Tadalafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where this enzyme works.
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body’s normal response is to increase blood flow to his penis to produce an erection. By controlling the enzyme, tadalafil helps to maintain an erection after the penis is stroked by increasing blood flow to the penis. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, tadalafil will not work to cause an erection.
Tadalafil is also used to treat men who have signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is caused by an enlarged prostate. Men with BPH usually have difficulty urinating, a decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, and a need to get up at night to urinate. Tadalafil will make these symptoms less severe and reduce the chance that prostate surgery will be needed. This medicine is also used to treat erectile dysfunction and signs and symptoms of BPH.
- Tadalafil (Cialis) can be taken with or without food, since food doesn’t affect how well the medication works. Don’t split the tablets, since the entire dose should be taken.
If you’re taking tadalafil (Cialis) daily, take it at the same time every day for it to work best for you. - Don’t take more than one dose of tadalafil (Cialis) unless instructed by your provider. Doing so could lead to more side effects like low blood pressure, dizziness, and vision problems.
- If you get muscle or back pain with tadalafil (Cialis), it should get better in about 2 days. Talk to your provider if your symptoms don’t improve.
- If you have an erection for more than 4 hours, go to the emergency department right away as this can lead to damage to the penis.
- Tadalafil (Cialis) doesn’t stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like herpes or HIV. Be sure to practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom.