Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official and paediatric dosages, pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance, and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official and paediatric dosages, pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance, and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

← Back to all medicines

Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets

Active substance: TadalafilRx — prescription only

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

and 7 more with the same active substance, strength and form

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

Tadalafil contains the active substance tadalafil which belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Tadalafil is used to treat: • Erectile dysfunction in adult men: This is when a man cannot get, or keep a hard, erect penis suitable for sexual activity. Tadalafil has been shown to significantly improve the ability of obtaining a hard erect penis suitable for sexual activity. Following sexual stimulation Tadalafil works by helping the blood vessels in your penis to relax, allowing the flow of blood into your penis. The result of this is improved erectile function. Tadalafil will not help you if you do not have erectile dysfunction. It is important to note that Tadalafil does not work if there is no sexual stimulation. You and your partner will need to engage in foreplay, just as you would if you were not taking a medicine for erectile dysfunction.

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults: It works by helping the blood vessels around your lungs relax, improving the flow of blood into your lungs. The result of this is an improved ability to do physical activity.

What you need to know before you take it

shown to increase the effects of these medicines. If you are taking any form of nitrate or are unsure tell your doctor. - have serious heart disease or recently had a heart attack within the last 90 days. - have recently had a stroke within the last 6 months. - have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure. - ever had loss of vision because of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition described as "stroke of the eye". - are taking riociguat. This drug is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure in the lungs) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure in the lungs secondary to blood clots). PDE5 inhibitors, such as tadalafil, have been shown to increase the hypotensive effects of this medicine. If you are taking riociguat or are unsure tell your doctor. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Tadalafil. Be aware that sexual activity carries a possible risk to patients with heart disease because it puts an extra strain on your heart. If you have a heart problem, you should tell your doctor. Before taking the tablets, tell your doctor if you have: - any heart problems other than your pulmonary hypertension - problems with your blood pressure - any hereditary eye disease - sickle cell anaemia (an abnormality of red blood cells). - multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow). - leukaemia (cancer of the blood cells). - any deformation of your penis - a serious liver problem. - a severe kidney problem. It is not known if Tadalafil is effective in patients who have had: - pelvic surgery. - removal of all or part of the prostate gland in which nerves of the prostate are cut (radical non- nerve- sparing prostatectomy). If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision or your vision is distorted, dimmed while you are taking tadalafil, stop taking Tadalafil and contact your doctor immediately. Decreased or sudden hearing loss has been noted in some patients taking tadalafil. Although it is not known if the event is directly related to tadalafil, if you experience decreased or sudden hearing loss, stop taking Tadalafil and contact your doctor immediately. Tadalafil should not be used as treatment of erectile dysfunction by women because these are health problems specific to men. Children and adolescents Tadalafil is not intended for use by children and adolescents under the age of 18. Other medicines and Tadalafil Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

Do not take Tadalafil if you are already taking nitrates. Some medicines may be affected by Tadalafil or they may affect how well Tadalafil will work. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are already taking: - bosentan (another treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension) - nitrates (for chest pain) - an alpha blocker (used to treat high blood pressure or urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia). - other medicines to treat high blood pressure. - riociguat. - a 5- alpha reductase inhibitor (used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia). - medicines such as ketoconazole tablets (to treat fungal infections) and protease inhibitors for treatment of AIDS or HIV infection. - phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine (anticonvulsant medicines). - rifampicin, erythromycin, clarithromycin or itraconazole. - other treatments for erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil with drink and alcohol Information on the effect of alcohol is in section 3. Grapefruit juice may affect how well Tadalafil will work and should be taken with caution. Talk to your doctor for further information. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility Pregnancy If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Do not take Tadalafil when pregnant, unless it is strictly necessary and you have discussed this with your doctor. Breastfeeding Do not breastfeed while taking these tablets as it is not known if the medicine passes into human breast milk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding. Fertility When dogs were treated there was reduced sperm development in the testes. A reduction in sperm was seen in some men. These effects are unlikely to lead to a lack of fertility. Driving and using machines Dizziness has been reported. Check carefully how you react to the tablets before driving or using any machinery. Tadalafil contains lactose If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. Tadalafil contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodiumfree'.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These effects are normally mild to moderate in nature. If you experience any of the following side effects stop using the medicine and seek medical help immediately: - allergic reactions including rashes (frequency uncommon).

