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Small MoleculeApproved

Tadalafil (C6)

tuh-FAD-uh-le

Research profile · How we handle evidence

Category

Small Molecule

Compound type

Phase / Status

Approved

FDA approved (brand name Cialis). Generic available. Commonly used ED/BPH medication.

Standard Dose

5-20mg

As needed or 2.5-5mg daily

Half-life

17.5 hours

Plasma elimination

Route(s)

OR

Oral

Research Stage

Market Approved

Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.

Overview

Tadalafil is often described as a longer-lasting ED option. Compared with shorter-acting medications like sildenafil, its effects can last closer to a day (sometimes longer). It supports erections by improving blood flow.

Plain-language summary

Tadalafil is often described as a longer-lasting ED option. Compared with shorter-acting medications like sildenafil, its effects can last closer to a day (sometimes longer). It supports erections by improving blood flow.

Administration Routes

  • Oral

Also known as

CialisThe Weekend Pill36-Hour PillTadDaily CialisC20The Blue Pill's CousinTadalafil

Mechanisms

1

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Detailed mechanism

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor - increases blood flow by relaxing blood vessels. It works through cellular signaling that affects smooth muscle tone, leading to therapeutic effects.

Safety

Side effects

  • Headache
  • Back pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Nasal congestion
  • Flushing
  • Rare vision changes

Reported benefits

  • Long duration of action (often up to 36 hours)
  • Treats erectile dysfunction
  • Increases blood flow
  • May help with exercise-related "pumps" (varies)
  • Often well-tolerated
  • Daily low-dose option available for some indications

Safety profile

Well-characterized safety profile from extensive clinical use and trials. Seek medical advice for contraindications and drug interactions.

Clinical trials

Completed clinical trials leading to FDA or regulatory approval.

Structure

Verified structure

Tadalafil (C6)

No exact public structure match was confirmed, so the app will render a formula-backed illustration.

Formula-backed
C22H30N6O4389.46 g/molCAS 171596-29-34 element fingerprint
Chemical Formula
C22H30N6O4
Molecular Weight
389.46 g/mol
CAS Number
171596-29-3

Stack Context

Stacks with

SildenafilVardenafilTestosterone

References

  1. 1

    Tadalafil (Cialis) FDA drug approval record - NDA 021368 (U.S. FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research)

    2003

    View source
  2. 2

    Efficacy and safety of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a Phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trial (BJU International)

    2003

    View source
  3. 3

    Tadalafil 5 mg once daily improves lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis (European Urology)

    2012

    View source

This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.

Research-driven insights.Evidence-based decisions.