Article

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is a medication used to treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection) and sometimes also to relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which improves blood flow in the body. For erections, this means blood can flow more easily to the penis when sexually aroused.

Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis

Many recognize it as an ingredient in medications like Cialis. It's a bit like giving the body an extra hand to ensure things work as they should regarding blood flow. You don't take it to get excited, but it helps the body react better when you already are. The effect can last up to 36 hours, which is longer than some other similar medications.

How does Tadalafil work?

Tadalafil works by affecting an enzyme in the body called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5). Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:

Blood flow is key
When you become sexually aroused, your body sends signals that cause the blood vessels in the penis to relax. This leads to increased blood flow, which is what causes an erection.
PDE5 can interfere with the process
The PDE5 enzyme breaks down a substance called cGMP. cGMP is important for blood vessels to remain relaxed and for blood to flow into the penis. When PDE5 is active, cGMP decreases, and it becomes harder to get or maintain an erection.
Tadalafil blocks PDE5
Tadalafil blocks PDE5 and ensures that cGMP is not broken down as quickly. This allows blood vessels to remain relaxed for longer, which improves blood flow.
The result
With better blood flow, it becomes easier to get and maintain an erection – provided you are sexually stimulated. Tadalafil therefore only works when your body is already trying to do its job.

In addition to this, tadalafil also helps the blood vessels in the prostate and bladder to relax, which can relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate (e.g., difficulty urinating).

Tadalafil dosage

Common doses for erectile dysfunction:
- 10 mgRecommended starting dose, taken as needed approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity.
- 20 mgIf needed, if 10 mg does not provide sufficient effect.
- 2.5 mg or 5 mg dailyFor daily use if you want to be able to have spontaneous sex without needing to plan.
For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
- Usually 5 mg daily.

Time for effect

Fast actingStarting to feel within 30 minutes after ingestion.
Long-term effectThe effect can last up to 36 hours.

Effectiveness

Studies show that tadalafil helps approximately 71–84 % for men with erectile dysfunction to improve their ability to get an erection.
For those with BPH, tadalafil has been shown to improve symptoms by about 25–30 % compared to placebo.

Tadalafil side effects

Common side effects (occur in 1–10 %):

Headache
Back pain
Muscle ache
Redness
Indigestion

Pharmacokinetics

Half-lifeTadalafil stays in the body for approximately 17.5 hours, which gives its long-lasting effect.
Excretion: 61 % via feces and 36 % via urine.