- chest pain - do not use nitrates but seek immediate medical assistance (frequency uncommon). - priapism, a prolonged and possibly painful erection after taking Tadalafil (frequency rare). If you have such an erection, which lasts continuously for more than 4 hours you should contact a doctor immediately. - sudden loss of vision (frequency rare), distorted, dimmed, blurred central vision or sudden decrease of vision (frequency not known).

Other side effects have been reported and these are listed below, separated by indication: Side effects in erectile dysfunction Common (seen in 1 to 10 in every 100 patients) - headache, back pain, muscle aches, pain in arms and legs, facial flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion. Uncommon (seen in 1 to 10 in every 1,000 patients) - dizziness, stomach ache, feeling sick, being sick (vomiting), reflux, blurred vision, eye pain, difficulty in breathing, presence of blood in urine, prolonged erection, pounding heartbeat sensation, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, nose bleeds, ringing in the ears, swelling of the hands, feet or ankles and feeling tired. Rare (seen in 1 to 10 in every 10,000 patients) - fainting, seizures and passing memory loss, swelling of the eyelids, red eyes, sudden decrease or loss of hearing, hives (itchy red welts on the surface of the skin), penile bleeding, presence of blood in semen and increased sweating. Heart attack and stroke have also been reported rarely in men taking Tadalafil. Most of these men had known heart problems before taking this medicine. Partial, temporary, or permanent decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes has been rarely reported. Some additional rare side effects have been reported in men taking Tadalafil that were not seen in clinical trials. These include: - migraine, swelling of the face, serious allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face or throat, serious skin rashes, some disorders affecting blood flow to the eyes, irregular heartbeats, angina and sudden cardiac death. - distorted, dimmed, blurred central vision or sudden decrease of vision (frequency not known). The side effects dizziness has been reported more frequently in men over 75 years of age taking Tadalafil. Diarrhoea has been reported more frequently in men over 65 years of age taking Tadalafil. Side effects in pulmonary arterial hypertension Very common (seen in 1 to 10 in every 100 patients) - headache, flushing, nasal and sinus congestion (blocked nose), nausea, indigestion (including abdominal pain or discomfort), muscle aches, back pain and pain in the extremity (including limb discomfort) Common (seen in 1 to 10 in every 100 patients) - blurred vision, low blood pressure, nosebleed, vomiting, increased or abnormal uterine bleeding, swelling of the face, acid reflux, migraine, irregular heartbeat and fainting.

The other ingredients are:

What Tadalafil looks like and contents of the pack Yellow coloured, almond shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets, debossed with 'T4' on one face and plain on other face with approximate length 13.10 mm and width 8.00 mm. Tadalafil film-coated tablets are available in blister pack.

Pack sizes: Blister pack: 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 28, 30, 56, 60 and 84 film-coated tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Uncommon (seen in 1 to 10 in every 100 patients) - seizures, passing memory loss, hives, excessive sweating, penile bleeding, presence of blood in semen and/or urine, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, sudden cardiac death and ringing in the ears. Most but not all of those men reporting fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke and sudden cardiac death had known heart problems before taking tadalafil. It is not possible to determine whether these events were related directly to tadalafil. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Contents of the pack and other information

Tablet core: Lactose monohydrate, cellulose microcrystalline, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxy propyl cellulose, sodium lauryl sulphate and magnesium stearate.

Film-coat: Hypromellose (E 464), triacetin (E 1518), lactose monohydrate, talc, titanium dioxide (E171) and iron oxide yellow (E172).

Brown & Burk UK Limited Micro House 5 Marryat Close Hounslow TW4 5DQ United Kingdom This leaflet was last revised in 10/2023.

Frequently asked questions about Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets

How do I take Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets?

Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets comes as tablet containing 20mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets?

The active substance in Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets is tadalafil.

Are there equivalent medicines to Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Adcirca 20 mg film-coated tablets, Cialis 20mg film-coated tablets, Talmanco 20 mg film-coated tablets. In total there are 12 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Tadalafil (37 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males.

In order for tadalafil to be effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, sexual stimulation is required.

