Tadalafil tablets: Erectile Dysfunction & BPH

What is this medication?

TADALAFIL (tah DA la fil) is a medication specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It achieves this by enhancing blood flow to the penis, thereby assisting men in maintaining an erection. Tadalafil is not only effective for ED but is also utilized in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate that can cause urinary difficulties.

This medication may be prescribed for additional conditions; consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further information regarding potential uses.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adcirca, ALYQ, Cialis

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

It is imperative to inform your healthcare professionals if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Anatomical deformation of the penis, such as Peyronie's disease, or a history of priapism (painful and prolonged erection)
• Any bleeding disorders
• Eye or vision issues, including a rare inherited eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa
• Heart-related conditions, including angina, a prior heart attack, arrhythmias, or other cardiovascular diseases
• High or low blood pressure readings
• A history of blood disorders, including conditions like sickle cell anemia or leukemia
• Any history of stomach bleeding
• Kidney diseases or dysfunctions
• Liver diseases or dysfunctions
• History of stroke incidents
• Any unusual or allergic reactions to tadalafil, or any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Currently breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Administer this medication orally, accompanied by a glass of water. Follow the instructions outlined on your prescription label accurately. Tadalafil may be taken with or without food, providing flexibility in your dosing schedule. When utilized for erectile issues, healthcare providers may prescribe it to be taken either once daily or on an as-needed basis. In instances of on-demand use, it is typically effective within 30 minutes, allowing for sexual activity, with effects potentially lasting up to 36 hours. Regardless of your prescribed frequency—whether as needed or daily—it is essential to refrain from taking more than one dose in a single day. If prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms or for both BPH management and erectile dysfunction, aim to take the medication at the same time every day, maintaining consistent dosing. Avoid exceeding the recommended dosage.

Discuss with your healthcare provider regarding the administration of this medication in pediatric populations, as special considerations and precautions may be necessary.

In case of overdosage, seek immediate assistance by contacting a poison control center or heading to the nearest emergency room.

IMPORTANT: This medication is specifically prescribed for individual use. Never share this medication with anyone else, as it may not be safe.

What if I miss a dose?

For those using this medication as needed for erectile dysfunction, the issue of missed doses does not arise. If you're on a daily dosing schedule and forget a dose for BPH or ED, take the missed dose as soon as it comes to your attention, but ensure you do not exceed one dose within a 24-hour period.

What may interact with this medication?

Avoid using this medication simultaneously with any of the following:

• Nitrates such as amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and nitroglycerin
• Other PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction, which include avanafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil
• Other formulations of tadalafil, such as Adcirca
• Riociguat

This medication may also have interactions with:

• Various medications prescribed for managing high blood pressure
• Specific antiviral medications used in the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
• Antifungal medications treating fungal or yeast infections, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole
• Anticonvulsants used for seizure management, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital
• Grapefruit juice, which can notably affect drug metabolism
• Macrolide antibiotics, including clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin
• Medications related to prostate health
• Rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine

This list may not encompass all potential interactions. Provide your healthcare provider with a comprehensive list of all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you utilize. Additionally, inform them of lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption, smoking habits, or illicit drug use, as these may influence how your medication works.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

If you experience any vision changes while using this medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Discontinue use and seek urgent medical attention if you encounter a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, which may indicate a serious condition.

Seek immediate medical care if you have an erection that lasts longer than four hours or if it becomes painful, as this condition can lead to irreparable damage if left untreated.

Be vigilant for symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain during sexual activity, particularly when initiating activity after taking the medication. In such cases, cease sexual activity and promptly contact your healthcare provider.

Exercise caution with alcohol consumption while on this medication. Excessive drinking (defined as five glasses of wine or five shots of whiskey) can heighten the risk of experiencing headaches, dizziness, and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.

It is crucial to understand that this medication does not provide protection against HIV (the virus responsible for AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Be aware of side effects that necessitate prompt reporting to your healthcare provider:

• Allergic reactions, which may manifest as skin rashes, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Hearing loss or persistent ringing in the ears
• Signs of a heart attack, which can include pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, along with nausea, shortness of breath, cold sweats, or lightheadedness
• Symptoms of low blood pressure, including dizziness, faintness, or blurred vision
• Prolonged or painful erections
• Skin reactions such as redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening, including changes inside the mouth
• Indicators of a stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, balance issues, severe headaches, or changes in vision
• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes

Not all side effects will require medical intervention, but you should report bothersome or persistent issues to your healthcare provider:

• Back pain
• Facial flushing or redness
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Runny or congested nose
• Stomach upsets

Please note that this list may not cover every potential side effect. For advice regarding side effects, consult your physician. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Ensure this medication is kept out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Store the medication at room temperature, ideally between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Any unused medication should be disposed of properly after the expiration date has passed.

NOTE: This document serves as a summary. It may not encompass every possible detail. Should you have any questions regarding this medication, please reach out to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for comprehensive guidance.