Tadalafil: Patient drug information

(For additional information see "Tadalafil: Drug information")

You must carefully read the "Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer" below in order to understand and correctly use this information.

Brand Names: US

Adcirca;
Alyq;
Cialis;
Tadliq

Brand Names: Canada

Adcirca;
AG-Tadalafil;
APO-Tadalafil;
APO-Tadalafil PAH;
Auro-Tadalafil;
BIO-Tadalafil;
Cialis;
JAMP-Tadalafil;
M-Tadalafil;
Mar-Tadalafil;
MINT-Tadalafil;
MYLAN-Tadalafil;
NRA-Tadalafil;
PMS-Tadalafil;
Priva-Tadalafil;
PRZ-Tadalafil;
RAN-Tadalafil;
RIVA-Tadalafil;
TEVA-Tadalafil

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
It is used to treat the signs of an enlarged prostate.
It is used to treat raised pressure in the lungs.
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:
If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: Kidney disease or liver disease.
If you have certain hereditary eye problems like retinitis pigmentosa.
If you have a health problem called pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD).
If you have a certain type of chest pain (unstable angina).
If you have any of these health problems: Heart attack within the last 90 days, chest pain during sex, heart failure, a heartbeat that is not normal, high or low blood pressure, or a stroke within the last 6 months.
If you use drugs called "poppers" like amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, or nitroglycerin. Do not take these drugs with this drug. You may also need to avoid taking these drugs for some time after your last dose of this drug.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Alfuzosin, doxazosin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, prazosin, rifampin, riociguat, ritonavir, silodosin, tamsulosin, or terazosin.
If you are taking another drug that has the same drug in it.
If you are taking another drug like this one that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or high pressure in the lungs.
If the patient is a child. This drug is not approved for use in children.
For erectile dysfunction (ED):
If you have been told that you are not healthy enough to have sex.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you.
To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.
Very bad and sometimes deadly side effects like a heartbeat that does not feel normal, heart attack, stroke, and very bad high blood pressure have happened with tadalafil. Talk with the doctor.
Decreased eyesight or loss of eyesight could be a sign of an eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Lost eyesight may not come back. The risk is greater in people who have had NAION in one eye. Seek medical attention right away if you have a sudden decrease or loss of eyesight.
If you have bleeding problems, talk with your doctor.
If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
High pressure in the lungs:
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
For other reasons:
This drug is not approved for use in females. If you are a female using this drug, talk with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
For erectile dysfunction (ED):
This drug does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or an abnormal heartbeat.
Dizziness or passing out.
Very bad headache.
Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or any other changes in hearing.
Call your doctor right away if you have a painful erection (hard penis) or an erection that lasts for longer than 4 hours. This may happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it may lead to lasting sex problems and you may not be able to have sex.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
For all uses of this drug:
Flushing.
Headache.
Back pain.
Muscle pain.
Upset stomach.
Nose or throat irritation.
Signs of a common cold.
High pressure in the lungs:
Pain in arms or legs.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
High pressure in the lungs:
Take with or without food.
Take this drug at the same time of day.
Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
Liquid (suspension):
Shake well for at least 30 seconds before each use.
For other reasons:
Take with or without food.
Do not split or break tablet.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

High pressure in the lungs:
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
For other reasons:
For daily use: Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Many times this drug is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Last Reviewed Date2022-09-09

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

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