Tadalafil is indicated in adults for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) classified as WHO functional class II and III, to improve exercise capacity (see section 5.1).

Efficacy has been shown in idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and in PAH related to collagen vascular disease.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Erectile dysfunction in adult Men

In general, the recommended dose is 10 mg taken prior to anticipated sexual activity and with or without food.

In those patients in whom tadalafil 10 mg does not produce an adequate effect, 20 mg might be tried.

It may be taken at least 30 minutes prior to sexual activity. The maximum dose frequency is once per day.

Tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg is intended for use prior to anticipated sexual activity and it is not recommended for continuous daily use.

In patients who anticipate a frequent use of tadalafil (i.e., at least twice weekly) a once daily regimen with the lowest doses of tadalafil might be considered suitable, based on patient choice and the physician's judgement.

In these patients, the recommended dose is 5 mg taken once a day at approximately the same time of day. The dose may be decreased to 2.5 mg once a day based on individual tolerability.

The appropriateness of continued use of the daily regimen should be reassessed periodically.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension

Treatment should only be initiated and monitored by a physician experienced in the treatment of PAH.

Posology

The recommended dose is 40 mg (2 x 20 mg) taken once daily with or without food.

Special populations

Elderly patients

Dose adjustments are not required in elderly patients.

Renal Impairment

Adult men with erectile dysfunction: Dose adjustments are not required in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. For patients with severe renal impairment, 10 mg is the maximum recommended dose.

Once-a-day dosing of tadalafil is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Pulmonary arterial hypertension: In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment a starting dose of 20 mg once per day is recommended. The dose may be increased to 40 mg once per day, based on individual efficacy and tolerability. In patients with severe renal impairment the use of tadalafil is not recommended. (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Hepatic Impairment

Adult men with erectile dysfunction: For the treatment of erectile dysfunction using on-demand tadalafil the recommended dose of tadalafil is 10 mg taken prior to anticipated sexual activity and with or without food. There is limited clinical data on the safety of tadalafil in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C); if prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician. There are no available data about the administration of doses higher than 10 mg of tadalafil to patients with hepatic impairment.

Once-a-day dosing for the treatment of erectile dysfunction has not been evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment; therefore, if prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Pulmonary arterial hypertension: Due to limited clinical experience in patients with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class A and B), following single doses of 10 mg, a starting dose of 20 mg once per day may be considered. If tadalafil is prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician. Patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class C) have not been studied and therefore dosing of tadalafil is not recommended. (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Men with Diabetes

Adult men with erectile dysfunction: Dose adjustments are not required in diabetic patients.

Paediatric population

There is no relevant use of tadalafil in the paediatric population with regard to the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

The safety and efficacy of tadalafil in the paediatric population has not yet been established. Currently available data are described in section 5.1

Method of administration

Tadalafil is for oral use.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

In clinical studies, tadalafil was shown to augment the hypotensive effects of nitrates. This is thought to result from the combined effects of nitrates and tadalafil on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway.

Therefore, administration of tadalafil to patients who are using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated (see section 4.5).

Tadalafil, must not be used in men with cardiac disease for whom sexual activity is inadvisable.

Physicians should consider the potential cardiac risk of sexual activity in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

The following groups of patients with cardiovascular disease were not included in clinical trials and the use of tadalafil is therefore contraindicated:

- patients with myocardial infarction within the last 90 days,

- patients with unstable angina or angina occurring during sexual intercourse,

-¬ patients with New York Heart Association Class 2 or greater heart failure in the last 6 months,

- patients with uncontrolled arrhythmias, hypotension (< 90/50 mm Hg), or uncontrolled hypertension,

- patients with a stroke within the last 6 months.

Tadalafil is contraindicated in patients who have loss of vision in one eye because of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), regardless of whether this episode was in connection or not with previous PDE5 inhibitor exposure (see section 4.4).

The co-administration of PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil, with guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat, is contraindicated as it may potentially lead to symptomatic hypotension (see section 4.5).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Before treatment with tadalafil

A medical history and physical examination should be undertaken to diagnose erectile dysfunction and determine potential underlying causes, before pharmacological treatment is considered.

Prior to initiating any treatment for erectile dysfunction, physicians should consider the cardiovascular status of their patients, since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity. Tadalafil has vasodilator properties, resulting in mild and transient decreases in blood pressure (see section 5.1) and as such potentiates the hypotensive effect of nitrates (see section 4.3).

The evaluation of erectile dysfunction should include a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment following an appropriate medical assessment. It is not known if tadalafil is effective in patients who have undergone pelvic surgery or radical non-nerve- sparing prostatectomy.

Cardiovascular

Serious cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, unstable angina pectoris, ventricular arrhythmia, stroke, transient ischaemic attacks, chest pain, palpitations and tachycardia, have been reported either post marketing and/or in clinical trials. Most of the patients in whom these events have been reported had pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. However, it is not possible to definitively determine whether these events are related directly to these risk factors, to tadalafil, to sexual activity, or to a combination of these or other factors.

The following groups of patients with cardiovascular disease were not included in PAH clinical studies:

- Patients with clinically significant aortic and mitral valve disease

- Patients with pericardial constriction

- Patients with restrictive or congestive cardiomyopathy

- Patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction

- Patients with life-threatening arrhythmias

- Patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease

- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Since there are no clinical data on the safety of tadalafil in these patients, the use of tadalafil is not recommended.

Pulmonary vasodilators may significantly worsen the cardiovascular status of patients with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). Since there are no clinical data on administration of tadalafil to patients with veno-occlusive disease, administration of tadalafil to such patients is not recommended. Should signs of pulmonary oedema occur when tadalafil is administered, the possibility of associated PVOD should be considered.

Tadalafil has systemic vasodilatory properties that may result in transient decreases in blood pressure. Physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with certain underlying conditions, such as severe left ventricular outflow obstruction, fluid depletion, autonomic hypotension or patients with resting hypotension, could be adversely affected by such vasodilatory effects.

In patients who are taking alpha1 blockers, concomitant administration of tadalafil may lead to symptomatic hypotension in some patients (see section 4.5). The combination of tadalafil and doxazosin is not recommended.

Vision

Visual defects, including Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and cases of NAION have been reported in connection with the intake of tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors. Most cases of CSCR resolved spontaneously after stopping tadalafil. Regarding NAION, analyses of observational data suggest an increased risk of acute NAION in men with erectile dysfunction following exposure to tadalafil or other PDE5 inhibitors. As this may be relevant for all patients exposed to tadalafil, the patient should be advised that in case of sudden visual defect, visual acuity impairment and/or visual distortion, he should stop taking tadalafil and consult a physician immediately (see section 4.3). Patients with known hereditary degenerative retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, were not included in the clinical studies, and use in these patients is not recommended.

Decreased or sudden hearing loss

Cases of sudden hearing loss have been reported after the use of tadalafil. Although other risk factors were present in some cases (such as age, diabetes, hypertension and previous hearing loss history) patients should be advised to stop taking tadalafil and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing.

Renal and hepatic impairment

Due to increased tadalafil exposure (AUC), limited clinical experience and the lack of ability to influence clearance by dialysis, once-a-day dosing of tadalafil is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment.

There is limited clinical data on the safety of single-dose administration of tadalafil in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh Class C). If tadalafil is prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician.

Patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class C) have not been studied and, therefore, dosing of tadalafil is not recommended.

Priapism and anatomical deformation of the penis

Patients who experience erections lasting 4 hours or more should be instructed to seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency may result.

Tadalafil should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie's disease) or in patients who have conditions which may predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia).

Use with CYP3A4 inhibitors

For patients chronically taking potent inducers of CYP3A4, such as rifampicin, the use of tadalafil is not recommended (see section 4.5).

Caution should be exercised when prescribing tadalafil to patients using potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and erythromycin), as increased tadalafil exposure (AUC) has been observed if the medicinal products are combined (see section 4.5).

Tadalafil and other treatments for erectile dysfunction

The safety and efficacy of combinations of tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. The patients should be informed not to take tadalafil in such combinations.

Prostacyclin and its analogues

The efficacy and safety of tadalafil co-administered with prostacyclin or its analogues has not been studied in controlled clinical studies. Therefore, caution is recommended in case of co-administration.

