1. SILDENAFIL (10 tab/100 mg of Sildenafil in tablet)

2. CIALIS (10 tab/20 mg of  tadalafil)

3. CLOMO

4. VIRON

 

SILDENAFIL (10 tab/100 mg of Sildenafil in tablet)

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 Therapeutic indications

Sildenafil is indicated in adult of men with erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

In order for sildenafil to be effective, sexual stimulation is required.

 Posology and method of administration

Posology

Use in adults:

The recommended dose is 50mg taken as needed approximately one hour before sexual activity. Based on efficacy and tolerability, the dose may be increased to 100mg or decreased to 25mg. The maximum recommended dose is 100mg. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. If sildenafil is taken with food, the onset of activity may be delayed compared to the fasted state.

Special populations

Elderly patients

Dosage adjustments are not required in elderly patients (≥65 years old).

Patients with renal impairment:

The dosing recommendations described in 'Use in adults' apply to patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance = 30 - 80 ml/min).

Since sildenafil clearance is reduced in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min) a 25mg dose should be considered. Based on efficacy and tolerability, the dose may be increased step-wise to 50mg up to 100mg as necessary.

Patients with hepatic impairment:

Since sildenafil clearance is reduced in patients with hepatic impairment (e.g. cirrhosis) a 25mg dose should be considered. Based on efficacy and tolerability, the dose may be increased step-wise to 50mg up to 100mg as necessary.

Paediatric population

Sildenafil is not indicated for individuals below 18 years of age.

Use in patients taking other medicinal products:

With the exception of ritonavir for which co-administration with sildenafil is not advised  a starting dose of 25mg should be considered in patients receiving concomitant treatment with CYP3A4 inhibitors .

In order to minimize the potential of developing postural hypotension in patients receiving alpha-blocker treatment, patients should be stabilised on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating sildenafil treatment. In addition, initiation of sildenafil at a dose of 25mg should be considered.

 

Method of administration

For oral use.

 Contraindications

Consistent with its known effects on the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway , sildenafil was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, and its co-administration with nitric oxide donors (such as amyl nitrite) or nitrates in any form is therefore contraindicated.

Agents for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, including sildenafil, should not be used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable (e.g. patients with severe cardiovascular disorders such as unstable angina or severe cardiac failure).

Sildenafil is contraindicated in patients who have loss of vision in one eye because of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), regardless of whether this episode was in connection or not with previous PDE5 inhibitor exposure.

The safety of sildenafil has not been studied in the following sub-groups of patients and its use is therefore contraindicated: severe hepatic impairment, hypotension (blood pressure <90/50 mmHg), recent history of stroke or myocardial infarction and known hereditary degenerative retinal disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa (a minority of these patients have genetic disorders of retinal phosphodiesterases).

Special warnings and precautions for use

A medical history and physical examination should be undertaken to diagnose erectile dysfunction and determine potential underlying causes, before pharmacological treatment is considered.

Cardiovascular risk factors

Prior to initiating any treatment for erectile dysfunction, physicians should consider the cardiovascular status of their patients, since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity. Sildenafil has vasodilator properties, resulting in mild and transient decreases in blood pressure. Prior to prescribing sildenafil, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with certain underlying conditions could be adversely affected by such vasodilatory effects, especially in combination with sexual activity. Patients with increased susceptibility to vasodilators include those with left ventricular outflow obstruction (e.g., aortic stenosis, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy), or those with the rare syndrome of multiple system atrophy manifesting as severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure.

Sildenafil potentiates the hypotensive effect of nitrates.

Serious cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, sudden cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmia, cerebrovascular haemorrhage, transient ischaemic attack, hypertension and hypotension have been reported post-marketing in temporal association with the use of sildenafil. Most, but not all, of these patients had pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. Many events were reported to occur during or shortly after sexual intercourse and a few were reported to occur shortly after the use of sildenafil without sexual activity. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these factors or to other factors.

Priapism

Agents for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, including sildenafil, should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie's disease), or in patients who have conditions which may predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia).

