Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
Cialis is the latest FDA approved medication for the treatment of the
erectile dysfunction in men. Cialis is the only prescription drug which
is not only only fast acting (works in 30 minutes) but is also know to be
effective for as long as 36 hours, thus enabling you to choose the moment that
is just right for you as well as your partner. You can take Cialis in the
morning and be ready for the right moment during that day, evening or even
during the next day. Millions of men have benefited from Cialis as it
works effectively in mild, moderate or severe erectile dysfunction.
What is the most important information I should know about tadalafil?
A small number of patients have lost eyesight in one eye after taking
tadalafil. This type of vision loss is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic
optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION causes a sudden loss of eyesight because blood
flow is blocked to the optic nerve. It is not clear at this time if tadalafil
causes NAION. NAION also happens in patients who do not take this medicine.
People who have a higher chance for NAION include those who:
- have heart disease;
- are over 50 years old;
- have diabetes;
- have high blood pressure;
- have high cholesterol;
- smoke; or
- have certain eye problems.
Stop using tadalafil if you have any loss in your eyesight and seek medical
help right away.
Do not take tadalafil if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur,
Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro, others), isosorbide dinitrate
(Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO,
Monoket), and others;
- nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate
or nitrite ("poppers"); or
- an alpha blocker (other than tamsulosin (Flomax) 0.4 mg once a day) such
as doxazosin (Cardura), guanadrel (Hylorel), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin
(Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and others.
Taking tadalafil with any of these medications may cause very low blood
pressure, possibly resulting in dizziness, fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention for any erection that
lasts longer than 4 hours. A sustained erection can damage the penis.
Refrain from further sexual activity and notify your doctor it you develop
dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or
tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw) during sexual activity.
Tadalafil is usually taken when needed before sexual activity. The effects of
tadalafil may last for up to 36 hours or more. Your doctor will determine how
often you can take tadalafil. Do not take tadalafil more often than is directed
by your doctor.
What is tadalafil?
Tadalafil relaxes muscles within the penis. This allows increased blood flow
into the penis, necessary to achieve and maintain an erection.
Tadalafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
Tadalafil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tadalafil?
A small number of patients have lost eyesight in one eye after taking
tadalafil. This type of vision loss is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic
optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION causes a sudden loss of eyesight because blood
flow is blocked to the optic nerve. It is not clear at this time if tadalafil
causes NAION. NAION also happens in patients who do not take this medicine.
People who have a higher chance for NAION include those who:
- have heart disease;
- are over 50 years old;
- have diabetes;
- have high blood pressure;
- have high cholesterol;
- smoke; or
- have certain eye problems.
Stop using tadalafil if you have any loss in your eyesight and seek medical
help right away.
Do not take tadalafil if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur,
Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro, others), isosorbide dinitrate
(Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO,
Monoket), and others;
- nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate
or nitrite ("poppers"); or
- an alpha blocker (other than tamsulosin (Flomax) 0.4 mg once a day) such
as doxazosin (Cardura), guanadrel (Hylorel), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin
(Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and others.
Taking tadalafil with any of these medications may cause very low blood
pressure, possibly resulting in dizziness, fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
Before taking tadalafil, tell your doctor if you
- have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats,
or have had a heart attack;
- have low blood pressure or high blood pressure that is not controlled;
- have had a stroke;
- have liver problems;
- have kidney problems;
- have ever had blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple
myeloma, or leukemia;
- have a bleeding disorder;
- have a stomach ulcer;
- have retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);
- have a physical deformity of the penis such as Peyronie's disease;
- had an erection that lasted longer than 4 hours.
You may not be able to take tadalafil, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
Although tadalafil is not indicated for use by women, it is in the FDA pregnancy
category B. This means that tadalafil is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tadalafil should not be taken by women.
It is not known whether tadalafil passes into breast milk. Tadalafil should not
be taken by women.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from tadalafil. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this
medication.
How should I take tadalafil?
Take tadalafil exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Tadalafil is usually taken when needed before sexual activity. The effects
of tadalafil may last for up to 36 hours or more. Your doctor will determine
how often you can take tadalafil. Do not take tadalafil more often than is
directed by your doctor.
Tadalafil can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An
erection will not occur just by taking a pill.
Tadalafil can be taken with or without food.
Tadalafil should not be taken with excessive amounts of alcohol (e.g. 5 or more
drinks). Excessive alcohol may increase the risk of headache, dizziness,
increased heart rate, or low blood pressure when tadalafil is taken.
If you develop dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort,
numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw) during sexual
activity, refrain from further sexual activity and notify your doctor.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention for any erection that
lasts longer than 4 hours. A sustained erection can damage the penis.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with tadalafil. The
interaction could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss
the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase
or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first
talking to your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Tadalafil is used as needed, so you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a tadalafil overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking tadalafil?
Do not take any other drug used to treat impotence, such as sildenafil (Viagra),
vardenafil (Levitra), alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon,
Yodoxin, others), without first talking to your doctor.
Tadalafil should not be taken with excessive amounts of alcohol (e.g. 5 or more
drinks). Excessive alcohol may increase the risk of headache, dizziness,
increased heart rate, or low blood pressure when tadalafil is taken.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with tadalafil. The
interaction could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss
the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase
or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first
talking to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of tadalafil?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
tadalafil and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- chest pain or irregular heartbeats;
- dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or
tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw);
- swelling of the ankles or legs;
- shortness of breath;
- prolonged or severe dizziness; or
- a prolonged (lasting longer than 4 hours) or painful erection.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take tadalafil and talk to your doctor if you experience
- headache;
- indigestion;
- back pain;
- muscle aches;
- flushing;
- stuffy or runny nose; or
- temporary blue tint in vision or difficulty telling the difference
between the colors blue and green (uncommon).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect tadalafil?
Do not take tadalafil if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur,
Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro, others), isosorbide dinitrate
(Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO,
Monoket), and others;
- nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate
or nitrite ("poppers"); or
- an alpha blocker (other than tamsulosin (Flomax) 0.4 mg once a day) such
as doxazosin (Cardura), guanadrel (Hylorel), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin
(Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and others.
Taking tadalafil with any of these medications may cause very low blood
pressure, possibly resulting in dizziness, fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
Before taking tadalafil, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medications:
- any other drug used to treat impotence, such as sildenafil (Viagra),
vardenafil (Levitra), alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine
(Yocon, Yodoxin, others);
- the antibiotic erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, others);
- an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole
(Nizoral); or
- HIV medications such as indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), and
others.
You may not be able to take tadalafil, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tadalafil or affect
your condition. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal
products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about tadalafil written for health
professionals that you may read.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the
indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner
Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee
is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive.
Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and
consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses
outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated
otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients
or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource
designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their
patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and
not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare
practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in
no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is
safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any
responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of
information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to
cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions,
allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs
you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01. Revision date:
7/13/05.
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