tadalafil at a glance
Medicine class
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor
Licensed roles represented
Erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension
Administration
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water; it may be taken with or without food.
Erectile dysfunction
Sexual stimulation is still required for an erection.
What is tadalafil used for?
The selected UK products cover two licensed settings:
Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men; sexual stimulation is required.
Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults and children aged two years and over, under specialist care.
How does tadalafil work?
Tadalafil blocks PDE5, slowing the breakdown of cyclic GMP. In erectile tissue this supports smooth-muscle relaxation and blood inflow after sexual stimulation. In pulmonary arterial hypertension it relaxes pulmonary vascular smooth muscle, improving blood flow through the lungs.
tadalafil preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
How to take tadalafil
Follow the product label and prescriber or pharmacist instructions because administration differs by indication. Do not interchange erectile-dysfunction and pulmonary-hypertension products without professional advice.
Swallow film-coated tablets whole with water.
Tablets may be taken with or without food.
Avoid grapefruit juice and excessive alcohol because these may increase adverse effects or dizziness.
Do not stop tadalafil used for pulmonary arterial hypertension without discussing it with the specialist team.
tadalafil side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Indigestion or abdominal discomfort
- Back pain, muscle aches or limb pain
- Flushing
- Blocked nose
- Nausea
Get urgent medical advice
- Chest pain, fainting or marked breathlessness
- Serious allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling
- Sudden loss or significant change in vision or hearing
- Prolonged or painful erection
- Seizure or symptoms of severe hypotension
tadalafil in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited, so UK product information advises avoiding tadalafil as a precaution. Anyone taking it for pulmonary arterial hypertension who is pregnant or planning pregnancy needs prompt specialist review rather than changing treatment independently.
tadalafil while breastfeeding
Animal data show tadalafil enters milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. UK product information advises against use while breastfeeding; specialist assessment is important when treatment is for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
tadalafil interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy and recreational substances before tadalafil is supplied or prescribed.
Nitrates and nitrate-containing “poppers”
The combination is contraindicated because it can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.
Riociguat
Concurrent use is contraindicated because blood-pressure lowering can be excessive.
Common questions about tadalafil
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does tadalafil cause an erection without sexual stimulation?
No. When used for erectile dysfunction, sexual stimulation is required for tadalafil to support an erection.
Can tadalafil tablets be taken with food?
Yes. The selected film-coated tablets can be swallowed with water, with or without food.
Can tadalafil be taken with GTN or other nitrates?
No. Nitrates and tadalafil are contraindicated together because blood pressure can fall dangerously.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.