Tadalafil
Description
Tadalafil, a medication in the phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitor class, is us
ed to treat both erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). For ED, it works by relaxing the muscles in the penile blood vessels, increasing blood flow and helping to produce an erection. In BPH, Tadalafil relaxes the muscles in the prostate gland and bladder to help relieve symptoms such as difficulty urinating. Common side effects of Tadalafil include flushing, headache, muscle pain, a stuffy nose, back pain, and upset stomach. For erectile dysfunction, Tadalafil should be taken about one hour before sex, though it can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes up to four hours beforehand. It is important not to take more than one dose per day. Tadalafil is also used to treat urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. Patients should be aware that the medication may cause dizziness or blurred vision; therefore, it's best to avoid driving or operating machinery until they see how it affects them. Drinking alcohol while taking Tadalafil can worsen dizziness and may also reduce your ability to get an erection. Seek immediate medical help if an erection lasts more than four hours. Tadalafil should not be used if you have recently taken nitrates for chest pain, or if you have had a heart attack in the past three months, or a stroke or heart failure in the past six months. Tadalafil does not affect fertility or delay ejaculation. While a small amount of alcohol may not cause a problem, drinking five units or more can increase side effects like headache, dizziness, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure. You should stop taking Tadalafil and see a doctor immediately if you experience sudden loss of vision, hearing, ringing in your ears, or dizziness. Also, seek medical help for prolonged erections lasting more than four hours or a painful erection lasting more than six hours.
Uses
Contraindications
When should one not use Tadalafil
- If you are allergic to tadalafi.
- If you are taking medicine known to cause vasodilator effects such as amyl nitrate or nitrates.
- If you are taking riociguat medicine used for the treatment of arterial blood pressure.
- If you have a known history of any heart problem such as heart failure.
- If you had a stroke in the past 6 months, heart attack in the last 90 days, or breathlessness or chest pain during sexual activity.
- If you have a known history of liver disorders, low blood pressure, stroke or heart blockage.
- If you have a known history of eye problems like retinitis pigmentosa (a genetic disorder that may cause loss of vision).
- If you are not sure if you are taking this medicine carry the medicine packet along with you to the clinic.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
Precautions and Warnings
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
- You are a known patient with heart problems.
- You have any physical deformites of the genital organ penis.
- You experience sudden vision loss or hearing loss.
- Your erection last for more than 4 hours after taking the medicne.
- This medicine is not recommended for women.
- You have kidney or liver problems
- Tadalafil should not be used in children below 18 years of age.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Some medicines can affect the way Tadalafils work or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled....
- Concomitant administration of Tadalafil along with medicines containing nitrates leads to severe hypotensive effects (low blood pressure).
- In particular, if you are taking medicines to treat heart failure, anti-HIV medicine, anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, anti-asthmatics, pain killers, immunomodulatory medicines or medicines for the brain-related disorder....
Dosage
Overdose
Missed a Dose
Content Details

Dr. Mansi Savla
B. Pharm, PharmD

Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the side effects of Tadalafil?
Q: Can I take Tadalafil daily?
Q: Is Tadalafil safe?
References
- CDSCO [Internet]. Cdscoonline.gov.in. 2025 [cited 17 September 2025]
- Cialis 10mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2025 [cited 17 September 2025]
- DailyMed - TADALAFIL tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2025 [cited 17 September 2025]