What is tadalafil?
Tadalafil is an active ingredient from the group of PDE-5 inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Originally marketed by Lilly under the brand name Cialis®, Tadalafil has also been available as a generic since the patent procedure.
The special aspect of Tadalafil is its long working time of up to 36 hours – significantly longer than other PDE-5-inhibitors. This has introduced the supplement "weekend pill" to the drug, since an intake on Friday night can theoretically work until Sunday morning.
In addition to need therapy, Tadalafil is also approved for daily intake in low dosage (5 mg). This option allows even greater spontaneity, as no use before sexual intercourse is required.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Tadalafil
Tadalafil inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 like all PDE-5-inhibitors. As a result, the messenger substance cGMP remains active for longer, which is responsible for the relaxation of the vascular muscle in the penis. The result: In sexual arousal, more blood flows into the penis, and an erection can be more easily created and maintained.
What makes Tadalafil special: Tadalafil has a significantly longer half-life than other PDE-5 inhibitors. While Sildenafil is mined half after about 4 hours, this takes about 17 hours at Tadalafil. That's why the effect lasts so long.
Initiation of action: The effect can begin after 30 minutes, in some men it takes up to 2 hours. In contrast to short-acting preparations, however, it does not have to be planned so accurately.
Important: Tadalafil also acts only in sexual stimulation. No erection occurs without excitement.
Who is it suitable for?
Tadalafil is especially suitable for men who:
- More spontaneity desire – The long duration of action allows sexual activity without accurate time planning
- Family are sexually active – The daily intake of 5 mg can be beneficial for couples with regular sex life
- have problems with taking "at the touch of a button" – The pressure to take a drug immediately before sex is eliminated
Other patient groups:
- Men with erectile dysfunction of various causes
- Patients with diabetes and erection disorders
- Men with mentally caused erection problems, where temporal pressure is a problem
speciality: Tadalafil is also approved for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement (BPH) and can have a double effect in men with both complaints.
Available Dosages
Tadalafil is available in various dosages:
For demand therapy (before intercourse):
- 10 mg – Recommended initial dose
- 20 mg – Maximum single dose
In case of daily intake:
- 5 mg – once a day, regardless of sexual activity
Dosing recommendation: For demand therapy, 10 mg are usually started. Depending on the effectiveness and compatibility, it can be increased to 20 mg. With good compatibility and frequent sexual activity (more than twice a week), daily intake of 5 mg can be useful.
For older patients: In men over 65 years, no dose adjustment is required, provided there is no severe kidney or liver malfunction.
How to Take
**Bedarfstherapie (10 mg or 20 mg):* *
- At least 30 minutes before scheduled intercourse
- The effect can last up to 36 hours
- Maximum one tablet per day
- taking independent meals possible
**Common intake (5 mg):* *
- Take every day at about the same time
- Regardless of sexual activity
- After a few days a constant level of action is reached
- Sexual activity is then possible at any time
Ingestion with food: Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. Unlike some other PDE-5-inhibitors, a rich meal has no relevant influence on the recording.
Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption is possible. Excessive alcohol can, however, impair the erection capability and increase side effects such as dizziness.
Contraindications
**Tadalafil must not be taken at:* *
- Intake of nitrates – such as glycerol trinitrate (nitrospray), isosorbide mononitrate or amyl nitrite (Poppers). The combination can cause a life-threatening blood pressure drop.
- Black heart disease – especially for heart attack in the last 90 days, unstable angina pectoris, heart failure (NYHA II-IV), uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias
- **In the last 6 months
- Non blood pressure (under 90/50 mmHg) or uncontrolled hypertension
- Smooth liver failure
- Erbliche retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa
- Short visual loss due to non-arteriitic anterior ischemic optics neuropathy (NAION)
Apply with caution at:
- Anatomical penis deformities
- Diseases with increased priapism risk
- Simultaneous alpha blocker therapy
Possible Side Effects
**Very common (more than 1 out of 10):* *
- Headaches
**Family (1 to 10 of 100):* *
- Face redness (Flush)
- Blocked nose, nasal nebulae
- Back pain
- muscle pain
- Pain in arms and legs
- Indigestion
- Sodburning
Occasionally:
- Squeeze
- Hidden vision
- Heart turf
- Skin rash
Notes to the side effects: Back pain and muscle pain occur more frequently in Tadalafil than in other PDE-5-inhibitors. They are usually mild and disappear within 48 hours.
**If a doctor should be consulted immediately:* *
- Painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism)
- Sudden visual loss or hearing loss
- chest pain during or after sexual activity
Interactions
Absolute contraindication:
- Nitrate and NO donors: The combination is strictly contraindicated because of the risk of severe blood pressure drop.
Important interactions:
- Alpha blockers: Can increase blood pressure-lowering effect. At the same time, tadalafil should be started in the lowest dose.
- Starke CYP3A4 inhibitor (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir): Increase the Tadalafil concentration. The dose should not exceed 10 mg in 72 hours.
- CYP3A4 inductors (rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine): Can reduce the effectiveness of tadalafil.
- Other PDE 5 inhibitors:No simultaneous application.
- Blow pressure medication: Possible additive blood pressure-lowering effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is tadalafil right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.