Tadalafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and is the core ingredient in Cialis — the brand-name drug that has one become one of the best-known products in treating ED. Scientifically, Tadalafil is recognized as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that is used to block the degradative action in the smooth muscle cells lining blood vessels that fuel various tissues. The medication enables your body to more freely supply blood to needed tissues. A Tadalafil dosage relaxes the smooth muscles and arteries inside the penis, while dilating the masses of erectile tissue as well, which in turn helps the blood flow and enables the patient to more easily achieve the rigidity needed for intercourse.
Tadalafil hit the market in 2003, five years after Sildenafil (another PDE5 inhibitor). Unlike its spiritual predecessor, however, Tadalafil has a much longer duration (36 hours) and can be taken as little as 30 minutes before expected sexual activity. Here at Lakeview Pharmacy, we’ve already posted a detailed breakdown of Tadalafil vs. Sildenafil. That article is a perfect place to start if you’re unsure about which ED medication may be best for you.
What You Need to Know About ED
Erectile dysfunction, sometimes referred to as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough to participate in a satisfying sexual experience. An erection is the result of increased blood flow into the penis and is the end result of a complex process involving a myriad of bodily functions working in concert. If there is a break in any part of the chain of responses needed to initiate the erection process, then that can lead to ED.
ED isn’t uncommon, and more than $300 million will be spent in the United States alone this year in treating the condition. The Cleveland Clinic, for instance, notes that 1 out of every 10 adult men will experience ED at some point in their lives.
There is no one cause for ED. Instead, there many issues that can lead to ED including — but not limited to — depression, anxiety, stress, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, and drug or alcohol abuse.
Extended bouts with ED could be an early indicator of a more serious underlying health condition — particularly with the cardiovascular system.
Besides treating the condition with the proper Tadalafil dosage, patients should also consult with their healthcare professional to address other contributing factors such as chronic ailments, like heart disease for example. Regular exercise to bolster the cardiovascular system, avoiding drug and alcohol use, and finding healthier ways to deal with anxiety and stress can also help.
Figuring Out Your Proper Tadalafil Dosage
Tadalafil is normally taken via a tablet form, and the prescribed dosage can range from 2.5 mg per dose up to 20 mg per dose according to The Mayo Clinic.
Tadalafil can also be taken in two ways, and with or without food in either scenario. Some patients may be prescribed to take it only when they anticipate sexual activity, or on a “as needed” basis. In this situation, a typical dosage is 10 mg taken no more than once per day and preferably at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
In addition, Tadalafil can also be taken on a daily basis without regard for anticipated sexual activity. In this case, the dosage is much smaller — typically just 2.5 mg per dose — and it should be taken every day around the same time.
In either case, patients should avoid taking Tadalafil in addition to any nitrates/high blood pressure medication as this may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Patients should also avoid taking Tadalafil if on prescribed prostate medication.
Your specific dosage will depend on several factors, including how well your body reacts to the initial dosage. Other medications, your age and your overall level of cardiovascular health will all factor into your doctor’s decision when it comes to prescribing your dosage.
Some patients will have stronger reactions than others to the same level of dosage. Also, be sure to discuss any side effects with your healthcare professional.
Tadalafil Comes with Potential Side Effects
Side effects with Tadalafil are rare, given the option for a low daily dosage, but there are several patients should be aware of if they crop up.
The most common side effects from Tadalafil run from headaches and an upset stomach, to back/muscle pain, a flushing of the skin, a runny or stuffy nose and diarrhea.
The more serious, and much rarer occurring, side effects from Tadalafil include hearing loss, drastic changes in vision, low blood pressure including fainting or chest pain (Angina), and priapism (a prolonged, persistent erection). If any of these symptoms develop, patients should contact medical services immediately.
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Lakeview Pharmacy believes in putting knowledge in the hands of its customers. As a compounding pharmacy, Lakeview Pharmacy and our team of dedicated pharmacists have served the Racine, Wis. region for nearly half a century.
