What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Adcirca (Tadalafil)
Prescription Required
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Related Products & Conditions
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Product Details
Description
Adcirca is a prescription medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Adcirca belongs to the class of medications called phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5). Adcirca has been shown to increase the ability to exercise in patients with PAH.
PDE5 is an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of the chemical messenger cGMP. cGMP works by increasing the levels of nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels of the lungs. Increasing blood flow to the lungs helps improve PAH symptoms and increase the ability to exercise.
Fact Table
Formula
C22H19N3O4
License
US FDA, EU EMA
Bioavailability
Varies
Legal status
Rx-Only
Chemical Name
Tadalafil
Elimination half-life
17.5 hours
Dosage (Strength)
20mg
Pregnancy
-
Brands
Cialis, Cidala, Adcirca
Protein binding
94%
PubChem CID
110635
MedlinePlus
a604008
ChEBI
71940
ATC code
G04BE08
DrugBank
DB00820
KEGG
D02008
Routes of administration
by mouth
Directions
The usual dosage of Adcirca is 40 mg by mouth once daily. Do not divide the dose into more than one throughout the day unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Adcirca is tadalafil, which is also the name of Adcirca generic.
Interactions
Adcirca can interact with many medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you are taking before starting Adcirca. Common interactions may include:
- Abametapir
- Alprostadil
- Amyl nitrate
- Apalutamide
- Atazanavir
- Carbamazepine
- Ceritinib
- Clarithromycin
- Dapoxetine
- Darunavir
- Enzalutamide
- Fosamprenavir
- Fosphenytoin
- Fusidic acid
- Idelalisib
- Indinavir
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Lonafarnib
- Lopinavir
- Lumacaftor
- Lumacaftor-ivacaftor
- Mifepristone
- Mitotane
- Nefazodone
- Nelfinavir
- Nitroprusside
- Ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir
- Organic nitrates (vasodilators)
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Posaconazole
- Primidone
- Rifampin (rifampicin)
- Riociguat
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
- Telithromycin
- Tucatinib
- Voriconazole
Cautions
Adcirca should not be taken with organic nitrates or guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of low blood pressure (hypotension).
Adcirca and similar medications have been known to rarely affect vision and hearing.
Side Effects
Common Adcirca side effects may include:
- Back pain
- Diaphoresis
- Dizziness
- Dyspepsia
- Flushing
- Headache
- Hearing loss
- Hypertension
- Increased liver enzymes
- Limb pain
- Myalgia
- Nasal congestion
- Nasopharyngitis
- Nausea
- Prolonged erection
- Rectal hemorrhage
- Renal insufficiency
- Respiratory tract infection
- Skin rash
- Tinnitus
- Urinary tract infection
References
Adcirca [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly; 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions about Adcirca (Tadalafil)
What is Adcirca (Tadalafil) used for?
Adcirca is primarily prescribed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by improving exercise capacity. It belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
How does Adcirca work?
Adcirca works by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to increased blood flow. This helps to reduce blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, easing the workload on the heart.
Can Adcirca be used for erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Adcirca is not intended for treating ED. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Adcirca, is also used in another form, Cialis, for managing erectile dysfunction.
What is the recommended dosage for Adcirca?
The typical starting dose for Adcirca is 40 mg once daily. However, your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage based on your individual response and health condition.
Are there any side effects associated with Adcirca?
Common side effects may include headache, muscle pain, and flushing. Serious side effects are rare but can include vision changes and sudden hearing loss. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse effects.
Can Adcirca be taken with other medications?
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, as some drugs may interact with Adcirca.
How long does it take for Adcirca to show results?
Adcirca's effects may be noticeable within 2 hours of taking the medication. However, individual responses vary, so follow your doctor's recommendations for the best results.
Is Adcirca safe for everyone?
Adcirca may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions. Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have heart problems or liver disease, to ensure the medication is safe for you.
Can women take Adcirca?
Adcirca is not approved for use in women. Its safety and efficacy in pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers have not been established.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Adcirca?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 11443
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