Tadalafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where this enzyme works.
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body’s normal response is to increase blood flow to his penis to produce an erection. By controlling the enzyme, tadalafil helps to maintain an erection after the penis is stroked by increasing blood flow to the penis. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, tadalafil will not work to cause an erection.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Arm, back, or jaw pain
- blurred vision
- chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
- chills
- cold sweats
- confusion
- dizziness
- fainting
- faintness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- headache
- hearing loss
- increased erection
- nausea
- nervousness
- pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
- pounding in the ears
- slow or fast heartbeat
- spontaneous penile erection
- sweating
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
Rare
- Painful or prolonged erection of the penis
Incidence not known
- Blindness
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- cough
- cracks in the skin
- decrease or change in vision
- diarrhea
- difficulty with speaking
- double vision
- fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- headache, severe and throbbing
- hives or welts, itching, skin rash
- inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
- inability to speak
- joint or muscle pain
- loss of heat from the body
- numbness or tingling of the face, hands, or feet
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- red, swollen skin
- redness of the skin
- redness or soreness of the eyes
- scaly skin
- slow speech
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- stomach pain
- sudden cardiac death
- swelling of the feet or lower legs
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Belching
- heartburn
- indigestion
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
Less common
- Bloody nose
- body aches or pain
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
- burning, dry, or itching eyes
- burning feeling in the chest or stomach
- congestion
- difficulty with moving
- difficulty with swallowing
- dry mouth
- dryness or soreness of the throat
- excessive eye discharge
- eye pain
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
- fever
- hoarseness
- lack or loss of strength
- loose stools
- muscle aching, cramping, or stiffness
- neck pain
- pain in the arms or legs
- pain or burning in the throat
- redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
- reduced sensitivity to touch
- runny or stuffy nose
- sensation of spinning
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- stomach upset
- swelling of the eyelids
- swelling or puffiness of the eyes or face
- swollen joints
- tearing
- tender, swollen glands in the neck
- tenderness in the stomach area
- trouble with sleeping
- upper stomach pain
- voice changes
- watering of the eyes
Rare
- Changes in color vision
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.