Tadalafil: Patient Education Overview

What is Tadalafil? Tadalafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It helps increase blood flow to certain areas of the body by relaxing muscles in the blood vessel walls.

How Does It Work? For erectile dysfunction, tadalafil helps achieve and maintain an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis when sexually stimulated. It works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). For benign prostatic hyperplasia, it helps relieve symptoms like difficulty in beginning the flow of urine and the need to urinate frequently or urgently by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder. For pulmonary arterial hypertension, it helps relax blood vessels in the lungs, improving blood flow and reducing the workload on the heart.

Dosage and Administration:

• Erectile Dysfunction: Tadalafil can be taken as needed or on a daily basis. For as-needed use, the typical dose is 10 mg taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, but it can be adjusted to 5 mg or 20 mg based on effectiveness and tolerance. For daily use, the dose is usually 2.5 mg to 5 mg taken at the same time each day.

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: For BPH, the recommended dose is 5 mg once daily, taken at the same time each day.

• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The dosage for PAH is typically 40 mg (two 20 mg tablets) once daily.

Important Considerations:

• Timing: For ED, when taken as needed, it can be effective up to 36 hours after taking the dose, which is why it is sometimes called the “weekend pill.”

• Food: Tadalafil can be taken with or without food.

• Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption while taking tadalafil, as it can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and lower blood pressure.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache

• Indigestion or stomach upset

• Back pain

• Muscle aches

• Flushing (redness or warmth in the face, neck, or chest)

• Stuffy or runny nose

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• An erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism)

• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes

• Sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss

• Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)

Precautions:

• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any history of heart disease, stroke, liver or kidney disease, blood cell disorders, stomach ulcers, retinitis pigmentosa, or any physical deformity of the penis.

• Medications: Provide a full list of current medications, as tadalafil can interact with certain drugs, especially nitrates used for chest pain, and other medications for high blood pressure or heart conditions.

Conclusion: Tadalafil is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension when used correctly. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns or side effects you experience.