In this blog post, we explore:
- What Tadalafil (Cialis) is
- Available Tadalafil prescription options and dosages
- How Tadalafil compares to other ED medications
- The longevity benefits of Tadalafil
- Possible side effects and drug interactions
- How to request a Tadalafil prescription
What is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is the generic form of Cialis, an FDA approved medication to treat erectile dysfunction in men since 2003. It is also FDA approved to treat enlarged prostate, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), since 2011.
Tadalafil is the same active ingredient as found in branded Cialis. Tadalafil works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzymes, which enhances erectile function by the release of nitric oxide (NO). It is offered as a daily or as needed medication; Tadalafil is only available with a prescription.
At higher doses (20mg/day or more), Tadalafil is also used in both men and women to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
How do I take Tadalafil?
Dosage and instructions differ depending on if you choose/are prescribed to take Tadalafil daily or as needed.
Tadalafil – Daily: You will take a single tablet (2.5mg or 5mg) with a glass of water at approximately the same time each day. Tadalafil can be taken with or without food; it is taken without regard to sexual activity.
Tadalafil – As Needed: You will take a single tablet (10mg or 20mg) with a glass of water a minimum of 1-2 hours before sexual activity. Tadalafil can be taken at any time of day or night, with or without food.
What dosages are available?
Tadalafil for daily use is available in 2.5mg or 5mg tablets. As needed use is available in 10mg or 20mg tablets.
Your prescribed dose is based on a variety of factors, such as: your individual efficacy and tolerability, your health and medical history, current medications, and the discretion of the doctor or health care provider approving your prescription.
AgelessRx offers both dosage options for daily and as needed plans. Please note that, while requests can be made for a specific dose, the doctor reviewing your request will have the final say.
How does Tadalafil compare to other ED medications?
Tadalafil sets itself apart from other ED medications in three distinct ways:
- It is the only ED medication available for daily use. This means you can be intimate at any time, rather than needing to take a pill from time to time, as needed, like other brands (e.g. Viagra).
- When taken as needed, a single dose can remain active up to 36 hours. Tadalafil is often referred to as “the weekend pill” because a single dose can remain active for up to 36 hours (whereas others, such as Viagra, remain active for only a few hours). Tadalafil provides the opportunity for spontaneity.
- It is earning clinical support for a variety of health and longevity benefits. We explore some of the latest research below.
What are the longevity benefits of Tadalafil?
- Anti-aging benefits: A clinical analysis cited PDE5 inhibitors, such as daily Tadalafil, as a worthwhile addition to any “anti-aging drug mixture because ED and BPH are most prevalent age-related conditions in aging men.” Furthermore, the analysis states that by “relaxing the tension [in senescent cells] may slow senescent-associated pathology… causing anti-vasoconstriction, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.”
- Reducing health risks related to aging: The same clinical analysis cited above suggests that by fighting against cellular senescence, PDE5 inhibitors, such as Tadalafil, may also help to reduce health risks related to aging, such as heart hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Per this clinical study in Scientific Reports, “chronic inflammation plays an important role in BPH/LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) and contributes to the clinical progression of BPH-related symptoms… Tadalafil, but not sildenafil or vardenafil, reduces pro-inflammatory factors.”
- Improved cognitive function: In this clinical study, researchers state: “Erectile dysfunction is commonly associated with depression, and treatment with PDE5 inhibitors improves cognitive functions and depression, in addition to erectile dysfunction. Therefore, treatment of BPH/LUTS-ED with Tadalafil could improve patients’ quality of life and their cognitive functions.”
- Improved heart health: In this clinical study, researchers cite support for PDE5 inhibitors, such as Tadalafil, “improved contractile function, reduced chamber dilatation and reduced LVH.” In other words, keeping the heart rate normal, increasing blood flow and the ability for the heart to supply the body with enough blood, and reducing blood pressure to decrease the heart’s workload.
Note: Tadalafil (generic Cialis) has not been approved by the FDA for these longevity uses, but these are a sample of the studies shown to have these benefits. Varying dosages were used.
What are the possible side effects of Tadalafil?
As with any drug product, there may be side effects. Generally, patients who experience side effects usually get them within 12 to 24 hours after taking Tadalafil. Side effects usually resolve on their own within 48 hours.
The most common Tadalafil side effects are:
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Back and muscle pain
- Flushing
- Stuffy nose
Some more serious side effects have been reported. While rare, it is important to stop taking Tadalafil and contact a doctor right away if you experience an erection that will not go away (priapism) or lasts longer than four hours, a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, a sudden decrease in hearing or hearing loss.
The above information is only a summary. It may not cover all possible information. For a more complete list of possible side effects, click here.
Some drugs/medications may interact with Tadalafil. You should not take Tadalafil if you are taking nitrates (such as nitroglycerin tablets or patches), Cisapride, other ED medications (e.g. Viagra), Adcirca, or Riociguat.
For a more complete list of possible drug interactions, click here.
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To learn more about Tadalafil for Daily Use, click here.
To learn more about Tadalafil for As Needed Use, click here.