What it is used for
- Treating erection problems (erectile dysfunction) in men
- Easing urinary symptoms caused by a benign enlarged prostate
- Treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), prescribed and monitored by a specialist
How it is used
- Tablets are swallowed with water, with or without food, only as prescribed by your doctor; your doctor decides the dose and timing
- Orodispersible tablets are placed on the tongue to dissolve
- For erection problems: an erection only happens with sexual arousal, and do not take more than your doctor has told you
- Do not drink large amounts of alcohol with it
Possible side effects
- Headache, flushing or a blocked nose
- Indigestion, or back or muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Rare but serious: a painful erection lasting many hours, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or chest pain; get medical help straight away
Who should not use it
- Taking nitrate medicines for angina such as glyceryl trinitrate or isosorbide, inhaled nitrites (poppers), or riociguat
- Severe heart disease where sexual activity is not advised, a recent heart attack or stroke, or very low blood pressure
- Previous loss of vision due to poor blood flow to the optic nerve
- Allergy to this ingredient or to any other ingredient in the product
Before and while using it
- Tell your doctor if you have heart, liver or kidney disease before starting
- If you get chest pain during sex, stop, do not take glyceryl trinitrate, get medical help straight away and tell them you took tadalafil
- Tell your doctor if you have a deformity of the penis or a blood condition such as sickle cell anaemia or leukaemia
- Do not buy this medicine from unreliable sources, and do not use more than one erection medicine together
Medicine interactions
- Nitrates, nitrites and riociguat: they can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin and doxazosin, and blood pressure medicines, can cause dizziness and low blood pressure
- Some antifungals, antibiotics and HIV medicines such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin and ritonavir raise its blood level, and so does grapefruit
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Tadalafil for erection problems and enlarged prostate is not for women. If it is prescribed for pulmonary arterial hypertension, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
How to store it
- Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture, out of the sight and reach of children.
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.