Tadalafil is in a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. It treats erectile dysfunction (ED; the inability to get or keep an erection) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; an enlarged prostate gland that pinches or squeezes the urethra during sexual activity).
In one integrated analysis of five trials, 1112 men with ED treated with tadalafil saw improvements in IIEF-EF scores of 4.8 and 4.5, respectively, compared with 1.3 for placebo.
It Works by Increasing Blood Pressure
Tadalafil, also known by the brand name Cialis, is a reversible inhibitor of PDE5 which increases penile blood flow. It does this by blocking an enzyme that breaks down a naturally occurring substance in the body, increasing levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Cyclic GMP makes the blood vessels that surround the penis (arteries) relax and widen.
The study included a four-week treatment-free run-in period and then randomized patients to one of three 12-week treatment arms: tadalafil 10 mg, 20 mg, or placebo taken daily as needed before sexual activity. At the end of the 12 weeks, tadalafil at both doses significantly increased IIEF erectile function domain scores and orgasmic function domain scores compared to placebo.
In addition to treating erectile dysfunction, tadalafil under the brand name Adcirca is FDA approved to treat high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH). It can also be used off-label for Raynaud’s syndrome, a condition that causes fingers and toes to feel cold, numb, and turn white due to the constriction of small arteries. Other ED Medicine like:
It Works by Increasing Blood Circulation
PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil work by blocking an enzyme in the blood vessels that causes them to narrow, thus allowing them to relax and widen and increase blood flow. These changes may help the penis become engorged with blood and stiffen, resulting in an erection. These effects can last for up to 36 hours.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions or medications you are taking, especially nitrate drugs (for chest pain or heart problems), such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and recreational nitrates (poppers). Tadalafil can cause low blood pressure. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, dizziness or nausea during sexual activity, or if an erection lasts more than 4 hours. These can be signs of priapism, a serious condition that requires emergency treatment.
You should also contact your doctor right away if you have painful or prolonged sex or an erection that won’t go away, even after tadalafil has worn off. Priapism can damage the penis and can be life-threatening.
It Works by Increasing Blood Sugar
That is available as a prescription medication and is sold under the brand name Cialis. It is taken in low daily doses to keep the medication in your system, or in stronger on-demand doses if necessary.
The drug is also used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by increasing blood flow to the prostate. It is important to take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to perform an exam and run some lab tests before prescribing it. This is because the medication may interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you are taking. This can cause serious side effects. It is also not safe for people with certain health conditions, including liver disease or kidney disease. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe a different medication.
It Works by Increasing Blood Oxygen
Besides ED, Cialis is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5). This enzyme breaks down cyclic GMP (cGMP) in smooth muscles and blood vessels. Blocking PDE-5 allows cGMP to stay high, which relaxes the muscle and widens blood vessels. This increases blood flow into the penis and causes an erection.
Warning: Before taking Tadalafil, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or any other heart problems. This drug can cause a prolonged, painful erection that may last 4 hours or more. You should get emergency medical treatment if you have chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity. It is possible that this medication can increase the risk of priapism, which is a severe and life-threatening condition.
Before taking tadalafil, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications you take, including vitamins and herbs. This can help avoid dangerous interactions. Also, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially those affecting the heart or blood vessels.