Tadalafil (pronounced tuh-da-luh-fil)
Brand names (US):
Cialis
Tadalafil is:
- Used for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Used for treatment of signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
- Could be prescribed for an “off-label” use, as determined by your healthcare provider.
What to know before taking tadalafil
Do not use tadalafil if you:
- Allergic to any of the ingredients in tadalafil.
- Using nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) or nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form.
Before taking tadalafil, talk to your healthcare provider:
- About Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare, but serious and potentially life-threatening skin reaction that may occur when taking tadalafil.
- If you have pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
- If you have pre-existing kidney or liver disease.
- If you have an anatomical deformation of the penis or conditions that predisposes you to priapism anatomical deformation of the penis.
- If you have a history of bleeding disorders.
Use in pregnancy:
- There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of tadalafil in pregnant women.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
Use in children and adolescents:
Tadalafil is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.
Interactions with tadalafil:
There are products that may interact with your medication that can change its effectiveness and increase the risk for serious side effects. Before starting tadalafil, talk to your healthcare provider for more details about how this medicine might interact with other products and if you're taking any of the following:
Alpha-blockers such as:
- Tamsulosin
- Alfuzosin
- Doxazosin
As well as:
- Anti-hypertensives, such as amlodipine. Using these medications together may lead to a lowering of blood pressure significantly.
- Ritonavir
- Erythromycin
- Ketoconazole
- Alcohol. Using these products together may increase risk of side effects.
This is not a complete list of possible interactions. It is important to keep a list of all products you currently use and talk to your health care provider before adding anything new to avoid potential interactions.
What to know while taking tadalafil
Serious side effects:
- Stop taking tadalafil and talk to your healthcare provider or seek medical attention right away if you develop:
- Erection lasting > 4 hours, seek medical attention right away.
- Sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes.
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing.
Common side effects:
The most common side effects in adults include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Upset stomach
- Abnormal vision
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Rash
These are not all the possible side effects of this medication. Call your healthcare provider if you have side effects that worsen or do not go away. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
How to take tadalafil
How much do I take?
Use tadalafil exactly as prescribed. Your health care provider will tell you how often to use tadalafil.
How do I take this medication?
- Tadalafil is taken by mouth, with or without food.
- Avoid grapefruit juice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forgot to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take double your prescribed dose.
What if I take too much (overdose)?
If you think you may have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or seek medical care right away.
How to store / dispose tadalafil
How do I store this medication?
- Store at room temperature.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place and away from children and pets.
How do I dispose of this medication?
- Do not throw away unused or expired drugs.
- Do not flush down the toilet or pour down the drain unless you are told to do so by your healthcare provider.
- Check with your pharmacist if you have questions on the best way to throw away your medication. There may be take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This medicine was prescribed for your condition. This product is only to be used by the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not use it for another condition or give the medicine to others.
This document provides a summary of information about your medication and does not contain all possible information about this medication. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective or approved for treating a specific patient. It does not provide specific medical advice or replace guidance from your health care provider or pharmacist who prescribed or prepared the medication.
If you have any questions or concerns, or want more information about your medication, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.
