Tadalafil is a long-acting phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. By blocking the PDE5 enzyme, it increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes smooth muscle and causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). This mechanism improves systemic blood flow and endothelial function, which are foundational to cardiovascular health and may mitigate age-related declines in tissue perfusion and oxygenation.
Verdict
Promising for cardiovascular health, but requires medical supervision due to drug interactions.
HEALTHSPAN IMPACT
Moderate
RISK LEVEL
Moderate
EVIDENCE GRADE
B
MONTHLY COST
$10 - $60
Protocol
- Daily doses typically range from 2.5mg to 5mg for healthspan applications.
- Taken orally at approximately the same time each day, with or without food.
Flags
- Contraindicated with nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin) due to risk of severe hypotension.
- Use with caution alongside alpha-blockers or other antihypertensive drugs.
- Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, back pain, and nasal congestion.
- Rare but serious side effects include sudden vision or hearing loss.
- Priapism (prolonged erection) is a rare medical emergency requiring immediate attention.