Tadalafil is a substance used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is a strong, reversible inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5. What is the effect of tadalafil and what are the contraindications to its use? How should tadalafil be dosed?

Tadalafil - action

Tadalafil is a substance used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is a potent, reversible inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5. Inhibition of this enzyme in the corpus cavernosum increases the concentration of intracellular cGMP, which then results in relaxation of the smooth muscle tone of the penis and promotes drainage of blood to the penile tissues, leading to an erection. Tadalafil can only work after sexual stimulation.

Compared to other drugs used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (sildenafil, vardenafil), it has a longer duration of action and may not reduce the strength of this effect when taken with food or alcohol.

Tadalafil - dosage

Preparations containing tadalafil should not be used every day. The recommended single dose is 10 mg of tadalafil at least 30 minutes before the planned sexual activity. In some men, the effect may appear after 15 minutes, however, in others, this time may be extended up to 2 hours after taking a preparation containing tadalafil. Higher doses can be taken - up to 20 mg in patients for whom a lower dose is not having the desired effect.

Continuous use is not recommended, but if the patient intends to take tadalafil more often (at least twice a week) it is recommended to reduce the dose to 5 or 2.5 mg and take it once a day at the same time.

Dose up to 20 mg cannot be increased in patients with renal insufficiency. Treatment regimens that require daily dosing are also not recommended in these patients.

The 10 mg dose is the maximum dose for patients with hepatic impairment and the use of preparations containing tadalafil should be consulted with a physician to determine the individual benefit-risk ratio.

Tadalafil - contraindications

Cardiovascular diseases (recent heart attack or stroke,unstable angina, NYHA class 2 myocardial failure, uncontrolled arrhythmias and hypotension). Also, loss of vision due to non-arterial anterior ischemic neuropathy of the optic nerve prevents the use of tadalafil.

Tadalafil - side effects

Tadalafil is a substance that rarely causes severe side effects. The most commonly reported include headache, back pain, muscle pain, and indigestion. However, these symptoms are usually moderate to mild and of a temporary nature and of a temporary nature.

There is a risk of more serious side effects, including: optic neuropathy leading to visual disturbances, pressure disturbances, priapism.

Tadalafil - interactions

Tadalafil may interact with other medicinal substances. Pay particular attention to:

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors → increase tadalafil concentration
  • nitrates → increasing the antihypertensive effect of nitrates (treatment with nitrates should be postponed for 48 hours after the use of tadalafil)
  • antihypertensive drugs → increasing the antihypertensive effect

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