Tadalafil

Tadalafil is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors that also includes sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra). Tadalafil was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 and is available by prescription only. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Tadalafil, sold under the brand name Cialis among others, is a medication used for several purposes:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED): This is its most well-known use. Tadalafil helps men achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation by increasing blood flow to the penis [2, 3].
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): An enlarged prostate gland can cause difficulty urinating. Tadalafil relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder, improving urinary flow [2, 3].
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): This is high blood pressure in the lungs. Tadalafil relaxes blood vessels in the lungs, making it easier for blood to flow [2].

Here's a deeper look at how Tadalafil works:

• Category: It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 inhibitors [2, 3].
• Mechanism of action: These medications work by increasing levels of a chemical called cyclic GMP (cGMP) in certain tissues. cGMP helps relax smooth muscle cells, which improves blood flow [2, 3].
• ED: For erectile dysfunction, increased blood flow to the penis allows for an erection to occur with sexual stimulation [2, 3].
• BPH & PAH: In the prostate and lungs, relaxed smooth muscles ease urinary flow and blood flow, respectively [2, 3].