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Home > Drug Category > Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) > Adcirca and Equivalent

Adcirca Information

Adcirca (Tadalafil) is primarily used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart. Pulmonary arterial hypertension narrows and tightens the blood vessels in the lungs, making it incredibly difficult for the heart to pump blood through them.

Tadalafil is widely recognized as the first-line therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension, especially for patients who are classified as World Health Organization (WHO) Functional Class II or III. It is typically used in patients with symptoms but not at the most advanced stage. Adcirca helps improve exercise ability and reduce worsening of this condition.

Tadalafil belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. It inhibits/blocks the action of the enzyme, phosphodiesterase type 5. This action helps relax and dilate the blood vessels, which, in turn, lowers blood pressure in the lungs, making it easier for the heart to function.

Tadalafil is a versatile medication, as it is effective for other conditions. It may be used in men to treat erectile dysfunction. Its inhibitory effects on phosphodiesterase type 5 make it effective in treating this condition, as this action increases blood flow to the penis when aroused. Tadalafil may also be used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In this condition, the prostate gland has become enlarged, causing difficulty urinating and associated symptoms. Tadalafil relaxes the muscles of the bladder and prostate, making urination easier and reducing symptoms.

Adcirca Side Effects

Like many other medications, Adcirca has a spectrum of possible side effects, ranging from widespread and manageable effects to more serious reactions that require immediate medical attention.

Some common mild side effects of this medication include headache, muscle pain, red or hot face (flushing), nausea, pain in the arms, legs, or back, upset stomach, and a stuffy or congested nose. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Chest pain;
• Eye problems such as a sudden decrease or loss of vision or other vision changes;
• Hearing difficulties;
• Heavy menstrual bleeding;
• Prolonged (longer than 4 hours), painful, or inappropriate erection of the penis;
• Signs of urinary tract infection, such as pain or burning when urinating, and frequent urge to urinate;
• Signs of an upper respiratory tract infection such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, headache;
• Swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands;
• Temporary memory loss

Adcirca Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tadalafil, other ingredients in Adcirca, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and multiple myeloma;
• Eye problems;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Lung disease with occlusion of blood vessels in the lungs;
• Penis conditions such as Peyronie's disease, priapism;
• Peptic ulcer disease;
• Stroke;
• Systemic hypertension

You may feel lightheaded or dizzy when quickly standing up from a sitting or lying position while using this medication. Always stand up slowly from a lying or sitting position to help reduce this effect. Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to become pregnant. Adcirca is not recommended for use in children younger than 2 years as its safety has not been established in this age group.

Intake of alcohol can put you at risk of severely low blood pressure and resultant dizziness while taking this medication. Therefore, avoid taking alcohol or alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Some medications, such as riociguat, nitrate-containing drugs, can also increase the risk of low blood pressure. Therefore, before taking this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines, to determine if it is safe to use along with tadalafil.

Take Adcirca tablets orally as prescribed by your doctor, with or without food. It is essential to consult your doctor about the appropriate dose for you, as it usually depends on the conditions you are being treated for, your age, your response to treatment, and other factors. Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit-containing juice while taking this medication. Do not take more than the prescribed doses to make up for a missed dose. Do not stop this medication without consulting your doctor first. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it away from sunlight, moisture, and out of children's reach.

Do I need a prescription to order Adcirca?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Adcirca.