Pronunciation: Tadalafil (tah-DAH-la-fil)
Brand Names (US):
Adcirca®
Alyq®
Cialis®
Tadiliq®
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this drug used for?
It is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
It is used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
It is used to treat high pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
It may be prescribed for other reasons. Talk with your doctor.
What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
For all uses of this drug, inform your doctor if:
You are allergic to this drug or any of its components, or if you are allergic to any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about any allergy and the signs you experienced.
You have kidney disease or liver disease.
You have certain hereditary eye problems, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
You have a condition called pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD).
You have a specific type of chest pain (unstable angina).
Tell your doctor if you have any of these health problems:
A heart attack within the last 90 days
Chest pain during sex
Heart failure or an irregular heartbeat
High or low blood pressure
A stroke within the last 6 months
You must also tell your doctor if you use “poppers” (amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite).
Do not take this drug if you are taking:
Isosorbide dinitrate
Isosorbide mononitrate
Nitroglycerin
You may also need to avoid taking these drugs for some time after your last dose of this drug. Ask your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are taking:
Alfuzosin
Doxazosin
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Prazosin
Rifampin
Riociguat
Ritonavir
Silodosin
Tamsulosin
Terazosin
Also, inform your doctor if you are taking another drug that contains the same ingredient, another drug like this one for ED or high blood pressure in the lungs, or if the patient is a child, since this drug is not approved for use in children.
For Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
If you have been told that you are not healthy enough for sexual activity, inform your doctor.
Note:
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications (prescription, OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems.
Ensure it is safe to take this drug with all of your other medications and health conditions.
Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor first.
What should I know or do while I take this drug?
For all uses of this drug:
Inform all of your healthcare providers that you take this drug. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving or performing tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or fainting, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful on stairs.
Talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol.
If you consume grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.
Serious side effects such as abnormal heartbeats, heart attack, stroke, and severe high blood pressure have occurred with Tadalafil. If you have a sudden decrease or loss of eyesight, it may be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Seek medical attention right away.
If you have bleeding problems, discuss this with your doctor.
If you are 65 or older, use this drug with caution; you may have more side effects.
For Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted infections like HIV or hepatitis.
Always use protection (latex or polyurethane condom) to prevent disease transmission. Talk with your doctor if you have questions.
High Pressure in the Lungs (Pulmonary Hypertension):
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks.
For Other Reasons:
This drug is not approved for use in females. If you are a female using this drug, talk with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
What are some side effects that require immediate medical attention?
Signs of an allergic reaction include:
Rash, hives, itching
Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
Red or irritated eyes
Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or an abnormal heartbeat
Dizziness or passing out
A very bad headache
Weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, changes in balance, or drooping on one side of the face
Blurred eyesight
Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or other changes in hearing
A painful erection or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (with or without sexual stimulation). This can cause permanent damage if not treated immediately.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Call your doctor if any side effects bother you or do not go away.
For all uses of this drug:
Flushing
Headache
Back and muscle pain
Upset stomach
Nose or throat irritation
Common cold symptoms
For high pressure in the lungs:
Pain in the arms or legs
Note: These are not all the possible side effects. If you have questions, talk with your doctor. You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug exactly as ordered by your doctor. Read all information provided and follow all instructions carefully.
High Pressure in the Lungs (Pulmonary Hypertension):
Take this drug at the same time each day, with or without food.
Continue taking it as instructed by your doctor, even if you feel well.
Liquid (Suspension) Form:
Shake well for at least 30 seconds before each use.
For Other Reasons:
Take with or without food.
Do not split or break the tablet.
What if I miss a dose?
High Pressure in the Lungs:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
For Other Uses (including ED):
If you take it daily: Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
If you are using it as needed: Do not use it more often than directed by your doctor.
How do I store and/or dispose of this drug?
Store at room temperature in a dry place.
Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired drugs properly.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so.
Check with your pharmacist about drug take-back programs in your area.
Take Note:
If your symptoms or health problems do not improve or worsen, call your doctor.
Do not share this medication with others and do not take anyone else’s medication.
Some drugs may have additional patient information leaflets. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or seek medical care immediately. Be prepared to provide details about what was taken, how much, and when it occurred.