Tadacip (tadalafil) is a generic brand of Cialis, a widely-used erectile dysfunction medication. Tadacip is manufactured in India by Cipla, a well-established and reputable pharmaceutical company in operation since 1935.

Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Tadacip and Cialis, is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme inhibitor. PDE5 inhibitors should not be taken with certain other medications, particularly nitrites or nitrates, often used to treat angina. It should also not be taken with other PDE5 inhibitors, which is usually restricted to other erectile dysfunction treatments but sometimes include high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) treatments. Commonly-encountered PDE5 inhibitors include sildenafil (commonly sold as Viagra) and vardenafil (commonly sold as Levitra).

Tadacip should also not be administered to men under age 18 without explicit doctor permission.

Tadacip versus Viagra

Though tadalafil medications like Tadacip and Cialis never quite reached the levels of popularity as Viagra, they work similarly and Tadacip is, in some ways, superior to Viagra.

• Both Tadacip and Viagra are PDE5 inhibitors.
• Both Tadacip and Viagra tablets begin working about 30 to 45 minutes after a tablet is taken.
• While Viagra works for 2 to 5 hours, Tadacip (and Cialis) works for 24 to 36 hours.
• Neither medication should be taken more than once per 24 hours.
• Tadacip, being a generic, is less costly than brand name Viagra and Cialis. It may, however, be comparable to other generics.

All PDE5 inhibitors are about equally effective at treating erectile dysfunction; they're all vasodilators that improve blood flow, allowing an erection to form. For most men, barring physical damage, PDE5 inhibitors successfully treat erectile dysfunction. PDE5 inhibitors also lower blood pressure, and are sometimes prescribed to do so, but are usually sold under different names, such as Adcirca.

Taking Tadacip

In tablet form, Tadacip should be taken about 30 to 45 minutes prior to anticipated sexual activity. It can be taken with food, but fatty foods should be avoided for better effects. To treat other conditions tablets can be taken without regard to sexual activity.

Dosage and frequency of administration is best determined by a doctor.

To treat erectile dysfunction, standard treatment is:

• Start with 10 mg prior to intimacy.
• If side effects are experienced, reduce dosage to 5 mg.
• If ineffective and no side effects are experienced, increase dosage to 20 mg.

To treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

• Take 5 mg once per day.

To treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH):

• Take 40 mg once per day.

Again, to treat BPH and PAH, a different brand of tadalafil may be used. Patients who experience or are at risk of experiencing side effects---such as the elderly or individuals who have renal impairment---may be prescribed lower doses to treat all of the above.

Men taking Tadacip to treat erectile dysfunction may be interested in a faster-acting formulation of tadalafil, found in Cialis Oral Jelly. It begins working in 15 to 30 minutes, and comes in an easy-to-swallow jelly form, so no tablets. The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, is also available as a jelly.

Potential Complications

For the most part side effects and other complications from Tadacip are similar to other PDE5 inhibitors, ranging from mild and transient to potentially severe.

As mentioned above, this medication should not be taken with nitrites, nitrates, or other PDE5 inhibitors. Other medications are somewhat less concerning but can cause interactions; be sure the prescribing doctor is aware of all other medications being taken.

Certain medical conditions increase risk of side effects from Tadacip; speak with a doctor about risks and warning signs if there is a history of:

• Heart disease
• Angina or heart attack
• High or low blood pressure
• Stroke
• Sickle cell anemia or hemophilia
• Stomach ulcers
• Penile implants or abnormalities
• Vision problems

Though rare, Tadacip can cause visual impairment and vision loss, and even more rarely hearing loss. While these effects are sometimes transient, sometimes they are permanent. Any changes in vision or hearing within 48 hours of taking tadalafil (or any PDE5 inhibitor) should be brought to the attention of a doctor before taking another dose.