Adcirca (tadalafil) is a medicine used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs. It belongs to a class of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH):

PAH causes the blood vessels in the lungs to narrow and stiffen, making the heart work harder to pump blood through them. Over time, this can lead to breathlessness, fatigue, and reduced ability to exercise. Adcirca helps by relaxing and widening these blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through and reducing the workload on the heart.

How it works:

Tadalafil blocks an enzyme called PDE5, which allows the blood vessels in the lungs to relax. This lowers the pressure in the pulmonary arteries and improves exercise capacity in people with PAH.

Adcirca does not cure PAH, but it can help manage symptoms and improve your ability to carry out daily activities.

The usual adult dose is 40mg (two 20mg tablets) taken once daily. Your doctor will confirm the right dose for you. Always follow their instructions.

Before you start:

• Tell your doctor about all other medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, particularly any medicines for chest pain (nitrates) or blood pressure
• Let your doctor know if you have any history of heart, liver, or kidney problems
• Tell your doctor if you have had a recent stroke or heart attack, or have low blood pressure

How to take it:

• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water
• Adcirca can be taken with or without food
• Take it at the same time each day to help you remember

Ongoing check-ups:

Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and overall response to treatment. Attend all scheduled appointments so your progress can be tracked.

If you miss a dose, here's what to do:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as normal
• Never take two doses on the same day to make up for a missed one

If you are unsure what to do, your pharmacist or doctor can advise you based on your situation.

If you think you or someone else has taken too much Adcirca, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department straight away.

Signs that something might be wrong include:

• Severe headache or dizziness
• Fainting or feeling faint when standing up
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Vision or hearing changes

There is no specific antidote for tadalafil. Treatment will focus on managing symptoms. Do not wait to see if you feel better. Get help immediately.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

If you have questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.

Like all medicines, Adcirca can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common ones to be aware of include:

• Headache: One of the most commonly reported side effects, usually mild and temporary
• Flushing: A feeling of warmth or redness in the face, neck, or chest
• Nausea: Some people feel mildly nauseated, particularly when first starting treatment
• Low blood pressure: Adcirca can lower blood pressure, which may cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly
• Back pain or muscle aches: Usually mild and tend to resolve on their own
• Nasal congestion: A stuffy or runny nose
• Vision changes: In rare cases, some people notice changes in vision or colour perception. Stop taking Adcirca and seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden vision or hearing loss

If you notice anything that concerns you, even if it is not on this list, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you are taking before starting Adcirca. Key things to be aware of:

• Nitrates: Do not take Adcirca if you use nitrate medicines for chest pain (such as glyceryl trinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate). Combining these can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
• Other PDE5 inhibitors: Do not take Adcirca with other medicines in the same class, such as sildenafil (Revatio/Viagra) or vardenafil
• Alpha-blockers: Used for blood pressure or prostate conditions, these can interact with Adcirca and cause low blood pressure
• Certain antifungals and HIV medicines: Medicines such as ketoconazole, ritonavir, and others can increase tadalafil levels in your blood, raising the risk of side effects
• Bosentan: This medicine, also used for PAH, can reduce the effectiveness of tadalafil. Your doctor will manage this carefully if you are taking both

Never start, stop, or change any medicine without speaking to your doctor first.

Can I take Adcirca with food?

Yes. Adcirca can be taken with or without food. Eating a large, high-fat meal just before taking it may slow how quickly the medicine is absorbed, but it does not affect the overall amount of medicine in your body.

How long does Adcirca take to work?

Adcirca begins to work within a few hours of your first dose, but it may take several weeks of regular use before you notice a meaningful improvement in symptoms. Keep taking it as directed even if you do not notice immediate results.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Adcirca?

Alcohol and tadalafil can both lower blood pressure, so combining them may increase your risk of dizziness or fainting. It is best to limit alcohol and discuss this with your doctor.

Ace provides accurate and independent information medically reviewed on prescription medications. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.