Tadalafil 20 mg is a daily pill used to treat erectile dysfunction and an enlarged prostate. It works by improving blood flow and relaxing muscles to help with both erections and urine flow. Take it at the same time every day as your doctor advises-don’t skip or stop without checking in first. 

Common side effects include headache, stuffy nose, back pain, and dizziness. Rarely, it may cause vision changes or long-lasting erections-these need urgent medical help. Avoid alcohol and grapefruit, as they can mess with how the medicine works. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from kids.

Tadalafil 20 mg is an oral medicine belonging to class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor medicine. It is used for the following indications: 

1. Erectile dysfunction (ED) 
2. Enlargement of prostate gland (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) 

1. Take tadalafil exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking tadalafil without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.  

More Common

1. Headache 
2. Dizziness 
3. Redness and feeling warm around face, ear, neck 
4. Indigestion 
5. Nasal congestion 
6. Back pain 
7. Blurred vision 

Less Common

1. Arm, back, or jaw pain 
2. Blurred vision 
3. Chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness 
4. Chills 
5. Cold sweats 
6. Confusion 
7. Dizziness 
8. Fainting 
9. Faintness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position 
10. Fast or irregular heartbeat 
11. Headache 
12. Hearing loss 
13. Increased erection 
14. Nausea 
15. Nervousness 
16. Pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck 
17. Pounding in the ears 
18. Slow or fast heartbeat 
19. Spontaneous penile erection 
20. Sweating 
21. Unusual tiredness or weakness 
22. Vomiting 

Tadalafil helps in erectile dysfunction by inhibiting a protein called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5), which restricts blood flow to the penis. It helps men with urinary issues by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, making it easier to urinate.

Allergy/Hypersensitivity

If you are allergic to tadalafil, it is advised to not consume it. Tell your doctor if they give it to you by mistake.

Cardiovascular Disease

People with heart or cardiovascular problems shouldn’t take tadalafil.

Liver Disease

If you have liver disease or injury, then it is recommended to not take tadalafil because it is metabolized by liver.

Avoid taking tadalafil 20 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Tadalafil doesn’t work well with grapefruit or grapefruit juice and alcohol. Eating grapefruit or drinking alcohol can make the medicine work too much or not enough. So, it’s better not to have grapefruit or alcohol before or after taking your medicine. 

1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature  
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture  
3. Keep away from the reach of children 

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name-  

(2R,8R)-2-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-methyl-3,6,17-triazatetracyclo [8.7.0.03,8.011,16] heptadeca-1(10),11,13,15-tetraene-4,7-dione 

Daily Dose

Take tadalafil as suggested by your doctor. Your dose can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how you respond to the medication. Do not exceed the prescribed dose without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

If you take too much tadalafil, it can cause problems like losing your vision, seeing colors differently, blurry vision, hearing ringing in your ears, or having an erection that won’t go away. These problems can only be treated at the hospital, so it’s important to only take the amount your doctor says.

1- Tadalafil vs Sildenafil: which is better? 

Tadalafil and sildenafil are both medicines that help men who have trouble getting an erection, but tadalafil is better in many ways. Tadalafil can keep working for up to 36 hours, while sildenafil only works for about 2-4 hours. Although both medicines can cause the same side effects, like headaches or feeling uncomfortable, sildenafil can make these side effects feel a bit stronger. So, even though they help in the same way, tadalafil tends to work longer and may feel gentler for some people. Tadalafil is better than sildenafil. 

2- What Are tadalafil’s effects on kidneys? 

The effects of tadalafil on human kidneys haven’t been studied yet, but research conducted on rats affected by kidney disease shows that it can help. In these studies, tadalafil acted like a healer by reducing pressure around the kidneys. Additionally, when tadalafil was given to rats affected by sepsis (a serious infection), it was found to protect the kidneys from damage. 

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4. DC Urology. Comparing Tadalafil (generic Cialis) and Sildenafil (generic Viagra). [Internet]. 2023 Jun 7. Available from.