Tadalafil
 
What is Tadalafil and why is it prescribed?
Tadalafil relaxes muscles within the penis. This allows increased blood flow into the penis, necessary to achieve and maintain an erection. Tadalafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Do not take Tadalafil if you are taking any of the following medicines: a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro, others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), and others; nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"); or an alpha blocker (other than tamsulosin (Flomax) 0.4 mg once a day) such as doxazosin (Cardura), guanadrel (Hylorel), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and others. Taking Tadalafil with any of these medications may cause very low blood pressure, possibly resulting in dizziness, fainting, stroke, or heart attack. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention for any erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. A sustained erection can damage the penis. Refrain from further sexual activity and notify your doctor it you develop dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw) during sexual activity. Tadalafil is usually taken when needed before sexual activity. The effects of Tadalafil may last for up to 36 hours or more. Your doctor will determine how often you can take Tadalafil. Do not take Tadalafil more often than is directed by your doctor.

How should you take Tadalafil?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Tadalafil. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Tadalafil is usually taken when needed before sexual activity. The effects of Tadalafil may last for up to 36 hours or more. Your doctor will determine how often you can take Tadalafil. Tadalafil can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. Tadalafil should not be taken with excessive amounts of alcohol (e.g. 5 or more drinks). Excessive alcohol may increase the risk of headache, dizziness, increased heart rate, or low blood pressure when Tadalafil is taken. If you develop dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw) during sexual activity, refrain from further sexual activity and notify your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention for any erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. A sustained erection can damage the penis. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Tadalafil. The interaction could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Tadalafil is used as needed, so you are not likely to miss a dose. Store Tadalafil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Are there any Tadalafil side effects?
Tadalafil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Tadalafil side effects may include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, and temporary blue tint in vision or difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and green (uncommon). Less common to rare Tadalafil side effects may include an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), chest pain or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw), swelling of the ankles or legs, shortness of breath, prolonged or severe dizziness, and a prolonged (lasting longer than 4 hours) or painful erection.

What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Tadalafil?
If Tadalafil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Do not take Tadalafil if you are taking any of the following medicines: a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro, others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), and others; nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"); or an alpha blocker (other than tamsulosin (Flomax) 0.4 mg once a day) such as doxazosin (Cardura), guanadrel (Hylorel), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and others. Taking Tadalafil with any of these medications may cause very low blood pressure, possibly resulting in dizziness, fainting, stroke, or heart attack. Before taking Tadalafil, tell your doctor if you are taking any other drug used to treat impotence, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin, others); the antibiotic erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, others); an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or HIV medications such as indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), and others. You may not be able to take Tadalafil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Are there any special warnings about Tadalafil?
Do not take any other drug used to treat impotence, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin, others), without first talking to your doctor. Tadalafil should not be taken with excessive amounts of alcohol (e.g. 5 or more drinks). Excessive alcohol may increase the risk of headache, dizziness, increased heart rate, or low blood pressure when Tadalafil is taken. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Tadalafil. The interaction could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
 

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