Tadalafil: "The Weekend Pill" – A Complete Medical Review
Tadalafil is an active pharmaceutical ingredient that is one of the world's most popular drugs for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It belongs to the class of PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors. The original brand-name drug is "Cialis," but today there are numerous high-quality generics (e.g., Vidalista, Tadacip, Tadadel, Tadarise, Tadalis).
The main distinguishing feature of Tadalafil, which has earned it worldwide fame, is its unique duration of action.
What is Tadalafil and its key advantage?
Unlike Sildenafil (Viagra) or Vardenafil (Levitra), which last an average of 4-6 hours, Tadalafil provides a "window of readiness" for up to 36 hours.
This is precisely why it is nicknamed "the weekend pill." It means that after taking one tablet, a man does not need to worry about planning sex "by the clock." For up to one and a half days, he can achieve an erection at any moment in response to sexual stimulation. This brings spontaneity and naturalness back into relationships, eliminating the psychological discomfort associated with needing to take a pill right before the act.
Detailed mechanism of action of Tadalafil
The mechanism of action of Tadalafil is vascular. It does not affect libido (desire) or brain chemistry.
-
Trigger (Stimulation): The drug requires sexual arousal to work. During arousal, nerve endings in the penis release nitric oxide (NO).
-
Erectile Cycle: NO activates an enzyme that produces cyclic GMP (cGMP). cGMP is the key substance that relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels in the corpus cavernosum.
-
Result (Engorgement): This relaxation allows the vessels to widen, leading to a powerful inflow of blood and an erection.
-
PDE5 Blockade: Normally, the PDE5 enzyme quickly breaks down cGMP, and the erection subsides. Tadalafilblocks this enzyme. This allows cGMP to accumulate and last longer, ensuring a stable and firm erection.
Key takeaway: Tadalafil is not an aphrodisiac and does not cause a spontaneous erection. It only enhances the natural physiological response to sexual stimulation.
Indications for Use
Tadalafil has two main, clinically proven indications:
-
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
-
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Also known as an "enlarged prostate." Tadalafil (usually in a 5 mg dose) relaxes the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder, significantly relieving BPH symptoms (frequent urination, weak stream).
Instructions for Use and Dosage
There are two fundamentally different regimens for taking Tadalafil:
Regimen 1: "On-Demand" Use (High Doses)
This regimen is used by men who have sex infrequently and want a guaranteed, long-lasting effect.
-
TADALAFIL 10 mg (Starting Dose): The recommended initial dose. It is sufficient for most men and carries a lower risk of side effects.
-
TADALAFIL 20 mg (Maximum Dose): (e.g., Vidalista 20, Tadacip 20). Prescribed if 10 mg proves to be insufficient.
-
Time of Intake: 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
-
Frequency: No more than once every 24-36 hours.
Regimen 2: "Daily Use" (Low Doses)
This regimen is ideal for men who are more sexually active (more than 2-3 times a week) or for the simultaneous treatment of ED and BPH.
-
TADALAFIL 5 mg (Standard Daily Dose): (e.g., Vidalista 5, Tadadel 5). Taken strictly once a day, at the same time, regardless of food or sex. A stable blood concentration is reached after 4-5 days.
-
TADALAFIL 2.5 mg (Minimum Daily Dose): Used for patients with mild renal impairment or high sensitivity.
Influence of Food and Alcohol
-
Food: Tadalafil is the only PDE5 inhibitor whose effectiveness is virtually unaffected by food, including fatty meals.
-
Alcohol: It is considered the most alcohol-compatible drug in its class. Moderate doses of alcohol (e.g., a glass of wine) do not usually reduce efficacy. However, excessive consumption can increase the risk of dizziness and hypotension.
Critical Contraindications
The list of contraindications related to the vasodilating effect is strict.
-
Interaction with Nitrates: Absolutely forbidden! Taking Tadalafil with any form of organic nitrates (Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate) or nitric oxide donors ("poppers") causes a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
-
Severe Cardiovascular Diseases: Recent heart attack or stroke (within 6 months), severe heart failure, unstable angina.
-
Blood Pressure: Persistent hypotension (pressure < 90/50 mmHg) or uncontrolled hypertension.
-
Severe hepatic or renal impairment.
-
History of vision loss due to Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).
Side Effects of Tadalafil
Tadalafil is well-tolerated but has its own unique set of side effects, different from Sildenafil.
-
Common: Headache, dyspepsia (indigestion), facial flushing, nasal congestion.
-
Specific to Tadalafil: Back pain and myalgia (muscle aches). These effects are usually mild, related to PDE11 inhibition in muscles, and resolve within 12–48 hours.
-
Visual Risk: Tadalafil has almost no effect on PDE6 in the retina, so it does not cause color vision disturbances ("blue haze"), unlike Sildenafil.
Innovative Release Forms
Besides regular tablets, Indian generics (Tadalista, Tadarise) offer:
-
Soft (Chewable/Sublingual): (Tadalista CT, Tadarise PRO). Start working faster (15-25 minutes) due to absorption in the mouth.
-
Oral Jelly: (Tadarise Oral Jelly). Have the same rapid onset and are convenient for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
-
High Doses (40, 60, 80 mg): (Vidalista 40/60/80). Intended only for splitting for economic reasons.
Conclusion: Tadalafil vs. Sildenafil
-
Tadalafil (Cialis): Your choice if you need spontaneity and duration (up to 36 hours). Ideal for a weekend.
-
Sildenafil (Viagra): Your choice if you need a powerful, but short and predictable effect (4-6 hours).
Free delivery from UAH 1000
Across Ukraine



/3-228x228.jpg)
/3-228x228.jpg)











