Tadalafil (oral route)
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take tadalafil. This includes your general practitioner, any specialists you may be seeing, as well as any emergency personnel who might treat you. If you require emergency medical care due to a heart-related issue, it is crucial that your healthcare provider is informed about when you last took tadalafil so that they can provide the best possible care and treatment tailored to your situation.
If you will be taking this medication for pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is very important that your doctor regularly monitor your progress during scheduled visits. This ongoing assessment allows your healthcare provider to determine the effectiveness of the medication and make informed decisions about your treatment plan. Regular blood and urine tests may also be necessary to monitor for any potential unwanted effects that could arise from the medication.
If you are prescribed tadalafil specifically for pulmonary arterial hypertension, you must avoid taking Cialis® or any other PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Revatio® or Viagra®) or vardenafil (Levitra®), as these can lead to significant interactions and increase the risk of side effects. Remember that Cialis® also contains tadalafil, so combining these drugs could amplify the risk of adverse reactions.
If you experience a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours or a painful erection lasting longer than 6 hours, it is essential to contact your doctor immediately. Such conditions may require urgent medical intervention to prevent serious and irreversible damage to your penis, highlighting the importance of seeking prompt medical assistance in these situations.
This medication does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV or AIDS). It is advised that you use appropriate protective measures, such as condoms, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions regarding safe sexual practices.
It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any heart problems you have currently or have had in the past. Tadalafil can pose serious risks to individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, necessitating cautious use of this medication under close medical supervision.
Do not use this medication if you are concurrently taking riociguat (Adempas®) or any nitrate medications, often prescribed for angina (chest pain). Nitrate medications can include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitrostat®, Nitro-Dur®, Transderm Nitro®, Nitrol® Ointment, and Nitrolingual® Spray. Certain illegal substances known as "poppers" (like amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite) can also contain nitrates. If you find it necessary to use a nitrate medication for any reason, ensure you wait at least 48 hours after your last dose of tadalafil before doing so.
Be mindful of your alcohol intake while taking tadalafil; avoid excessive amounts (e.g., 5 or more glasses of wine or 5 or more shots of whiskey). Consuming an excessive quantity of alcohol can increase the likelihood of experiencing headaches or dizziness, elevate your heart rate, or even lower your blood pressure to dangerous levels, exacerbating the side effects of tadalafil.
If you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, contact your doctor immediately. Vision changes can be a sign of serious side effects, and timely intervention may be necessary.
Check with your doctor right away if you notice a sudden decrease in hearing or any loss of hearing, potentially accompanied by dizziness or ringing in the ears. This combination of symptoms can indicate an acute condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.
Do not take any additional medications unless they have been thoroughly discussed and approved by your doctor. This includes both prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medications, as well as any herbal or vitamin supplements, to avoid any potentially harmful interactions with tadalafil.