Bosentan

The efficacy of tadalafil in patients already on bosentan therapy has not been conclusively demonstrated (see sections 4.5 and 5.1).

Lactose

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Sodium

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Interaction studies were conducted with 10 mg and/or 20 mg tadalafil, as indicated below. With regard to those interaction studies where only the 10 mg tadalafil dose was used, clinically relevant interactions at higher doses cannot be completely ruled out.

Effects of other substances on tadalafil

Cytochrome P450 inhibitors

Tadalafil is principally metabolised by CYP3A4. A selective inhibitor of CYP3A4, ketoconazole (200 mg daily), increased tadalafil (10 mg) exposure (AUC) 2-fold and Cmax by 15 %, relative to the AUC and Cmax values for tadalafil alone. Ketoconazole (400 mg daily) increased tadalafil (20 mg) exposure (AUC) 4-fold and Cmax by 22 %.

Protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir)

Ritonavir, a protease inhibitor (200 mg twice daily), which is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6, increased tadalafil (20 mg) exposure (AUC) 2-fold with no change in Cmax. Ritonavir (500 mg or 600 mg twice daily) increased tadalafil (20 mg) single dose exposure (AUC) by 32 % and decreased Cmax by 30 %.

Although specific interactions have not been studied, other protease inhibitors, such as saquinavir, and other CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, and grapefruit juice should be co-administered with caution, as they would be expected to increase plasma concentrations of tadalafil (see section 4.4).

Consequently, the incidence of the adverse reactions listed in section 4.8 might be increased.

Transporters

The role of transporters (for example p-glycoprotein) in the disposition of tadalafil is not known. Therefore, there is the potential of drug interactions mediated by inhibition of transporters.

Cytochrome P450 inducers

A CYP3A4 inducer, rifampicin, reduced tadalafil AUC by 88 %, relative to the AUC values for tadalafil alone (10 mg). This reduced exposure can be anticipated to decrease the efficacy of tadalafil; the magnitude of decreased efficacy is unknown. Other inducers of CYP3A4, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine, may also decrease plasma concentrations of tadalafil.

Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (e.g. bosentan)

Bosentan (125 mg twice daily), a substrate of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 and a moderate inducer of CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and possibly CYP2C19, reduced tadalafil (40 mg once per day) systemic exposure by 42 % and Cmax by 27 % following multiple dose co-administration. The efficacy of tadalafil in patients already on bosentan therapy has not been conclusively demonstrated (see sections 4.4 and 5.1). Tadalafil did not affect the exposure (AUC and Cmax) of bosentan or its metabolites.

The safety and efficacy of combinations of tadalafil and other endothelin-1 receptor antagonists have not been studied.

Antimicrobial medicinal products (e.g. rifampicin)

A CYP3A4 inducer, rifampicin (600 mg daily), reduced tadalafil AUC by 88% and Cmax by 46%, relative to the AUC and Cmax values for tadalafil alone (10 mg).

Effects of tadalafil on Other Medicinal Products

Nitrates

In clinical studies, tadalafil (5, 10 and 20 mg) was shown to augment the hypotensive effects of nitrates. Therefore, administration of tadalafil to patients who are using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Based on the results of a clinical study in which 150 subjects receiving daily doses of tadalafil 20 mg for 7 days and 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin at various times, this interaction lasted for more than 24 hours and was no longer detectable when 48 hours had elapsed after the last tadalafil dose. Thus, in a patient prescribed any dose of tadalafil (2.5 mg – 20 mg), where nitrate administration is deemed medically necessary in a life- threatening situation, at least 48 hours should have elapsed after the last dose of tadalafil before nitrate administration is considered. In such circumstances, nitrates should only be administered under close medical supervision with appropriate haemodynamic monitoring.

Anti-hypertensives (including calcium channel blockers)

The co-administration of doxazosin (4 and 8 mg daily) and tadalafil (5 mg daily dose and 20 mg as a single dose) increases the blood pressure-lowering effect of this alpha-blocker in a significant manner. This effect lasts at least twelve hours and may be symptomatic, including syncope. Therefore, this combination is not recommended (see section 4.4).

