Tadalafil

Tadalafil is a prescription medicine that helps increase blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. It belongs to a group called PDE5 inhibitors and is the active ingredient in Cialis. It does not cause an automatic erection or increase sexual desire. Results vary.

As-needed tadalafil is usually taken at least 30 minutes before sex, and it may support erections for up to 36 hours. Results vary. This is a window when the medicine may help during sexual arousal, not a prediction that an erection will last that long.

Daily tadalafil uses a lower dose taken around the same time each day. As-needed tadalafil is taken before planned sex, following your prescription. Either approach may help with erections during sexual arousal. Results vary. A licensed physician in your state decides which schedule is appropriate for you.

Take tadalafil exactly as prescribed, with or without food. For daily treatment, take it around the same time each day. If you miss a daily dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Never double up or exceed your prescribed schedule.

Tadalafil must not be combined with nitrates or recreational nitrites, often called poppers, because the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you have chest pain after taking tadalafil, call 911. Do not take nitroglycerin yourself, and tell emergency staff when you last took tadalafil.

Tadalafil can interact with nitrates, riociguat, alpha blockers, blood pressure medicines, and some antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV medicines. Do not combine it with another ED medicine unless your prescriber directs you to. Share all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and recreational drugs before starting tadalafil or adding a new treatment.

Tadalafil can cause headache, indigestion, flushing, a stuffy nose, back pain, or muscle aches. Seek emergency care for an erection lasting more than four hours, chest pain, or a severe allergic reaction. Stop tadalafil and seek urgent medical care for sudden vision loss or a sudden decrease or loss of hearing.

Tadalafil needs careful review if you have heart disease, blood pressure problems, kidney or liver disease, or certain eye, hearing, or blood conditions. People taking nitrates or riociguat must not use it. A licensed physician in your state decides whether tadalafil and sexual activity are appropriate for your health.

You can take tadalafil with or without food, but heavy drinking can raise the risk of dizziness, headache, and low blood pressure. Alcohol can also make erections harder to achieve. Results vary. Ask your prescriber about alcohol use, and check with your pharmacist before eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.

Contact your prescriber if tadalafil is not helping, causes side effects, or no longer fits your needs. Results vary. Do not increase the dose, add another ED medicine, or switch on your own. Tadalafil for ED usually does not need tapering, but discuss your plan with your prescriber.