Tadalafil

Tadalafil [∞]

Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca)

Tadalafil is a long-acting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used primarily for erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It improves blood flow by relaxing blood vessels and smooth muscle.

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Alternate Names

• Cialis – Common brand name used for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Adcirca – Brand name for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment.
• PDE5 Inhibitor – Drug class that enhances nitric oxide effects to improve blood flow.

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Chart of Uses

Use	Index
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)	{{ct: Erectile Dysfunction }}
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)	{{ct: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia }}
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)	{{ct: Pulmonary Hypertension }}
Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Off-label)	{{ct: Raynaud’s Phenomenon }}

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Warnings

• Cardiovascular Risks: Can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, especially with nitrates.
• Vision Changes: Rare cases of sudden vision loss linked to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
• Hearing Loss: Sudden hearing impairment has been reported.
• Priapism (Prolonged Erection): Can cause painful erections lasting more than 4 hours, requiring emergency care.
• Liver & Kidney Considerations: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with severe liver or kidney impairment.
• Drug Interactions: Can interact with nitrates, alpha-blockers, and certain antifungal and antibiotic medications.
• Long Duration of Action: Effects can last up to 36 hours, increasing the risk of prolonged side effects.

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Active Compounds

• Tadalafil – The primary active ingredient that inhibits PDE5 and promotes vasodilation.

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Natural Sources

Tadalafil is a synthetic compound with no direct natural sources. However, some natural substances may have PDE5-inhibiting properties:

• Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed) – Contains icariin, a mild PDE5 inhibitor.
• Panax Ginseng – Used in traditional medicine for sexual health benefits.
• Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) – Contains yohimbine, which has vasodilatory effects.