In interaction studies performed in a limited number of healthy volunteers, these effects were not reported with alfuzosin or tamsulosin. However, caution should be exercised when using tadalafil in patients treated with any alpha- blockers, and notably in the elderly. Treatments should be initiated at minimal dosage and progressively adjusted.

In clinical pharmacology studies, the potential for tadalafil to augment the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive medicinal products was examined. Major classes of antihypertensive medicinal products were studied, including calcium channel blockers (amlodipine), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (enalapril), beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (metoprolol), thiazide diuretics (bendrofluazide), and angiotensin II receptor blockers (various types and doses, alone or in combination with thiazides, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and/or alpha-blockers). Tadalafil (10 mg except for studies with angiotensin II receptor blockers and amlodipine in which a 20 mg dose was applied) had no clinically significant interaction with any of these classes. In another clinical pharmacology study, tadalafil (20 mg) was studied in combination with up to 4 classes of antihypertensives. In subjects taking multiple antihypertensives, the ambulatory-blood-pressure changes appeared to relate to the degree of blood pressure control. In this regard, study subjects whose blood pressure was well controlled, the reduction was minimal and similar to that seen in healthy subjects. In study subjects whose blood pressure was not controlled, the reduction was greater although this reduction was not associated with hypotensive symptoms in the majority of subjects. In patients receiving concomitant antihypertensive medicinal products, tadalafil 20 mg may induce a blood pressure decrease, which (with the exception of alpha- blockers -see above-) is, in general, minor and not likely to be clinically relevant. Analysis of Phase 3 clinical trial data showed no difference in adverse events in patients taking tadalafil with or without antihypertensive medicinal products. However, appropriate clinical advice should be given to patients regarding a possible decrease in blood pressure when they are treated with antihypertensive medicinal products.

Riociguat

Preclinical studies showed an additive systemic blood pressure lowering effect when PDE5 inhibitors were combined with riociguat. In clinical studies, riociguat has been shown to augment the hypotensive effects of PDE5 inhibitors. There was no evidence of favourable clinical effect of the combination in the population studied. Concomitant use of riociguat with PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil, is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

5- alpha reductase inhibitors

In a clinical trial that compared tadalafil 5 mg co-administered with finasteride 5 mg to placebo plus finasteride 5 mg in the relief of BPH symptoms, no new adverse reactions were identified. However, as a formal drug-drug interaction study evaluating the effects of tadalafil and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5- ARIs) has not been performed, caution should be exercised when tadalafil is co-administered with 5-ARIs.

CYP1A2 substrates (e.g. theophylline)

When tadalafil 10 mg was administered with theophylline (a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor) in a clinical pharmacology study, there was no pharmacokinetic interaction. The only pharmacodynamic effect was a small (3.5 bpm) increase in heart rate. Although this effect is minor and was of no clinical significance in this study, it should be considered when co-administering these medicinal products.

Oral contraceptive pill

At steady-state, tadalafil (40 mg once per day) increased ethinylestradiol exposure (AUC) by 26 % and Cmax by 70 % relative to oral contraceptive administered with placebo. There was no statistically significant effect of tadalafil on levonorgestrel which suggests the effect of ethinylestradiol is due to inhibition of gut sulphation by tadalafil. The clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.

Ethinylestradiol and terbutaline

Tadalafil has been demonstrated to produce an increase in the oral bioavailability of ethinylestradiol; a similar increase in AUC and Cmax seen with ethinylestradiol may be expected with oral administration of terbutaline, probably due to inhibition of gut sulphation by tadalafil. The clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.

Alcohol

Alcohol concentrations (mean maximum blood concentration 0.08 %) were not affected by co-administration with tadalafil (10 mg or 20 mg). In addition, no changes in tadalafil concentrations were seen 3 hours after co- administration with alcohol. Alcohol was administered in a manner to maximise the rate of alcohol absorption (overnight fast with no food until 2 hours after alcohol).

Tadalafil (20 mg) did not augment the mean blood pressure decrease produced by alcohol (0.7 g/kg or approximately 180 ml of 40 % alcohol [vodka] in an 80 kg male) but in some subjects, postural dizziness and orthostatic hypotension were observed. When tadalafil was administered with lower doses of alcohol (0.6 g/kg), hypotension was not observed and dizziness occurred with similar frequency to alcohol alone. The effect of alcohol on cognitive function was not augmented by tadalafil (10 mg).

