Description

What is Tadalafil?

Tadalafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a man is unable to achieve an erection hard enough to have sex. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of issues, both psychological and physical, and can cause damage to a man’s self-esteem. Tadalafil does not cure erectile dysfunction but has shown to significantly improve the chance of a man achieving an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.

Tadalafil is prescription only medication. You must have a prescription before you buy tadalafil. Alternatively, we can prescribe it to you following a brief online consultation. Contact us to find out more. Tadalafil is also known by the brand name Cialis. For more information, consult the patient information leaflet.

How it works

Tadalafil belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Following sexual stimulation, tadalafil helps the blood vessels in your penis to relax. This allows blood to flow into the penis and improves erectile function.

Tadalafil is not effective if you are not sexually stimulated. It may be effective for up to 36 hours after taking it.

Before you take it

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to tadalafil or any of the other ingredients in this medicine. A full list is available in the patient information leaflet. Speak to your doctor, who will be able to recommend an alternative treatment for your condition.

If you are taking any nitric oxide donors such as glyceryl trinitrate to treat angina, you should not take tadalafil as it has been shown to increase the effects of these medicines. If you are taking any form of nitrate, or are unsure of what you are taking, you should consult your doctor.

Be aware that sexual activity can present a risk to patients with heart disease because it puts a strain on your heart. If you have heart issues, talk to your doctor before engaging in sexual activity. If you have had a heart attack within the last 90 days, or a stroke within the last six months, do not take tadalafil and talk to your doctor.

Hearing loss has been reported in patients taking tadalafil, though it is unclear whether this is related to tadalafil. If you experience any loss of hearing while you are taking this medicine, stop taking it and consult your doctor.

Before taking these tablets, tell your doctor if you have sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, any penile deformation or a severe kidney problem. It is unknown if tadalafil is effective in patients who have had pelvic or prostate surgery.

Do not take tadalafil if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Any alpha blocker used to treat high blood pressure
• Riociguat
• Any 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Antifungal medications such as ketoconazole
• Phenobarbital, phenytoin or carbamazepine (anticonvulsants)
• Rifampicin, erythromycin, clarithromycin or other antibiotics
• Any other treatment for erectile dysfunction

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings or interactions. For more information, consult the patient information leaflet.

Dosage Instructions

Always take this medication exactly as your doctor has told you. Never exceed the stated dose. If you are unsure of how to take this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The recommended starting dose is one 10mg tablet, thirty minutes before sexual activity. However, you may have been given an increased starting dose of 20mg if your doctor has decided that 10mg is not sufficient to produce a response.

Do not take tadalafil more than once per day.

Swallow your tablets whole, with plenty of water. Do not suck, crush or chew them. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food.

Store tadalafil in a cool, dry place, free from heat and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Common Side Effects of Tadalafil

Tadalafil can cause side effects, although they are usually mild to moderate in nature. However, if side effects concern you, you should speak to your doctor. Side effects can include:

• Headache
• Back pain
• Muscle aches
• Facial flushing
• Indigestion

Tadalafil may cause more serious side effects. If you experience these, go to your doctor for advice. Side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Blood in urine
• Prolonged erection
• Palpitations
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Tinnitus
• Difficulty breathing
• Penile bleeding
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing

Tadalafil may also cause an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to this medicine are rare, but if you are experiencing one you should immediately seek medical attention. Symptoms can include:

• Hives or nettle rash
• Trouble breathing or speaking
• Swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips and throat
• Skin rash – swelling, blistering, redness

This is not a complete list of side effects. For a full list, consult the patient information leaflet.

Is tadalafil suitable for children?

Tadalafil should not be taken by anyone under the age of 18. We do not prescribe any medication to anyone under the age of 18.

I’m female. Can I take tadalafil?

Tadalafil is for male use only to treat erectile dysfunction.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Tadalafil 10mg and 20mg is an on-demand medication. You take it when you want to have sex. You will not be on a dosing schedule when prescribed tadalafil 10mg or 20mg to treat erectile dysfunction, so you need not worry about missing a dose.

If you have been prescribed tadalafil daily dose 2.5mg or 5mg, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.

What happens if I take too much?

If you believe you have taken too much tadalafil, consult a medical professional immediately. Taking more than the recommended dose will not increase the efficacy.