From the Guidelines
Cialis (tadalafil) is not recommended for treating breathing problems, and instead, patients should be treated with approved medications for pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as tadalafil at a dose of 40 mg once daily, as specified in the Chest guideline update 1. When considering treatment for breathing difficulties, it's essential to prioritize medications that directly target the respiratory system.
- The Chest guideline update 1 provides a comprehensive overview of approved medications for pulmonary arterial hypertension, including phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors like tadalafil.
- However, it's crucial to note that tadalafil is specifically approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension at a dose of 40 mg once daily, not for general breathing problems or respiratory conditions.
- Other medications, such as prostacyclin derivatives, endothelin receptor antagonists, and soluble cGMP stimulators, may also be effective for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, as outlined in the guideline update 1.
- Patients experiencing breathing difficulties should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms and receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include medications like those listed in the Chest guideline update 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Cialis for Breathing
- Cialis, also known as tadalafil, is a medication that has been studied for its potential in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs 2, 3.
- Tadalafil is a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that has been shown to improve exercise ability, delay clinical worsening, and improve health-related quality of life in patients with PAH 2.
- The medication has been found to be well-tolerated, with adverse events that are typically transient and mild to moderate in intensity 2, 4.
- Studies have demonstrated that tadalafil can improve symptoms of PAH, including dyspnea on exertion and fatigue, and can delay clinical worsening 2, 5.
- Tadalafil is one of several medications that are approved for the treatment of PAH, and it is often used in combination with other medications to target multiple biological pathways 5.
Mechanism of Action
- Tadalafil works by inhibiting the action of phosphodiesterase type 5, an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the body 3.
- cGMP is a molecule that helps to relax and dilate blood vessels, and inhibiting its breakdown can help to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure in the lungs 3.
- Tadalafil has a long elimination half-life, which makes it suitable for once-daily dosing 3, 4.
Clinical Evidence
- Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of tadalafil in patients with PAH, including a large, 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PHIRST) 2.
- A 52-week, uncontrolled extension study (PHIRST-2) found that tadalafil was well-tolerated and effective in maintaining improvements in exercise capacity and delaying clinical worsening 4.
- Other studies have confirmed the benefits of tadalafil in patients with PAH, including improved symptoms, delayed clinical worsening, and improved health-related quality of life 3, 5.