Cytochrome P450 metabolised medicinal products

Tadalafil is not expected to cause clinically significant inhibition or induction of the clearance of medicinal products metabolised by CYP450 isoforms.

Studies have confirmed that tadalafil does not inhibit or induce CYP450 isoforms, including CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19.

CYP2C9 substrates (e.g. R-warfarin).

Tadalafil (10 mg and 20 mg) had no clinically significant effect on exposure (AUC) to S-warfarin or R-warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), nor did tadalafil affect changes in prothrombin time induced by warfarin.

Aspirin

Tadalafil (10 mg and 20 mg) did not potentiate the increase in bleeding time caused by acetyl salicylic acid.

P-glycoprotein substrates (e.g. digoxin)

Tadalafil (40 mg once per day) had no clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin.

Antidiabetic medicinal products

Specific interaction studies with antidiabetic medicinal products were not conducted.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are limited data from the use of tadalafil in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3). As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of tadalafil during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of tadalafil in milk.

A risk to the suckling child cannot be excluded. Tadalafil should not be used during breast feeding.

Fertility

Effects were seen in dogs that might indicate impairment of fertility. Two subsequent clinical studies suggest that this effect is unlikely in humans, although a decrease in sperm concentration was seen in some men (see sections 5.1 and 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Tadalafil has negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Although the frequency of reports of dizziness in placebo and tadalafil arms in clinical trials was similar, patients should be aware of how they react to tadalafil, before driving or using machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile of Tadalafil in erectile dysfunction

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients taking tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or benign prostatic hyperplasia were headache, dyspepsia, back pain and myalgia, in which the incidences increase with increasing dose of tadalafil. The adverse reactions reported were transient, and generally mild or moderate. The majority of headaches reported with tadalafil once-a- day dosing are experienced within the first 10 to 30 days of starting treatment.

Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

The table below lists the adverse reactions observed from spontaneous reporting and in placebo- controlled clinical trials (comprising a total of 8022 patients on tadalafil and 4422 patients on placebo) for on-demand and once-a- day treatment of erectile dysfunction and the once-a-day treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Frequency convention: Very common (≥1/10), Common (≥1/100 to <1/10), Uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100), Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000) and Very Rare (<1/10,000) and Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Not Known

Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity reactions

Angioedema2

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Dizziness

Stroke1(including haemorrhagic events), Syncope, Transient ischaemic attacks1, Migraine2, Seizures2, Transient amnesia

Eye disorders

Blurred vision, Sensations described as eye pain

Visual field defect, Swelling of eyelids, Conjunctival hyperaemia, Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)2, Retinal vascular occlusion2

Central serous chorioretinopathy

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Tinnitus

Sudden hearing loss

Cardiac disorders1

Tachycardia, Palpitations

Myocardial infarction, Unstable angina pectoris2, Ventricular arrhythmia2

Vascular disorders

Flushing

Hypotension3, Hypertension

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Nasal congestion

Dyspnoea, Epistaxis

Gastrointestinal disorders

Dyspepsia

Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Nausea, Gastro-oesophageal reflux

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rash

Urticaria, Stevens- Johnson syndrome2, Exfoliative dermatitis2, Hyperhydrosis (sweating)

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders

Back pain, Myalgia, Pain in extremity

Renal and urinary disorders

Hematuria

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Prolonged erections

Priapism, Penile haemorrhage, Haematospermia

General disorders and administration site conditions

Chest pain1, Peripheral oedema, Fatigue

Facial oedema2, Sudden cardiac death1,2

(1) Most of the patients had pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors (see section 4.4).

(2) Postmarketing surveillance reported adverse reactions not observed in placebo-controlled clinical trials.

(3) More commonly reported when tadalafil is given to patients who are already taking antihypertensive medicinal products.

Description of selected adverse reactions

A slightly higher incidence of ECG abnormalities, primarily sinus bradycardia, has been reported in patients treated with tadalafil once a day as compared with placebo. Most of these ECG abnormalities were not associated with adverse reactions.

