Medication Information Leaflet
What is this medication for?
Tadalafil is used to treat high blood pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). Tadalafil works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels in the lungs, and ultimately lowering the pressure in the lungs.
This should improve your symptoms such as breathlessness, and increase your ability to exercise. This medication has to be taken on a daily basis.
This medication may also be used for other conditions. Check with your healthcare professional if you are unsure why you are given this medication.
How should I take/use this medication?
- Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional as it may worsen your condition
- This medication may be taken with or without food.
- This medication is usually started at a lower dose. Medication dosage will be adjusted based on your condition and your response to this medication will be monitored closely.
What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Do not take more than the dose prescribed to you.
What precautions should I take?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
- You are taking medicines called Nitrates (such as sublingual nitroglycerin (also known as Glycerin Trinitrate or GTN), Isosorbide Mononitrate or Isosorbide Dinitrate), as the combination may lead to a dangerous fall in your blood pressure. Nitrates must be withheld at least 24 hours after the last dose of Sildenafil or Vardenafil, and 48 hours after the last dose of Tadalafil.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines which are often given for relief of angina (chest pain). If you are not certain, ask your healthcare professional.
- You are taking medicines called Alpha-1 Blockers (such as Tamsulosin, Terazosin, Prazosin, Alfuzosin), as the combination may further lower your blood pressure. In order to reduce the chances of these symptoms occurring, you should be on a regular daily dose of your Alpha-blocker before you start drugs for erectile dysfunction.
- You recently had a stroke or a heart attack, low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- You have severe heart, liver or kidney problem
- You have certain rare inherited eye diseases (such as retinitis pigmentosa)
- You have a stomach ulcer or bleeding problem
- You have a deformity of your penis
Female patients of childbearing age (using this medication for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension) should take precautions to avoid pregnancy by seeking advice from gynecologist for effective contraceptive methods. If you suspect you may be pregnant, inform your cardiologist as soon as possible.
What are some common side-effects of this medication?
- Facial flushing where the skin on your face feels hot
- Headache
- Nausea
- Back pain, muscle aches, pain in arms and legs
- Nasal congestion
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
Priapism (an erection that will not go away) - If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help right away. If it is not treated right away, priapism can permanently damage your penis.
Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes - Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss - Some people may also have ringing in their ears (tinnitus) or dizziness.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately
What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?
Avoid taking grapefruit, or grapefruit juice as they may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.
Drinking alcohol may increase the blood pressure lowering effects of the medication, which can be dangerous. To get the maximum benefit from your medication, it is advisable not to drink excessive amounts of alcohol before taking this medication.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.
This includes certain medications such as:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-fungal medications
- Medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Medications for epilepsy (fits)
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How should I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimers
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on April 2022
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