Description
Tadacip (Tadalafil) 20 mg
Tadacip is a brand name used for a tadalafil 20 mg tablet. Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. It supports erectile function by enhancing the normal blood-flow response involved in sexual stimulation, but it does not produce an erection on its own.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is tadalafil. It belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor class of medicines. This class is used in male sexual medicine and, in other approved products and strengths, in some other urologic and cardiovascular conditions; however, this page describes the verified erectile dysfunction use only.
Established Medical Uses
Tadalafil is established as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Clinical reviews and controlled studies show improved erectile function across a range of ages and causes of erectile dysfunction.
How It Works
Tadalafil inhibits PDE5, an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). By preserving cGMP in penile tissue, it helps relax smooth muscle and improve blood flow during sexual stimulation. Its long half-life contributes to a prolonged window of action compared with some other PDE5 inhibitors.
Important Safety Information
Tadalafil must not be used with organic nitrates because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure. This is a key contraindication in official prescribing information. Caution is also required with alpha-blockers, other blood-pressure-lowering medicines, and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as certain antifungal or antiviral drugs, because they may increase tadalafil exposure or worsen hypotension. Tadalafil is also not appropriate for people for whom sexual activity is inadvisable because of underlying cardiovascular risk.
Possible Side Effects
Commonly reported adverse effects include headache, dyspepsia, back pain, muscle pain, flushing, and nasal congestion. More serious but less common reactions can include severe hypotension, priapism, sudden visual or hearing problems, and hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions reported in post-marketing data.
Scientific Evidence
PubMed-indexed reviews and meta-analyses support tadalafil as an effective oral PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction, with benefit seen in many patient groups. Evidence also suggests that its longer duration of action can offer greater flexibility in timing compared with shorter-acting agents.
Medical Information Notice
This summary is for educational purposes only and is based on sources available at the time of review. It does not replace the official patient leaflet, product label, or individual assessment by a qualified health professional.
Medical Sources
- DailyMed — Tadalafil tablet, film coated
- FDA — CIALIS (tadalafil) tablets, for oral use — Highlights of Prescribing Information
- Eric J H Meuleman — Review of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction — Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 2003