Other special populations

Data in patients over 65 years of age receiving tadalafil in clinical trials, either for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, are limited. In clinical trials with tadalafil taken on demand for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, diarrhoea was reported more frequently in patients over 65 years of age. In clinical trials with tadalafil 5mg taken once a day for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, dizziness and diarrhoea were reported more frequently in patients over 75 years of age.

Summary of the safety profile of Tadalafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension

The most commonly reported adverse reactions, occurring in ≥ 10 % of patients in the tadalafil 40 mg treatment arm were headache, nausea, back pain, dyspepsia, flushing, myalgia, nasopharingitis and pain in extremity. The adverse reactions reported were transient, and generally mild or moderate. Adverse reaction data are limited in patients over 75 years of age.

In the pivotal placebo-controlled study of tadalafil for the treatment of PAH, a total of 323 patients were treated with tadalafil at doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 40 mg once daily and 82 patients were treated with placebo. The duration of treatment was 16 weeks. The overall frequency of discontinuation due to adverse events was low (tadalafil 11 %, placebo 16 %). Three hundred and fifty seven (357) patients who completed the pivotal study entered a long-term extension study. Doses studied were 20 mg and 40 mg once daily.

Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

The table below lists the adverse reactions reported during the placebo-controlled clinical study in patients with PAH treated with tadalafil. Also included in the table are some adverse reactions which have been reported in clinical studies and/or post marketing with tadalafil in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. These events have either been assigned a frequency of “Not known,” as the frequency in PAH patients cannot be estimated from the available data or assigned a frequency based on the clinical study data from the pivotal placebo-controlled study of tadalafil. Frequency estimate: Very common (≥1/10), Common (≥1/100 to <1/10), Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), Very Rare (<1/10,000) and Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Very common

(≥1/10)

Common

(≥1/100 to <1/10)

Uncommon

(≥1/1,000 to <1/100)

Rare

(≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)

Not Known1

Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity reactions5

Angioedema

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Syncope, Migraine5

Seizures5, Transient amnesia5

Stroke2(including haemorrhagic events),

Eye disorders

Blurred vision

Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), Retinal vascular occlusion, Visual field defect, Central serous chorioretinopathy

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Tinnitus

Sudden hearing loss

Cardiac disorders1

Palpitations2,5

Sudden cardiac death2,5, Tachycardia2,5,

Unstable angina pectoris, Ventricular arrhythmia, Myocardial infarction2

Vascular disorders

Hypotension

Hypertension

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Nasopharyngitis

(including nasal congestion, sinus congestion and rhinitis)

Epistaxis

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea, Dyspepsia

(including abdominal pain/discomfort3)

Vomiting, Gastroesophageal reflux

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rash

Urticaria5, Hyperhydrosis (sweating)5

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Exfoliative dermatitis

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders

Myalgia, Back pain, Pain in extremity

(including limb discomfort)

Renal and urinary disorders

Haematuria

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Increased uterine

Bleeding4

Priapism5, Penile haemorrhage, Haematospermia

Prolonged erections

General disorders and administration site conditions

Facial oedema, Chest pain2

(1) Events not reported in registration studies and cannot be estimated from the available data. The adverse reactions have been included in the table as a result of postmarketing or clinical study data from the use of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

(2) Most of the patients in whom these events have been reported had preexisting cardiovascular risk factors.

(3) Actual MedDRA terms included are abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, and stomach discomfort.

(4) Clinical non-MedDRA term to include reports of abnormal/excessive menstrual bleeding conditions such as menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, menometrorrhagia, or vaginal hemorrhage.

(5) The adverse reactions have been included in the table as a result of postmarketing or clinical study data from the use of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; and in addition, the frequency estimates are based on only 1 or 2 patients experiencing the adverse reaction in the pivotal placebo controlled study of tadalafil.

(6) Headache was the most commonly reported adverse reaction. Headache may occur at the beginning of therapy; and decreases over time even if treatment is continued.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Single doses of up to 500 mg have been given to healthy subjects, and multiple daily doses up to 100 mg have been given to patients. Adverse events were similar to those seen at lower doses.

In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted as required.

Haemodialysis contributes negligibly to tadalafil elimination.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Tadalafil 20 mg film-coated tablets. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

Pharmacies in major towns and cities — see the list
Pharmacies by county and region — see the full list

Browse all 2,009 towns and cities →