Tadalafil 20 mg is a medication. Here are some key points about it:
Guía de Salud Masculina
1. Pharmacological properties
Mechanism of action
- tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 is an enzyme found in the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels in the penis (and also in other tissues). By inhibiting PDE5, tadalafil increases the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This leads to relaxation of the smooth muscles in the penile arteries and subsequent increased blood flow into the penis, which helps in achieving and maintaining an erection during sexual stimulation.
Absorption and duration of action
- It is relatively rapidly absorbed after oral administration, typically reaching peak plasma concentrations within about 2 hours (although this can vary between individuals). One of the notable features of tadalafil is its long half - life, which is approximately 17.5 hours. This allows for a relatively long duration of action, with effects that may last up to 36 hours in some cases.
Indications
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction. This can be due to various causes such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or psychological factors. Tadalafil helps these men to have better sexual function by improving their ability to get and keep an erection.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- In some cases, tadalafil is also used to treat the symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. It can help to relieve urinary symptoms such as difficulty in starting urination, weak urinary stream, and frequent urination, especially in men who also have erectile dysfunction.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Headache is one of the most frequently reported side effects. This may range from mild to moderate in intensity and usually resolves on its own.
- Flushing, which is a feeling of warmth and redness in the face, neck, or chest, can also occur.
- Nasal congestion, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches are other relatively common side effects.
Less common but more serious side effects
- A sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes (non - arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION) has been reported rarely in patients taking PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil.
- There have also been very rare reports of hearing loss associated with the use of these medications.
4. Precautions and contraindications
Medical history
- It should be used with caution in men with a history of heart disease, especially those who have had a recent heart attack or stroke.
- Men with low blood pressure or those taking medications to lower blood pressure may also need special monitoring, as tadalafil can potentially cause a further drop in blood pressure, especially when combined with nitrates (which are contraindicated).
Drug interactions
- Tadalafil should not be used in combination with nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) because this can cause a severe and potentially life - threatening drop in blood pressure.
- It may interact with other medications such as alpha - blockers (used for treating high blood pressure and prostate problems), certain antifungal medications, and some antibiotics.
This medication should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can assess an individual's suitability for treatment, taking into account their overall health, medical history, and potential drug interactions.