Tadalafil


  • Tadalafil should not be taken more frequently than once a day.
  • If you have been prescribed tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, take your medicine at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
  • If you are male and experience an erection lasting 4 hours or more, seek immediate medical help.
  • When you collect your prescriptions, check that you have been given the same brand of tadalafil as before. If the appearance is not the same as usual, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

About tadalafil

Type of medicinePhosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor
Used forErectile dysfunction in adult males
Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery)
Also calledCialis® (used for erectile dysfunction)
Adcirca® (used for pulmonary arterial hypertension)
Available asTablets

Tadalafil works by preventing the action of a chemical in the body called phosphodiesterase type-5. This helps relax the blood vessels and keep them dilated for longer.

Following sexual stimulation in patients with erectile dysfunction, tadalafil improves the blood flow to the penis and helps maintain an erection.

In the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, the improved flow of blood into the lungs increases the ability to do physical activity.

Before taking tadalafil

Before taking tadalafil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have been advised by a doctor not to have sexual intercourse.
  • If you have heart problems.
  • If you have had a stroke, angina (severe chest pain) or heart attack in the last six months.
  • If you have high blood pressure, which is not well controlled, or low blood pressure.
  • If you have an irregular heart beat which is not well controlled.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have problems with your eyesight.
  • If you have any deformation of the penis.
  • If you have sickle-cell disease, leukaemia or a type of cancer called multiple myeloma.
  • If you are using any other treatment for erectile dysfunction.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take tadalafil

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take tadalafil exactly as your doctor has told you.
  • It is not important whether you take tadalafil before, with or after food.

If you have been prescribed tadalafil for erectile dysfunction:

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

If you have been prescribed tadalafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension:

  • Try to take tadalafil at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking tadalafil.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with tadalafil.

If you have been prescribed tadalafil for erectile dysfunction:

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

Can tadalafil cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these can affect about 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
DizzinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Nasal congestionInhaling steam may help
Tummy pain, indigestion, feeling sickEat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy foods
Other possible side-effects: Awareness of fast or slow beating of the heart, flushing, muscle pain and back painIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience any of the following symptoms, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

  • Sudden problems with your eyesight.
  • If you are male and have an erection lasting 4 hours or more.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store tadalafil

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

Important information about all medicines

  • 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. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • 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

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 1499DocRef: dils3866Last Reviewed: 4 Jul 2011Version: 25
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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