Starkoprex 20mg 4 Tablets

Medication Name: Tadalafil

Available Forms:

• Tablets (commonly 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg)

Pharmacological Class:

• Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) Inhibitor

Indications:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Mechanism of Action:
Tadalafil selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the corpus cavernosum of the penis and in vascular smooth muscle. By preventing cGMP breakdown, tadalafil enhances smooth muscle relaxation, increases blood flow, and enables erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Dosage:

• Erectile Dysfunction (as needed): 10–20 mg at least 30 minutes before sexual activity (maximum once daily).

• Erectile Dysfunction (daily use): 2.5–5 mg once daily, at the same time each day.

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): 5 mg once daily.

• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: 40 mg once daily.

Precautions:

• Contraindicated with nitrates or nitric oxide donors (risk of severe hypotension).

• Caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, severe hepatic or renal impairment, or uncontrolled hypertension.

• Avoid alcohol excess — may increase risk of hypotension.

• Dose adjustment may be required in renal or hepatic impairment.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache

• Flushing

• Nasal congestion

• Indigestion (dyspepsia)

• Back pain or muscle pain

• Dizziness

• Rare: Priapism (erection >4 hours), sudden hearing or vision loss

Duration of Action:

• Up to 36 hours, which is significantly longer than other PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil).

Note:
Tadalafil is known as the “weekend pill” due to its long duration. It does not cause an erection without sexual stimulation. Regular daily use may improve spontaneity and urinary symptoms in men with both ED and BPH.