Tadalafil (oral route)
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take tadalafil. This information is crucial as it may impact your treatment plan and emergency care options. If you need emergency medical care for a heart-related issue, your doctor must be informed about the exact timing of your last dose of tadalafil. This ensures that they can make the safest decisions regarding your care without risking harmful interactions.
If you will be taking this medicine for pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. Regular monitoring will allow your healthcare provider to assess how well the medication is working for you and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. They may conduct blood and urine tests periodically to ensure that you are not experiencing any adverse effects from the medication.
If you take tadalafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, do not take Cialis® or other PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil (Revatio® or Viagra®) or vardenafil (Levitra®). It is critical to avoid these medications because they also contain tadalafil. Using them together can significantly increase the risk of side effects, which can be serious and uncomfortable.
If you experience a prolonged erection for more than 4 hours or a painful erection for more than 6 hours, contact your doctor immediately. This condition, known as priapism, is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to prevent serious and possibly permanent damage to your penis. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to long-term complications.
This medicine does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV or AIDS). Therefore, it is important to use protective measures, such as condoms, during sexual activity. If you have any questions regarding safe practices or need advice on STD prevention, consult your doctor.
It is important to tell your doctor about any heart problems you have now or may have had in the past. This information is essential as tadalafil can lead to serious side effects in patients with existing cardiovascular conditions. Be open about your medical history to ensure a safe treatment approach.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using riociguat (Adempas®) or any nitrate medication, which are often prescribed to treat angina (chest pain). Nitrate medications include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitrostat®, Nitro-Dur®, Transderm Nitro®, Nitrol® Ointment, and Nitrolingual® Spray. Be aware that some illegal drugs known as "poppers," such as amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite, also contain nitrates. If you need to use a nitrate medicine, ensure you take it only after at least 48 hours have passed since your last tadalafil dose to avoid dangerous drops in blood pressure.
Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol (for example, 5 or more glasses of wine or 5 or more shots of whiskey) while taking tadalafil. Excessive alcohol consumption can heighten your chances of experiencing headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, or lowering your blood pressure, leading to potentially hazardous situations.
If you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, contact your doctor immediately. This symptom can indicate a serious side effect that requires urgent medical attention.
Check with your doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease in hearing or loss of hearing, which may be accompanied by dizziness and ringing in the ears. Such symptoms can also suggest a serious condition that needs prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes both prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medications, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements. Mixing medications without professional guidance can lead to unexpected interactions and adverse effects.