Tadalafil contains the active ingredient Tadalafil.  It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 21, 2003, to treat erectile dysfunction. It has since received additional FDA approvals for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension and managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Tadalafil treats Erectile dysfunction and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Tadalafil can be consumed orally as advised by the doctor. The capsules are typically taken with water, with or without food, following the prescribed dosage and frequency for oral consumption. It is usually taken as needed, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. The available doses are 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. 

Tadalafil can cause both common and serious side effects. Common side effects include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and nasal congestion. Serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, sudden vision loss or changes, priapism (prolonged and painful erection), and hearing loss or changes in hearing.

It is not recommended to take tadalafil if you are allergic to the active compound tadalafil and its constituents. This medication is not advised to be used in women and individuals under 18. Tadalafil carries several important warnings that should be considered. These include the risk of priapism, a prolonged and painful erection requiring immediate medical attention. It can also cause drops in blood pressure, and individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should use caution. Rare sudden vision or hearing loss cases have been reported, and allergic reactions may occur. 

Tadalafil should be used with care in individuals with liver or kidney impairment, and caution is advised when consuming alcohol or grapefruit juice. Other considerations include the potential for interactions with certain medications and the need to disclose relevant medical conditions.  Coadministration with riociguat may produce potentially fatal episodes of syncope or symptomatic hypotension. It should not be administered with organic nitrates as it may raise hypotension. Inform your physician about any serious heart disorders, low or high blood pressure, vision problems, sickle cell anemia, liver disorders, kidney disorders and if you had a recent heart attack.

Tadalafil should be used with precautions and considerations. Before taking this medicine, inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially cardiovascular issues, liver or kidney impairment, anatomical deformities of the penis, or a history of priapism. Use caution if you have a bleeding disorder, stomach ulcers, or retinitis pigmentosa (a condition affecting the eye that leads to pigmentation in the eye). It may interact with certain medications, including nitrates and alpha-blockers. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and grapefruit juice, as they can affect the metabolism and effectiveness of the medication. It should not be used in women and children below 18 years. If you have a priapism, or an erection that lasts longer than four hours, get medical help right away because this condition might harm your penis permanently. 

1. Eli Lilly Canada Inc, [Revised on 28th May 2020], [Accessed on 12th March 2024], https://pi.lilly.com/ca/cialis-ca-pm.pdf
2. Lilly USA, LLC, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Oct 2011] [ Accessed on 12th March 2024], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021368s20s21lbl.pdf  
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Androgens and drugs for erectile dysfunction, 7th edition, 2013, 303-304.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.