Cialis Professional (Sublingual) (Tadalafil)

Cialis (Tadalafil) – Patient Information for Australia Basic Product Information Ingredient (INN) Tadalafil Australian Brand Names Cialis, Adcirca, Tadalis, Generic Tadalafil ATC Code G04BE08 Available Forms & Strengths Tablets: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg Manufacturers Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd, Eli Lilly Australia Pty Ltd, Generic manufacturers Prescription Status Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine) Mechanism of Action Simple Explanation: Tadalafil helps relax blood vessels in certain parts of your body, making it easier to get or maintain an erection when sexually aroused. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis in response to sexual stimulation. For Specialists: Tadalafil is a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. By blocking PDE5, it enhances nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation in the corpus cavernosum, increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. This leads to smooth muscle relaxation and improved erectile function. In pulmonary arterial hypertension (Adcirca), tadalafil decreases pulmonary vascular resistance by a similar mechanism. Pharmacokinetics Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 2 hours (Tmax 30 min – 6 hrs). Metabolism: Predominantly hepatic, mainly through CYP3A4 enzyme pathway. Elimination: Excreted mostly via faeces (approx. 61%) and urine (36%), with a plasma half-life of 17.5 hours. Duration of Action: Long duration; therapeutic window may last up to 36 hours ("the weekend pill"). Use in Everyday Life and Best Practices Cialis is most commonly used as needed, 30–60 minutes before sexual activity, or once daily at lower doses. It is suitable for men with erectile dysfunction, or for some men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Australians benefit from its long duration, allowing for greater spontaneity compared to similar medications like sildenafil. Always follow your doctor’s dosing instructions. Take with water. Store at room temperature (below 25°C), away from moisture and heat. Do not take more than one dose per day. Dosing in the Morning vs Evening Morning dosing: Beneficial for daily use, particularly for people with BPH or those desiring readiness throughout the day. Consistent use helps maintain steady drug levels. Evening dosing: Suitable for those who plan to have sexual activity later in the day. For as-needed dosing, flexibility is a key advantage. Tip: Choose a time that best aligns with your daily routine, and try to take at the same time each day if on a daily regimen. Taking Cialis with Food or on an Empty Stomach With or without food: Food does not significantly affect absorption or effectiveness. Heavy or fatty meals: While not a major concern, extremely high-fat meals may slightly delay its onset. Australian dietary context: Typical Australian meals—whether light or substantial—have negligible effect on tadalafil efficacy. Interaction Warnings Interaction Effect Advice Nitroglycerin & Nitrates May cause dangerous drop in blood pressure DO NOT USE together Alcohol Increases risk of dizziness, blood pressure drop Limit alcohol intake Grapefruit juice May increase side effects Avoid Some antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin) May increase tadalafil levels Doctor may adjust dose Antihypertensives May enhance blood pressure lowering effect Monitor blood pressure Other ED medicines (sildenafil, vardenafil) Risk of severe side effects Never combine Indications Indication Status Notes Erectile dysfunction (ED) Approved Main indication, adults only Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Approved Daily dosing; symptomatic relief Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) Approved (Adcirca) Specialist use; higher dose Raynaud's phenomenon Off-label Limited use, expert supervision Female sexual arousal disorder Not approved Research ongoing Dosing According to Clinical Indication Indication Adult Dose Elderly Pediatric Erectile dysfunction (as needed) 10mg before anticipated sexual activity; may adjust to 20mg or 5mg as advised No adjustment usually needed Not recommended Erectile dysfunction (daily) 2.5mg–5mg once daily, same time Use with caution, start low Not recommended BPH (daily) 5mg once daily Consider dose reduction Not recommended PAH (Adcirca) 40mg once daily Specialist supervision Yes, in some cases (specialist only) Safety Profile and Side Effects Common: Headache Flushing (warmth, redness) Dyspepsia (indigestion) Back pain Muscle aches Nasal congestion Uncommon/Rare: Vision changes (colour tinge, blurred vision) Hearing loss (sudden or gradual) Prolonged erection (priapism) Hypotension (low blood pressure) Serious allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing — call 000 immediately) Warnings: Do not use with nitrate medicines or ‘poppers’.