Cialis
Tadalafil
Tadalafil (tah DA la fil) oral tablet is prescribed for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (also called enlarged prostate). It’s a generic version of the brand-name drug Cialis. Tadalafil belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.
Tadalafil (tah DA la fil) oral tablet is prescribed for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (also called enlarged prostate). It’s a generic version of the brand-name drug Cialis. Tadalafil belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 5mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Introduction
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD on April 22, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
This article describes tadalafil oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Below you’ll find coupon options for tadalafil.
Common questions about tadalafil
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about tadalafil oral tablet.
How does tadalafil compare with other similar drugs, such as sildenafil?
Tadalafil oral tablet (Cialis) and similar drugs, such as sildenafil (Viagra), are phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors have similar side effects and warnings.
Both tadalafil oral tablet and sildenafil treat erectile dysfunction (ED). But they have different dosing schedules. Doctors can prescribe tadalafil oral tablet in two ways, either as needed or once per day. Sildenafil is prescribed as needed for ED. To learn more about how the dosages of these two drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
Because tadalafil oral tablet and sildenafil work the same way, you should not take them together. Doing so could cause serious side effects.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does tadalafil cause long-term side effects?
No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with tadalafil oral tablet. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who took the drug for a long time. Also, long lasting side effects after treatment ended weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with tadalafil.
Can females use tadalafil?
No, tadalafil oral tablet isn’t approved for use in females. (Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.)
Talk with your doctor if you’re female and having problems with sexual function or desire. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.
How does tadalafil work? And how long does it take to start working?
Tadalafil oral tablet relaxes blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. This increases blood flow to the penis and improves the ability to get an erection.
Tadalafil oral tablet should start working within 30 minutes. The effect can last up to 36 hours.
For more information about what to expect with tadalafil oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is there a best time of day to take tadalafil? What should I do if I miss a dose?
No, there isn’t a recommended time of day to take tadalafil oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes the drug as needed, you’ll take it about 30 minutes before sexual activity. If your doctor prescribes tadalafil oral tablet once per day, it’s best to take it at the same time each day. This helps keep a constant level of drug in your body.
If you take tadalafil oral tablet once per day and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s the next day, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses in one day. Doing so could cause serious side effects.
If you need help deciding whether or not to take a missed dose, call your doctor or pharmacist.
Can tadalafil tablets be crushed, split, or chewed?
No, you’ll swallow tadalafil oral tablet whole. Do not crush, split, or chew it.
If you’re having trouble swallowing tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also view this article for tips.
Side effects of tadalafil
Tadalafil may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of tadalafil oral tablet and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age and overall health and any other medications you take.
To learn more about tadalafil oral tablet’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information for tadalafil oral tablet.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with tadalafil oral tablet are listed below.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Tadalafil oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- back pain
- abdominal (belly) pain
- diarrhea
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
- headache
- indigestion (upset stomach)
- muscle aches
- pain in a limb
- stuffy nose
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for tadalafil” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of tadalafil oral tablet are listed below. With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common.
If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Tadalafil oral tablet’s serious side effects include:
- low blood pressure
- optic nerve damage
- priapism (long lasting erection)
- sudden hearing loss
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for tadalafil” section below.
Dosage of tadalafil
The dosage of tadalafil oral tablet your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.
Taking tadalafil
Tadalafil oral tablet is swallowed. It can be taken with or without food.
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take tadalafil oral tablet. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
See the “Common questions about tadalafil” section for information on missed doses and the best time to take this drug.
Overdose of tadalafil
You should not take more tadalafil than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much tadalafil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Uses of tadalafil
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as tadalafil for certain conditions. Approved uses for tadalafil oral tablet are described below.
Use for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Doctors may prescribe tadalafil oral tablet for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s used for this purpose in adult males* and it’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With ED (also called impotence), you have an inability to get or keep an erection. Tadalafil oral tablet helps improve the ability to get an erection firm enough for sex.
With BPH (also called enlarged prostate), your prostate gland increases in size. The prostate gland surrounds the male urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) below the bladder. An enlarged prostate causes symptoms that relate to urinating. These include having trouble urinating, dribbling urine, or having a weak urine stream. Tadalafil oral tablet helps relieve these symptoms.
Tadalafil can be prescribed together with finasteride for BPH for up to 6 months.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term male to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Interactions of tadalafil
For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take tadalafil, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. They can check for interactions these items may cause with tadalafil. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription medications*
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for tadalafil” section below.
* Doctors will not prescribe tadalafil with nitrates, such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) or isosorbide (Monoket). They also won’t prescribe sildenafil with guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat (Adempas) or vericiguat (Verquvo). For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Tadalafil coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for tadalafil oral tablet by using our Perks discount coupons. These can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for tadalafil, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more about the cost of tadalafil in this article.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Warnings for tadalafil
Tadalafil should not be taken by certain people. And some people should take this drug cautiously. Precautions for taking this drug are described below.
Warnings
Tadalafil could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether tadalafil oral tablet is a safe option for you.
Tell your doctor about your overall health and any past health conditions before you take tadalafil oral tablet. Health conditions and other factors you and your doctor should discuss include:
- alpha-blocker use
- heart and blood vessel disease
- recent stroke or heart attack
- high blood pressure
- pulmonary hypertension
- stomach ulcers
- kidney or liver problems
- blood cell problems
- bleeding problems
- physical abnormalities of the penis, such as Peyronie’s disease
- retinitis pigmentosa
Allergic reaction
Tadalafil can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to tadalafil or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe tadalafil. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to tadalafil, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and tadalafil
Information about tadalafil and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Tadalafil and pregnancy
It’s unknown whether it’s safe to take tadalafil oral tablet during pregnancy. Pregnant people are not meant to take this medication. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Tadalafil and breastfeeding
It’s unknown whether tadalafil is safe to take while breastfeeding. People who are breastfeeding are not meant to take this medication. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes tadalafil oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about tadalafil or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What do I do if tadalafil is not working?
- Is tadalafil safe to take?
- How does tadalafil oral tablet compare to other drugs that could treat my condition?
<strong>Article resources</strong>
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Tadalafil- tadalafil tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/5ea24573-2d16-40d8-a46c-7b5fa8669e69/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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