Description
Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg)
Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg) is a versatile medication extensively used to treat both erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). By enhancing blood flow, it helps men achieve and sustain an erection when sexually stimulated. For PAH patients, it aids in lowering the blood pressure within the lungs by relaxing and widening the blood vessels. This multifaceted tablet can be taken with or without food, but it’s essential to strictly follow your doctor’s instructions to maximize its effectiveness and ensure safety.
Uses Of Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg)
- Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
- Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Treatment of Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg) helps men achieve and maintain an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis, only when sexually stimulated.
Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): By relaxing the blood vessels within the lungs, the tablet lowers pulmonary blood pressure, easing the heart’s workload.
Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): The medication alleviates urinary symptoms in men by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder.
Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Reduces pulmonary pressure and improves oxygenation, enhancing patient comfort and ability to engage in daily activities.
Treatment of Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Helps by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow to extremities, providing relief from symptoms like cold and numb fingers or toes.
Safety & Precautions
- Do not use alongside nitrates (commonly used for chest pain).
- Avoid if you have severe heart or liver problems.
- Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure.
- Refrain from alcohol as it may intensify side effects.
- Not recommended using in women, especially pregnant or breastfeeding ones.
- Add caution if you have a history of strokes or heart attacks.
- Might impair your ability to drive; avoid driving if dizziness occurs.
- Consult your doctor if you have pre-existing kidney disease.
- Altered doses might be required for patients with liver disease.
- Ensure regular medical check-ups for prolonged usage.
Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Flushing (warmth in face, ears, neck, and trunk)
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Muscle pain
- Upset stomach
- Respiratory tract infection
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Insomnia
- Ringing in ears
- Rash
- Priapism (prolonged erection)
- Sudden vision loss
FAQ
How should I take Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg)?
Take Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg) strictly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it. It can be taken with or without food, but it’s better to stick to a fixed time each day. For erectile dysfunction, take the tablet about one hour before you plan to engage in sexual activity.
Can I consume alcohol while taking Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg)?
Avoid alcohol consumption while on Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg). Mixing the two can intensify side effects such as dizziness or headaches and may reduce the medication’s efficacy. Always discuss your alcohol consumption habits with your doctor when being prescribed this medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg)?
If you miss a scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to compensate for the missed dose. If you consistently miss doses, consult your healthcare provider.
Is Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg) safe for use in elderly patients?
Yes, Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg) can be used by elderly patients, but it should be administered cautiously. The doctor might start with a lower dose. An elderly patient should be closely monitored for any adverse reactions, especially if they suffer from other medical conditions or are on multiple medications.
Can women take Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg)?
Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg) is not indicated for use in women. There is limited data on its effectiveness and safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are a woman and require medication for pulmonary arterial hypertension, your doctor will prescribe a more suitable alternative medication.
What are the storage requirements for Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg)?
Store Megalis 20 Tablet (Tadalafil 20mg) at room temperature below 30°C. Keep it in its original packaging and away from direct light and moisture. Ensure that it is stored out of reach of children and pets. Do not use the tablet past its expiration date for optimal safety and efficacy.
Additional Information: Comprehensive Guide to Tadalafil
Dosages of Tadalafil
| Brand | Form | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Adcirca | Tablet | 20 mg |
| Cialis | Tablet | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg |
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
For patients treating erectile dysfunction, Tadalafil usage varies based on individual needs and tolerability.
- As-needed use: Start with a dose of 10 mg orally, taken before sexual activity, with or without food. Can be increased to 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg.
- Once-daily use: Take 2.5 mg/day orally in a single daily dose, irrespective of timing of sexual activity. Can be increased to 5 mg/day.
- Dosing considerations: If using potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, reduce the dose appropriately. Not to exceed specific dosages depending on interaction with other medications.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Treatment protocols for BPH, alone or in conjunction with erectile dysfunction, are also defined.
- BPH: Take 5 mg orally once daily.
- BPH with Erectile Dysfunction: 5 mg orally once daily.
- With finasteride: Combine 5 mg of Tadalafil with 5 mg of finasteride orally once daily for up to 26 weeks.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Tadalafil offers a specific regime for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- Adcirca: Typically, a 40 mg dose is taken orally once daily.
- Interaction with Ritonavir: Start with 20 mg daily for one week before increasing based on tolerability.
- Further dosing considerations: Avoid combined usage with CYP3A4 inhibitors wherever possible. Adjust dosages as necessary.
Geriatric Dosing
- ED: No adjustment needed exclusively due to age. However, individual sensitivity must be considered.
- PAH: Lower dosages or reduced dosing frequency may be required due to decreased renal or hepatic clearance.
Dosing Modifications
The table below outlines specific adjustments for renal and hepatic impairments:
| Condition | Dosage Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Renal Impairment (ED) |
|
| Renal Impairment (PAH) |
|
| Hepatic Impairment (ED) |
|
| Hepatic Impairment (PAH) |
|
| Pediatric Use |
|
Drug Interactions
Severe Interactions
- Boceprevir
- Isosorbide Dinitrate
- Isosorbide Mononitrate
- Nitroglycerin (various forms)
- Riociguat
- Telaprevir
Tadalafil interacts severely with over 21 different drugs. These interactions necessitate professional monitoring and administration adjustments.
Moderate Interactions
- At least 152 different drugs
Moderate interactions can alter Tadalafil’s effectiveness or introduce additional risks. Always consult with a healthcare professional.
Mild Interactions
- Ranolazine
Consultation Requirement
Always consult healthcare professionals before starting, stopping, or altering Tadalafil dosage. Monitoring is crucial for mitigating risks associated with drug interactions.
Warnings and Precautions
Contraindications
Patients with severe hypersensitivity, particularly Stevens-Johnson syndrome or exfoliative dermatitis, should avoid Tadalafil. Co-administration with nitrates and sGC stimulators like riociguat can lead to severe hypotension.
Conditions Requiring Caution
Various medical conditions may require caution when taking Tadalafil:
- Anatomic deformation of the penis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Left ventricular outflow obstruction
- Recent myocardial infarction
- Unstable angina or angina during sexual intercourse
- NYHA class 2 or greater heart failure
- Uncontrolled arrhythmias
- Hypotension or uncontrolled hypertension
- Recent cerebrovascular accident
- Bleeding disorders
- Active peptic ulcer disease
- Liver disease
- Renal impairment
- Conditions predisposing to priapism
- Concomitant use with CYP3A4 inhibitors
Cautions for Specific Populations
Tadalafil may cause dose-related impairment of color vision. It should be used with caution in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Patients with potential underlying causes for ED or BPH should be adequately evaluated before starting therapy.
Vision and Hearing Risks
Sudden vision loss, attributed to non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, is a serious risk. If any vision problems arise, discontinue use immediately and consult a physician. Sudden hearing loss is another potential risk.
Potentiation and Drug Interactions
Tadalafil can potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates. Concomitant use with alpha-blockers, other PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil or vardenafil, and medications not recommended for pulmonary veno-occlusive disease must be approached with caution.
Emergency Situations
Seek emergency medical attention for erections lasting more than four hours, as this could signify priapism, a condition requiring immediate intervention.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Tadalafil may be acceptable during pregnancy based on minimal risk shown in animal studies, though human studies are not available. Usage is not recommended for nursing women.
For further information, always refer to the latest clinical guidelines and consult healthcare professionals.
Citations
- DrugBank Online. “Tadalafil – Details and Clinical Information.” www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00820.
- FDA. “Cialis (Tadalafil) Prescribing Information.” www.fda.gov.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Drug Interaction Checker.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org.
