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Tadalafil

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Take your medicine at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
Tadalafil should not be taken more frequently than once a day.
Tadalafil may still be effective up to 36 hours after taking the tablet.
Tadalafil does not work if there is no sexual stimulation.
If you experience an erection lasting 4 hours or more, seek immediate medical help.

About tadalafil

Type of medicine	Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor
Used for	Erectile dysfunction
Also called	Cialis®
Available as	Tablets

Tadalafil works by preventing the action of a chemical in the body called phosphodiesterase type 5. This means that the blood vessels are kept dilated for longer, improving blood flow to the penis and maintaining an erection.

Before taking tadalafil

Before taking tadalafil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you suffer from heart problems including a recent heart attack, or heart failure.
If you have had a stroke in the last six months.
If you have high blood pressure. which is not well controlled, or low blood pressure.
If you have liver or kidney problems.
If you have problems with your eyesight.
If you are using any other treatment for erectile dysfunction.
If you have sickle-cell disease, leukaemia or a type of cancer called multiple myeloma.
If you have any deformation of the penis.
If you have been advised by a doctor not to have sexual intercourse.
If you suffer from hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Tadalafil tablets contain lactose.

How to take tadalafil

Take your medicine at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
Tadalafil should not be taken more frequently than once a day.

Getting the most from your treatment

Tadalafil may still be effective up to 36 hours after taking the tablet.
Tadalafil does not work if there is no sexual stimulation; you and your partner will need to engage in foreplay, just as you would if you were not taking a medicine for erectile dysfunction.
Drinking alcohol may affect your ability to get an erection.

Can tadalafil cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Dizziness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Nasal congestion	Inhaling steam may help.
Tummy pain, indigestion	Eat small, regular meals and avoid any spicy food.
Awareness of fast or slow beating of the heart, flushing	Speak to your doctor if these become troublesome
Muscle pain, back pain	Speak to your doctor if these become troublesome

Important: If you experience an erection lasting 4 hours or more, seek immediate medical help.

How to store tadalafil

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Manufacturer's PIL, Cialis® 10mg film-coated tablets, Eli Lilly & Company Ltd, March 2008. Accessed 16 April 2008.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
1499

DocRef:
dils3866

Last Updated:
3 Jun 2008

Date of Next Review:
3 Jun 2010

Version:
23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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