TadalafilDaily-use PDE-5 inhibitor

Tadalafil is a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor commonly used in men for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms, or patients experiencing both conditions. At the 5 mg daily dose, tadalafil provides steady systemic exposure and is often selected when the clinical goal is consistent erectile-function support without needing to time medication closely around sexual activity, while also supporting lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. Tadalafil tablets may be taken with or without food.

Mechanistically, tadalafil enhances nitric oxide–mediated cGMP activity in smooth muscle. In erectile tissue, this supports relaxation of cavernosal smooth muscle and improved blood flow during sexual stimulation. PDE-5 activity is also present in smooth muscle of the prostate, bladder, and associated vasculature, which helps explain tadalafil's clinical use in urinary prostate symptom protocols, although the exact BPH symptom mechanism has not been fully established. Sexual stimulation is still required for an erectile response; tadalafil does not directly increase libido.