Tadalafil is a potent medication for treating erectile dysfunction with a long duration of effectiveness. It is in the same class of drugs as sildenafil and works by increasing blood flow to penile tissues. Unlike sildenafil it does not need to be taken immediately before sexual activity but can be taken at any time or on a daily basis at lower dosages. A single dose of tadalafil can be effective for up to 36 hours and will only promote an erection in the presence of sexual stimulation. Because of its long duration, tadalafil has sometimes been referred to as “the Weekend Pill.”
Tadalafil allows for sexual activity any time without needing to plan around taking a pill. For daily use, a 2.5mg or 5mg troche is prescribed and should be taken regularly for at a least a week before full effects can be expected. Studies have shown that when used daily it can have a cumulative effect, leading to better results in the long term compared to using it only as needed. For use as-needed, tadalafil is prescribed at higher dosages of 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg. Tadalafil can take 30 minutes to an hour to start working when only used as-needed.
Tadalafil troches work by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5 to increase blood flow to the penis. Inhibiting PDE5 assists in relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle that controls blood flow. When the vascular smooth muscles are relaxed, blood flow is increased to the penis, which helps maintain an erection. Without sexual stimulation the medication will not work, which is why it can be taken on a daily basis. This gives more choice about when to initiate sexual activity than sildenafil – the active ingredient in Viagra. Sublingual administration leads to a faster onset and less risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Besides its use in treating erectile dysfunction, tadalafil has been used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and to improve exercise ability in these patients. It has also been FDA-approved and marketed under the brand name Cialis for treating both erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasis (BPH) together. BPH is a condition that results from an enlarged prostate gland that can cause problems with bladder control.
Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; an overview of the clinical evidence. – Clinical Interventions in Aging
Enter your first and last name, phone number, and email address along with your question. A member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Park Compounding Pharmacy
4333 Park Terrace Drive Suite 160
Westlake Village, CA 91361