Tadalafil is the active ingredient in cialis brands. It is a phosphodiesterase Type 5 inhibitor drug which is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males and pulmonary arterial hypertension in both males and females. In the former, males are unable to achieve and/or maintain an erection. Tadalafil is used to treat this when the cause is physiological rather than psychological. This applies when the disorder is due to insufficient blood flow to the penile tissue. Arousal is necessary for the drug to work as it cannot conquer psychological barriers. The latter on the other hand occurs when the pressure of the pulmonary artery (carries blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation) rises. This causes the lungs to become more resistant to blood flow causing the right ventricle to overwork in order to pump enough blood to the lungs for oxygenation. Tadalafil is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia which is characterized by an enlarged prostate and difficulties in urination.
The basic effect of Tadalafil is an increase in blood flow to the part of the body affected by any of the aforementioned disorders. The dosage differs depending on the disorder it is to be used to manage. The only person who can determine how much is enough for a person is a qualified physician. Tadalafil should not be taken without a proper prescription. But how does tadalafil achieve its effects and manage to deal with the conditions mentioned above?
Tadalafil belongs to the drug class known as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors which work by inhibiting the action of an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase type 5 resulting in vasodilation. This is an enzyme produced by the body is response to various stimuli. It is primarily responsible for the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is required for increased blood flow and vasodilation thanks to the increased flow of chemical mediators like nitric oxide to the smooth muscle of the lungs, penis and prostrate respectively. When tadalafil is taken, its inhibitory feature causes more cyclic GMP to accumulate hence magnifying its effects in the body. The phosphodiesterase type 5 enzymes are prevented from breaking down the cyclic GMP causing it to accumulate. This causes the blood vessels in the affected body parts to dilate or relax increasing their diameter so more blood flows through them to reach the body parts.
Increased blood flow causes the normal functioning of the respective body organs to be regained. In erectile dysfunction, increased blood flow to penile tissue causes an erection to be achieved and maintained. As for pulmonary arterial hypertension, increased vasodilation in the arteries supplying the lung muscles causes more blood to flow to the lungs. This results in less ventricular stress and fewer complications associated with the condition. In prostatic hyperplasia, vasodilation causes an increase in the amount of blood flowing to the prostrate hence reversing the effects of the cancer. It improves urination frequency, ease and better flow and has even been proven to reduce the need for surgical interventions.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.