection to form and be maintained. The same action on blood flow is behind the improvement in urinary symptoms.
The mean terminal half-life is 17.5 hours in healthy subjects, and steady-state plasma levels are reached within 5 days of once-daily dosing. Tadalafil is mainly broken down by CYP3A4, so medicines that inhibit this enzyme raise the amount of tadalafil in the body.
Forms and brands
Tablets cover most of the range. Cialis comes in 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80mg, Vidalista in seven strengths from 2.5mg to 80mg, and Cialis Daily in 2.5 and 5mg for once-daily use. Cialis Super Active, Cialis Soft, Megalis, Tadora and Tadacip are 20mg tablets. Apcalis SX Oral Jelly is a 20mg sachet and Tastylia is a strip in 10 and 20mg.
Two products combine tadalafil with another active ingredient: Tadapox pairs 20mg tadalafil with 60mg dapoxetine, while Tadasiva and Sildalis each pair 20mg tadalafil with 100mg sildenafil. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Safety
Do not take tadalafil if you are allergic to it, if you use any form of organic nitrate for chest pain, or if you have severe cardiovascular disease. Nitrates and tadalafil together can cause a serious fall in blood pressure, and the same caution applies to guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat.
Tell your doctor about every medicine you take. Alcohol, nitrates and alpha-blockers interact with tadalafil, and blood pressure should be monitored if you take antihypertensives. Tadalafil can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, and you should inform your doctor before any planned surgery.
Common reactions include headache, dyspepsia, back pain and nasal congestion. Myalgia, dizziness, flushing and peripheral oedema also occur. Priapism, a prolonged and painful erection, is serious and needs immediate medical attention.
What the sources say
- Anyone who suddenly loses vision in one or both eyes should stop tadalafil and get medical care. This can signal non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, a rare cause of decreased or permanent vision loss, and a crowded optic disc may add to the risk. (DailyMed)
- A sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with tinnitus and dizziness, is a reason to stop treatment and seek prompt attention. The label states it cannot be determined whether such events relate to the medicine or to other factors. (DailyMed)
- Back pain and myalgia are the characteristic musculoskeletal reactions, reported in 5.5% and 1.3% of patients in a one-year open-label extension study. (DailyMed)
Further reading
FAQ
What conditions can tadalafil treat?
Tadalafil is used for erectile dysfunction and for the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It can also be used when both conditions are present.
How does tadalafil work?
Tadalafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme. During sexual stimulation this raises blood flow to the penis, which helps an erection form and be maintained.
Which products here contain tadalafil?
You'll find tadalafil in Cialis, Cialis Daily and Vidalista, among others. The listing above lets you compare forms, strengths and packs.
How long does tadalafil take to work?
Tadalafil usually begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Its effect can last 24 to 36 hours.
What are the common side effects of tadalafil?
Common reactions include headache, dyspepsia, back pain and nasal congestion. Myalgia, dizziness, flushing and peripheral oedema also occur, so speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Who should not take tadalafil?
Do not take tadalafil if you are allergic to it, if you use any form of organic nitrate for chest pain, or if you have severe cardiovascular disease. Nitrates and tadalafil together can cause a serious fall in blood pressure.
Can tadalafil be taken with alcohol or other medicines?
Alcohol, nitrates and alpha-blockers interact with tadalafil, and blood pressure should be monitored if you take antihypertensives. Medicines that inhibit CYP3A4 can raise the amount of tadalafil in the body. Tell your doctor about every medicine you take and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol or take other medicines.
Which other brands contain tadalafil?
Apart from what's listed here, you may see tadalafil sold as Exalver, Exal and Super Vidalista. Brand names change from country to country, so the active ingredient is the safest thing to compare.
Where can I buy tadalafil online?
Our pharmacy partners send orders from India to Malaysia in plain, discreet packaging. Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week; Standard Airmail can take up to 3 weeks.
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