Lafaval (Tadalafil)

Lafaval (tadalafil) acts on the phosphodiesterase type 5 pathway and is indicated for several vascular‑related conditions.

• Erectile dysfunction: improves ability to achieve and maintain an erection when sexual stimulation occurs.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia: relieves urinary symptoms such as reduced flow and urgency.
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension: enhances exercise capacity by lowering pulmonary vascular resistance.

• Tadalafil selectively inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, preventing the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Elevated cGMP leads to smooth‑muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum, prostate, and pulmonary vasculature, facilitating increased blood flow to these tissues.

Adverse reactions may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain in the head.
• Dyspepsia: upset stomach or indigestion.
• Back pain: muscular discomfort, often transient.
• Nasal congestion: blocked or runny nose.
• Flushing: warmth and redness of the face.
• Vision changes: blurred or altered color perception.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Sudden vision loss: may indicate non‑arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
• Sudden hearing loss: unexplained decrease in hearing ability.
• Priapism: prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours.
• Cardiovascular events: chest pain, arrhythmia, or stroke in susceptible individuals.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure, especially with nitrates.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, or swelling of the face and throat.

Before prescribing Lafaval, clinicians should assess patient history and comorbidities.

• Cardiovascular disease: evaluate risk of myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Nitrate therapy: avoid concurrent use due to risk of severe hypotension.
• Renal or hepatic impairment: consider dose adjustment or monitoring.
• Concomitant alpha‑blockers: monitor blood pressure for additive effects.
• Visual disorders: caution in patients with retinal disease.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Tadalafil may interact with several medication classes; awareness of interaction severity guides clinical decisions.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin): can cause profound hypotension.
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators (e.g., riociguat): risk of excessive blood pressure lowering.
• Other PDE5 inhibitors: may lead to additive vasodilatory effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin): increase tadalafil plasma levels.
• Antihypertensives (e.g., alpha‑blockers): may enhance blood pressure reduction.
• Alpha‑adrenergic antagonists (e.g., doxazosin): monitor for dizziness or fainting.