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Tadalafil  (Systemic)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Cialis

Category


Description

Tadalafil (tah-DAL-a-fil ) is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body's normal response is to increase blood flow to his penis. This results in an erection. Tadalafil helps increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with erectile dysfunction get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow to his penis decreases, and his erection goes away.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For tadalafil, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to tadalafil. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Tadalafil is for use in men only. Tadalafil has not been studied in pregnant women. Tadalafil has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animals.

Breast-feeding—Tadalafil is for use in men only. It is not known whether tadalafil passes into human breast milk.

Children—Tadalfil is not for use in children.

Older adults—This medicine has been tested in a limited number of patients 65 years of age or older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking tadalafil, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of tadalafil. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

Special patient directions come with tadalafil. Read the directions carefully before you start using tadalafil and each time you get a refill of your medicine.

Use tadalafil exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. If too much is used, the chance of side effects or other problems is increased.

Dosing—

The dose of tadalafil will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of tadalafil. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

Tadalafil has not been studied with other medicines used for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Using them together is not recommended .

It is important that you tell all of your healthcare providers that you take tadalafil. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it is important that your healthcare provider knows when you last took tadalafil.

If you experience a prolonged or painful erection for 4 hours or more, contact your doctor immediately. This condition may require prompt medical treatment to prevent serious and permanent damage to your penis.

This medicine does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Use protective measures and ask your doctor if you have any questions about this.

It is important to tell your doctor about any heart problems you may have now or may have had in the past. This medicine can cause serious side effects in patients with heart problems.

Do not drink alcohol to excess (for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey) when taking tadalafil. When taken in excess alcohol can increase your chances of getting a headache or getting dizzy, increasing your heart rate, or lowering your blood pressure.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Developed: 01/22/2004
Revised: 03/09/2004

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