What Is Tadalafil Used For?

Tadalafil, better known by brand names such as Cialis and Adcirca, is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). According to the FDA prescribing information, this oral medication relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow in targeted tissues.

Tadalafil Uses In Different Conditions

Tadalafil Used For Erectile Dysfunction

Tadalafil used for erectile dysfunction enhances the natural response to sexual stimulation. It improves blood flow to the penis, helping maintain an erection adequate for intercourse. In one pivotal trial, tadalafil increased successful sexual intercourse rates compared to placebo in the Goldstein et al. ED trial.

Tadalafil For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Tadalafil for benign prostatic hyperplasia, also referred to as tadalafil for BPH, relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, which may improve urinary symptoms such as urgency and weak stream. In a 12-week study, daily tadalafil yielded an average 5.9-point improvement in symptom scores versus placebo in the Porst et al. BPH study.

Tadalafil For Pulmonary Hypertension

Tadalafil for pulmonary hypertension dilates pulmonary arteries and reduces vascular resistance. In clinical trials, patients treated with once-daily tadalafil demonstrated increased exercise tolerance, measured by longer distances in six-minute walk tests, as noted in the Adcirca prescribing information.

How Does Tadalafil Work?

Tadalafil works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which normally breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When cGMP levels remain elevated, smooth muscle relaxes and blood vessels widen. This effect improves blood flow in erectile tissue, helps relax muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, and reduces pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

Onset of action typically begins about 30 minutes after an oral dose, with peak effects at one to two hours. Unlike sildenafil, which lasts four to six hours, tadalafil has a half-life of about 17.5 hours and may remain effective for up to 36 hours. This longer duration supports either once-daily dosing or on-demand use, depending on the condition being treated.

Tadalafil Dosage Forms And Strengths

Tadalafil comes as an oral tablet in four strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.

Tadalafil 5mg Uses

Tadalafil 5 mg is commonly used once daily for ongoing treatment of ED or BPH. At this dose, patients maintain steadier drug levels that can support more spontaneous sexual activity and ongoing urinary symptom relief.

Tadalafil 20 mg Tablet Uses

Tadalafil 20 mg is typically used on demand for erectile dysfunction. Taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, it may provide benefits for up to 36 hours.

Tadalafil Use: How To Take It Safely

Before starting tadalafil, discuss your medical history with a healthcare provider. Tell them if you have heart disease, low blood pressure, kidney or liver impairment, or a history of stroke. Avoid tadalafil if you take nitrates or guanylate cyclase stimulators, as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Take on-demand doses at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, with or without food. For daily regimens, take the tablet at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, skip it and resume the next day. Do not double up. Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Alpha-blockers, certain antifungals, and some antibiotics may affect tadalafil levels, so check with your pharmacist or prescriber before adding new medications or supplements.

Side Effects And Warnings

Tadalafil is generally well tolerated, but both common and serious side effects can occur.

Common Side Effects

Headache, facial flushing, indigestion, back pain, nasal congestion, and muscle aches are among the most commonly reported side effects. These often appear within hours of a dose and usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours.

Serious Risks And When To Seek Help

Rarely, tadalafil can cause sudden vision loss, hearing impairment, or priapism. If you experience any of these, stop taking tadalafil and seek emergency medical care right away.

Special Population Warnings

Tadalafil use in pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been well studied, so women should avoid it unless specifically advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. Older adults may need lower starting doses, and dose adjustments may be needed in people with moderate to severe kidney or liver impairment.

Disclaimer: This website connects patients with licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate medical conditions and prescribe medications when appropriate. Some medications available through this service may be compounded drugs, which are customized formulations prepared by a pharmacy. The FDA does not conduct premarket review for compounded drugs to evaluate their safety, effectiveness, or quality. (See here: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/it-really-fda-approved). Individual results may vary, and these medications should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.