| Tadalafil is the second phosphodiesterase
inhibitor to be marketed in the UK for erectile dysfunction
in men.
- Tadalafil is more effective than placebo in promoting
erections, maintaining erections and achieving successful
completion of sexual intercourse.
- Data comparing efficacy against other treatment
for erectile dysfunction are not currently available.
However in one large trial, 75% of intercourse attempts
were found to be successful using tadalafil compared
with 32% for placebo and in a similarly designed
trial, sildenafil was successful in 69% of attempts,
vs. 22% with placebo.1
- Important contra-indications include cardiovascular
disease, recent stroke and use in patients taking
nitrates.
- Side effects of tadalafil are similar to sildenafil
and include headache, dyspepsia, back pain, nasal
congestion, myalgia and vasodilatation/flushing.
- Tadalafil may have a longer duration of efficacy
as its serum half-life is longer than that of sildenafil,
this may suit some patients. However this may also
extend the duration of side effects experienced,
although these have generally been mild to moderate
in nature.
Product Tadalafil tablets 10mg in packs of
4, 20mg in packs of 4 or 8 (Cialis, Lilly Pharmaceuticals).
Indication Erectile dysfunction Dosage One
10 mg tablet to be taken between half an hour and
twelve hours before anticipated sexual activity.
Dose may be increased to 20mg if necessary.
Maximum one dose daily, but daily use not recommended.
NB prescribing at NHS expense only in certain circumstances,
when prescription should be endorsed ‘SLS’. Note that
for two of the NHS approved indications, radical prostatectomy
and spinal cord injury, patients were excluded from
clinical trials with tadalafil. We understand that
studies are ongoing in patients who have had a prostatectomy.
Date of Launch February 2003
Source: www.ukmicentral.nhs.uk |
