Tadalafil

NHS information about the medicine tadalafil, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.

What tadalafil is for

Tadalafil is mainly used to treat erection problems (erectile dysfunction).

It's also sometimes used to treat:

• problems peeing, caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostate enlargement)
• high blood pressure in the blood vessels that go to your lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension)

How to take tadalafil

Tadalafil comes as tablets that you swallow.

How much you take and how you take it depends on what you're taking it for.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Some people with erection problems may be told to take 1 tablet 30 minutes before sex. Do not take more than 1 tablet a day as the effects can last up to 36 hours.

Otherwise you usually take 1 tablet at the same time every day. Swallow the tablet whole with some water.

Side effects of tadalafil

Like all medicines, tadalafil can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of tadalafil include:

• indigestion
• muscle aches, and arm and leg pain
• back pain
• blocked or stuffy nose
• flushed face
• headache

Tadalafil will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery, but some people report feeling dizzy. If you feel dizzy after taking it, wait until the dizziness stops.

Who can and cannot take tadalafil

Most adults can take tadalafil, but it's not suitable for everyone.

For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from tadalafil before
• you've recently had a heart attack or stroke
• you have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• you have liver or kidney problems
• you have blood cancer (leukaemia) or cancer of the bone marrow (multiple myeloma)
• you have sickle cell anaemia
• you've ever had vision loss in one eye caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy)
• you have a curved or bent penis, which makes getting an erection painful or difficult

Before taking tadalafil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and tadalafil

You're advised to avoid taking tadalafil when you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding, pregnant or you get pregnant while taking tadalafil.

Taking tadalafil with other medicines, food and drink

There are also some medicines, herbal remedies and supplements that may not mix well with tadalafil.

This includes some types of:

• heart medicines, such as nitrates for chest pain (angina)
• epilepsy medicine (anticonvulsants)
• medicine for pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure
• antibiotics, including rifampicin, erythromycin and clarithromycin
• medicine for enlarged prostate or erectile dysfunction
• medicine for HIV or AIDS
• antifungal medicines

Before taking tadalafil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Taking tadalafil together with poppers (amyl nitrate) or illegal drugs, such as amphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine, can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Food, drink and alcohol with tadalafil

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking tadalafil.

Drinking alcohol while taking tadalafil can increase your risk of low blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy or light-headed.

It's also best to avoid drinking too much alcohol as this can make getting an erection more difficult.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
• speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice