Erectile dysfunction and prostate enlargement are two health problems that many men are embarrassed to talk about, but which can have a big impact on their lives. Tadalafil is a drug that doctors often recommend as a treatment for these conditions. You may have heard of it under a brand name like Cialis. So today, let's talk about Tadalafil pills, how they work, how to use them, and what to be careful about.
What kind of drug is Tadalafil?
Simply put, Tadalafil is a drug used to treat two main conditions.
1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED): This is the most common cause. This medication works by widening the blood vessels around the penis, increasing blood flow to the area. This makes it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): As men age, their prostate gland begins to swell. This can cause symptoms such as burning sensation in the urethra, frequent urination, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Tadalafil helps relieve these symptoms by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder.
Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe this medication to treat both of these conditions at the same time.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Tadalafil is not a one-size-fits-all drug. Therefore, it is extremely important that your doctor knows your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your health condition | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, angina, a history of heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or other heart conditions | Tadalafil can affect blood pressure, which can be dangerous for heart patients. |
| High or low blood pressure | This medicine may further lower blood pressure or interact with some medications. |
| Vision problems, especially hereditary eye diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa | It is important to inform about pre-existing eye conditions, as vision can be affected very rarely. |
| Liver or kidney disease | Because these organs help remove medications from the body, if their function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted. |
| If you have had a stroke | Because it affects blood circulation, the risk is higher if you have a history of stroke. |
| A history of penile deformities, Peyronie's disease, or painful erections lasting more than 4 hours (priapism) | Using the drug under these conditions can cause complications. |
| Blood diseases such as Sickle Cell Anemia and Leukemia | These types of conditions increase the risk of priapism. |
| Allergies to Tadalafil or other medicines, foods, or dyes | This is essential to prevent allergic reactions. |
How should I use this medicine?
The way you use this medicine may vary depending on your condition. Always use it exactly as your doctor tells you.
- How to take: Swallow this tablet with a glass of water. You can take it before or after a meal.
- For erection problems (only when needed): If your doctor recommends that you take this only when needed, you can take it 30 minutes before sex. Its effects can last up to 36 hours . This means that if you are sexually stimulated during this time, you may experience erections.
- For erectile dysfunction or BPH (daily): Your doctor may tell you to take a low dose of this medication at the same time every day. This will allow you to be ready for sex at any time.
The most important thing: Whether you take the medicine daily or only when needed, never take more than one pill per day for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose?
If you take your medicine 'only when needed', this does not apply to you. However, if you are a daily pill taker, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Tadalafil can interact severely with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
| Never take Tadalafil with these! | |
|---|---|
| Types of Nitrates | Heart medications such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide can cause dangerously low blood pressure if taken together. |
| Other medicines to boost vitality | Do not use with other ED medications such as Sildenafil (Viagra) and Vardenafil. |
| Be careful when using these together (ask your doctor) | |
| Some medications for high blood pressure | Blood pressure may drop unnecessarily. |
| Antifungals, some antibiotics | These can increase the time Tadalafil stays in the body and increase the risk of side effects. |
| Grapefruit juice | Grapefruit juice can increase the levels of Tadalafil in the body and increase the risk of side effects. |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
What if there is a sudden change in vision?
Very rarely, some people may suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes. If this happens, stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor.
Painful erection lasting more than 4 hours
If your erection lasts more than 4 hours or is painful , this could be a serious condition called Priapism. If not treated immediately, it can cause permanent damage to the penis. So go to the nearest ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately.
If you feel discomfort during sex
If you experience nausea, dizziness, chest or arm pain during sex after taking the medication, stop immediately and call your doctor as soon as possible. These could be signs of a heart attack.
About alcohol use
Avoid drinking too much alcohol while taking this medicine. For example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey. Too much alcohol can cause headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure.
Remember: Using this medicine does not protect you or your partner from HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases. It is essential to use protective methods, such as condoms.
Side effects of the medicine
| Serious side effects (if you have any of these, see your doctor or go to the ETU immediately) |
|---|
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| Common, less serious side effects (if these persist or bother you, tell your doctor ) |
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Take-Home Message
- Tadalafil is a medication that should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor. Never use it just because a friend told you to or because you saw it online.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and all medical conditions you have.
- Never take Tadalafil with nitrates, a type of medication used to treat heart disease. It can be life-threatening.
- If the dizziness lasts more than 4 hours or there is a sudden change in vision, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with anyone else.
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