Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, or PAH, is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs becomes excessively high. It is caused by the lung’s blood vessels being narrowed, blocked, or destroyed.
In PAH, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. This extra effort eventually causes the heart muscle to become weak and fail.
There are many approved medications available for PAH. These medications include injectable Prostanoids, oral endothelin receptor antagonists, oral Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, and oral guanylate cyclase.
Out of all the oral medications, Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors Sildenafil or Tadalafil are preferred first-line treatments for most patients.
Between Sildenafil and Tadalafil, the effect of Tadalafil lasts for 36 hours, much longer than Sildenafil’s effects, which is only 4-5 hours. Thus making it the preferred choice as it only needs to be taken once daily.
Tadalafil is also approved for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men. However, the medications for both ED and PAH are not the same.
Tadalafil is approved and sold under the brand name “Adcirca” for PAH and “Cialis” for ED.
While both Cialis and Adcirca contain the same active ingredient, which is Tadalafil, they are specifically approved for different conditions – Cialis for ED and Adcirca for PAH.
Given this similarity in active ingredient, People often wonder if Can they take Cialis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension? Will it work?
This article answers the question, “Does Cialis work for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?”. It will also explore how Tadalafil works for treating PAH.
Cialis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Does it work
As mentioned, Cialis contains the same active ingredient as Adcirca. They both have the same mechanism of action and affect the same body parts.
So, yes, Cialis does work for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension if taken properly.
The treatment of PAH requires Tadalafil doses higher than needed for ED. For PAH treatment, 40 mg of Tadalafil is prescribed.
So, if taken two 20 mg pills simultaneously, Cialis will treat PAH as effectively as Adcirca. However, despite its effectiveness, Cialis is not approved for treating PAH.
Why is Cialis not approved for treating PAH
When approving a medication for treating any disease, the FDA considers multiple things. Among those things, one is to avoid confusion that can lead to health risks.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) requires a very low dose of Tadalafil, often 5 or 10 mg only. The maximum 20 mg dose of Cialis is only used in severe cases of ED.
Despite all the warnings, some people try to experiment with their medications. Oral ED medicines are one of the most abused drugs among young individuals.
Suppose Cialis had been approved for PAH with an available dose of 40 mg, and someone who doesn’t have PAH took it either accidentally or recreationally. In that case, the consequences could be very dangerous.
Similarly, with PAH, the medicine must always be effective and keep the blood vessels dilated. If someone with PAH took a lower dose, the blood vessels would not dilate properly, leading to fatal consequences.
Considering all these above reasons, the FDA kept those two medications separate.
Conclusion
Cialis is a medication approved for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Adcirca is approved for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
Cialis and Adcirca contain the same active ingredient, Tadalafil, and it is possible to use Cialis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
However, Cialis is only available up to 20 mg, and treatment of PAH requires 40 mg of Tadalafil. So, you have to take two pills of Cialis.
FDA has not approved Cialis for PAH and Adcirca for ED to avoid the risk of accidentally taking higher doses.
Cialis is safe for PAH, but always consult your doctor before taking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Adcirca for Erectile Dysfunction?
No, you should not take Adcirca for Erectile Dysfunction. Although it also contains Tadalafil, it is not approved by the FDA. So, it is recommended not to take medicine for conditions they are not approved for. Consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
What is the maximum amount of Cialis I can take?
Cialis is a prescription medication and should only be taken as prescribed. The standard dose is 10 or 20 mg for occasional use before sexual activity or 2.5 or 5 mg for daily use. If you find the prescribed dose ineffective, talk with your doctor about changing it.
Can Tadalafil treat Pulmonary Hypertension?
Yes, Tadalafil can treat Pulmonary Hypertension. The FDA tested and approved it in 2009 for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
What should I take if I have both ED and PAH, Cialis or Adcirca?
It depends on your health, age, and any other disease you may have. Consult a doctor to decide on an appropriate treatment option for you. Your doctor may prescribe you Cialis for ED and any other medication for PAH.
Can I take 40 mg of generic Tadalafil instead of Adcirca for PAH?
Yes, you can take either Adcirca or generic Tadalafil for treating PAH. They both are the same thing and have the same effect. However, it should be taken only with a doctor’s prescription.
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