Tadalafil; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction ,Pregnancy

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Tadalafil is a carboline-based compound with vasodilatory activity. Tadalafil selectively inhibits the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific type 5 phosphodiesterase- (PDE-5)-mediated degradation of cGMP, which is found in the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum of the penis. Inhibition of cGMP degradation by tadalafil results in prolonged muscle relaxation, vasodilation, and...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

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Article Summary

Tadalafil is a carboline-based compound with vasodilatory activity. Tadalafil selectively inhibits the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific type 5 phosphodiesterase- (PDE-5)-mediated degradation of cGMP, which is found in the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum of the penis. Inhibition of cGMP degradation by tadalafil results in prolonged muscle relaxation, vasodilation, and blood engorgement of the corpus cavernosa, and, so, prolonged penile erection. Tadalafil is an orally adminstered drug used to treat...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of Action of Tadalafil  in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Indications of Tadalafil  in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Therapeutic Indications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Contra - Indications of Tadalafil  in simple medical language.
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Tadalafil is a carboline-based compound with vasodilatory activity. Tadalafil selectively inhibits the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific type 5 phosphodiesterase- (PDE-5)-mediated degradation of cGMP, which is found in the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum of the penis. Inhibition of cGMP degradation by tadalafil results in prolonged muscle relaxation, vasodilation, and blood engorgement of the corpus cavernosa, and, so, prolonged penile erection.

Tadalafil is an orally adminstered drug used to treat male erectile dysfunction (impotence). It is marketed worldwide under the brand name Cialis. It is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Tadalafil’s distinguishing pharmacologic feature is its longer half-life (17.5 hours) compared with Viagra and Levitra (4-5 hours). This longer half-life results in a longer duration of action and is, in part, responsible for the Cialis nickname of the “weekend pill.

Mechanism of Action of Tadalafil 

Tadalafil inhibits the cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) which is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum located around the penis. Penile erection during sexual stimulation is caused by increased penile blood flow resulting from the relaxation of penile arteries and corpus cavernosal smooth muscle. This response is mediated by the release of nitric oxide (NO) from nerve terminals and endothelial cells, which stimulates the synthesis of cGMP in smooth muscle cells. Cyclic GMP causes smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flows into the corpus cavernosum. The inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) by tadalafil enhances erectile function by increasing the amount of cGMP.This then activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), leading to smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in increased inflow of blood and an erection. Tadalafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) which is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. This means that, with tadalafil on board, normal sexual stimulation leads to increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum which leads to better erections. Without sexual stimulation and no activation of the NO/cGMP system, tadalafil should not cause an erection.

Indications of Tadalafil 

Therapeutic Indications

  • Used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
  • is indicated in adults for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) classified as WHO functional class II and III, to improve exercise capacity.
  • Efficacy has been shown in idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and in PAH related to collagen vascular disease.
  • Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males.
  • In order for tadalafil to be effective, sexual stimulation is required.CIALIS is not indicated for use by women.
  • Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males.
  • In order for tadalafil to be effective, sexual stimulation is required.
  • Treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult males.
  • Tadalafil Mylan is not indicated for use by women.
  • Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males. In order for tadalafil to be effective, sexual stimulation is required.
  • Treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult males.
  • Tadalafil Lilly is not indicated for use by women.
  • Talmanco is indicated in adults for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) classified as WHO functional class II and III, to improve exercise capacity.
  • Efficacy has been shown in idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and in PAH related to collagen vascular disease.

Contra – Indications of Tadalafil 

  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Leukemia
  • Sickle Cell Anemia
  • increased risk of bleeding due to clotting disorder
  • increased risk of bleeding
  • Alcohol Intoxication
  • Pigmentary Retinopathy
  • Hearing loss
  • Severe Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
  • Unpredictable Severe Constricting Chest Pain
  • Narrowing of the Aortic Heart Valve
  • hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Life-Threatening Irregular Heart Rhythm
  • Chronic Heart Failure
  • Stroke
  • abnormally low blood pressure
  • Ulcer from Stomach Acid
  • Liver Problems
  • Severe Renal Impairment
  • Mild to Moderate Kidney Impairment
  • Peyronie’s Disease
  • Bent Penis On Erection
  • Fibrous Tissue Formation in the Penis
  • Seizures
  • Severe Insufficiency of the Autonomic Nervous System
  • Eye Disease Caused by Blood Flow Problems
  • Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Dosage of Tadalafil 

Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg; 10 mg; 20 mg;

Erectile Dysfunction

Use as needed for ED

  • Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day, as needed, prior to sexual activity
  • Maintenance dose: 5 to 20 mg orally once a day, as needed, prior to sexual activity based on individual efficacy and tolerability

Once a day use for ED

  • Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day at approximately the same time, without regard to timing of sexual activity
  • Maintenance dose: 2.5 to 5 mg orally once a day based on individual efficacy and tolerability.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

  • 5 mg orally once a day at approximately the same time, without regard to timing of sexual activity

Pulmonary Hypertension

  • 40 mg PO once daily; dividing dose for more frequent dosing is not recommended
  • Patients also taking ritonavir: 20 mg PO once daily initially for ≥1 week; may be increased to 40 mg/day on basis of tolerability
  • 40 mg orally once a day.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

  • 5 mg orally once a day at approximately the same time

Concomitant administration with finasteride

  • 5 mg orally once a day at approximately the same time, for up to 26 weeks

Once daily use for ED and BPH

  • 5 mg orally once a day at approximately the same time, without regard to timing of sexual activity

Side Effects of Tadalafil 

The most common side effects of tadalafil are

Common

Serious

Drug Interactions of Tadalafil 

Tadalafil may interact with following drugs, supplements, & may change the efficacy of drugs

Pregnancy & Lactation of Tadalafil 

FDA pregnancy Category B

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.This medication falls into category B. This medication is not used by women. Based on animal studies, tadalafil is not predicted to increase the risk of adverse developmental abnormalities in humans.Lactation

This medication is not used by women.

References

 

Tadalafil; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction ,Pregnancy

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Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

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  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

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Safe first steps

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  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

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Get urgent help if

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Doctor to discuss: Emergency care / cardiology / medicine doctor
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • ECG as early as possible when chest pain suggests heart risk
  • Troponin or cardiac blood tests if doctor suspects heart attack
  • Blood pressure, oxygen level, chest examination, and other tests as advised urgently
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Is this heart-related, and do I need emergency observation?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

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Care roadmap for: Tadalafil; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction ,Pregnancy

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

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When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

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