What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, which can be caused by certain medical conditions. It is also prescribed for men with an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As men age, their prostate gland often grows larger, which can lead to urinary problems since the prostate is located near the bladder.
Symptoms of BPH include delayed urine flow, longer time spent urinating, dribbling, and the sensation of an incomplete bladder emptying. Tadalafil helps by improving blood flow to the prostate and bladder and relaxing the muscles in these areas, making it easier to urinate.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the ongoing difficulty in getting and keeping an erection firm enough for sex for at least three months. This condition affects men’s physical and mental health worldwide and can also impact the quality of life for both the men and their partners.
Erectile dysfunction involves various body systems, such as the nervous, hormonal, mechanical, and psychological systems.
Getting an erection is a complex process that requires coordination between the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues in the penis. It involves the widening of arteries, the relaxation of smooth muscle in the penis, and the trapping of blood to maintain the erection.
How can you prevent erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can be prevented by properly managing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, which are linked to its development. Good blood vessel health is necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection. Therefore, lifestyle changes that improve blood vessel health—like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly—may help prevent or even reverse erectile dysfunction.
Safety Profile of Tadalafil
Tadalafil tablets usually don’t cause drowsiness, but they can have other side effects.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of tadalafil include:
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Back pain
- Muscle aches
- Flushing (reddish skin)
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Diarrhea
If these side effects are mild, they might go away on their own after a few days or weeks. If they persist or become severe, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as:
- Priapism (a prolonged and possibly painful erection that won’t go away)
- Vision changes (like seeing a blue tint, difficulty distinguishing between blue and green, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes)
- Hearing loss (sudden decrease or loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, or dizziness)
- Low blood pressure
- Angina (chest pain)
Can I take both Tadalafil for daily use and as needed at the same time?
No, do not take both at the same time.
If you want to switch between daily use and as-needed dosing, talk to your doctor first. Also, do not use any other erectile dysfunction treatments while taking tadalafil.
What should you do if you forget a dose?
Tadalafil should only be taken once a day!
If you are taking tadalafil regularly for erectile dysfunction and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose or more than one dose per day to make up for a missed one.
Always take tadalafil exactly as prescribed by your doctor!