From the Guidelines
Tadalafil is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. The medication is typically prescribed at doses of 5-20mg taken as needed before sexual activity, with effects lasting up to 36 hours 1. For daily use in ED or BPH, lower doses of 2.5-5mg are recommended. Tadalafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation by blocking the enzyme PDE5, which normally breaks down cGMP, a chemical that relaxes smooth muscles in blood vessels.
Some key points to consider when prescribing tadalafil include:
- The choice of a specific PDE5 inhibitor, such as tadalafil, should be based on the individual preferences of men with erectile dysfunction, including ease of use, cost of medication, and adverse effects profile 1.
- Tadalafil is relatively well tolerated and is associated with mild or moderate adverse events, with common side effects including headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and nasal congestion.
- The incidence of adverse events does not significantly differ among the various PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil 1.
- Patients with cardiovascular disease should consult their doctor before using tadalafil as it may not be appropriate for everyone, and it should not be taken with nitrate medications as this combination can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.
Overall, tadalafil is a recommended treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction who do not have a contraindication to PDE5 inhibitor use, with the choice of tadalafil depending on individual patient preferences and factors 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Tadalafil tablets are a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of: men with erectile dysfunction (ED) men with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) men with both ED and BPH
The use of Tadalafil (Cialis) is for the treatment of:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): to help men get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland
- Both ED and BPH: for men who have both conditions simultaneously 2
From the Research
Uses of Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Tadalafil is a selective cyclic guanosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor used to treat various conditions, including:
- The medication has been shown to improve:
- International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in men with BPH 3
- Erectile function, as measured by the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain score 3, 4
- Ejaculatory function and orgasmic function in men with ED and LUTS/BPH 4
- Endothelial function in patients with BPH, as measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle brachial index (ABI) 5
- Tadalafil is generally well-tolerated, with common adverse events including back pain, dyspepsia, headache, and dizziness 6