Concomitant use with other treatments for erectile dysfunction

The safety and efficacy of combinations of sildenafil with other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. Therefore the use of such combinations is not recommended.

Effects on vision

Cases of visual defects have been reported spontaneously in connection with the intake of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors. Cases of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, a rare condition, have been reported spontaneously and in an observational study in connection with the intake of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors. Patients should be advised that in the event of any sudden visual defect, they should stop taking sildenafil and consult a physician immediately.

Concomitant use with ritonavir

Co-administration of sildenafil with ritonavir is not advised.

Concomitant use with alpha-blockers

Caution is advised when sildenafil is administered to patients taking an alpha-blocker, as the co-administration may lead to symptomatic hypotension in a few susceptible individuals . This is most likely to occur within 4 hours post sildenafil dosing. In order to minimise the potential for developing postural hypotension, patients should be hemodynamically stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating sildenafil treatment. Initiation of sildenafil at a dose of 25mg should be considered. In addition, physicians should advise patients what to do in the event of postural hypotensive symptoms.

Effect on bleeding

Studies with human platelets indicate that sildenafil potentiates the antiaggregatory effect of sodium nitroprusside in vitro. There is no safety information on the administration of sildenafil to patients with bleeding disorders or active peptic ulceration. Therefore sildenafil should be administered to these patients only after careful benefit-risk assessment.

The film coating of the sildenafil film-coated tablet contains lactose. Sildenafil should not be administered to men with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Women

Sildenafil is not indicated for use by women.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Effects of other medicinal products on sildenafil

In vitro studies:

Sildenafil metabolism is principally mediated by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms 3A4 (major route) and 2C9 (minor route). Therefore, inhibitors of these isoenzymes may reduce sildenafil clearance.

In vivo studies:

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of clinical trial data indicated a reduction in sildenafil clearance when co-administered with CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine). Although no increased incidence of adverse events was observed in these patients, when sildenafil is administered concomitantly with CYP3A4 inhibitors, a starting dose of 25 mg should be considered.

Co-administration of the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir, which is a highly potent P450 inhibitor, at steady state (500mg twice daily) with sildenafil (100mg single dose) resulted in a 300% (4-fold) increase in sildenafil Cmax and a 1,000% (11-fold) increase in sildenafil plasma AUC. At 24 hours, the plasma levels of sildenafil were still approximately 200ng/ml, compared to approximately 5ng/ml when sildenafil was administered alone. This is consistent with ritonavir's marked effects on a broad range of P450 substrates. Sildenafil had no effect on ritonavir pharmacokinetics. Based on these pharmacokinetic results co-administration of sildenafil with ritonavir is not advised (see section 4.4) and in any event the maximum dose of sildenafil should under no circumstances exceed 25 mg within 48 hours.

Co-administration of the HIV protease inhibitor saquinavir, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, at steady state (1200mg three times a day) with sildenafil (100mg single dose) resulted in a 140% increase in sildenafil Cmax and a 210% increase in sildenafil AUC. Sildenafil had no effect on saquinavir pharmacokinetics . Stronger CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and itraconazole would be expected to have greater effects.

When a single 100mg dose of sildenafil was administered with erythromycin, a specific CYP3A4 inhibitor, at steady state (500mg twice daily. for 5 days), there was a 182% increase in sildenafil systemic exposure (AUC). In normal healthy male volunteers, there was no evidence of an effect of azithromycin (500mg daily for 3 days) on the AUC, Cmax, tmax, elimination rate constant, or subsequent half-life of sildenafil or its principal circulating metabolite. Cimetidine (800mg), a cytochrome P450 inhibitor and non-specific CYP3A4 inhibitor, caused a 56% increase in plasma sildenafil concentrations when co-administered with sildenafil (50mg) to healthy volunteers.

Grapefruit juice is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 gut wall metabolism and may give rise to modest increases in plasma levels of sildenafil.

Single doses of antacid (magnesium hydroxide/aluminium hydroxide) did not affect the bioavailability of sildenafil.

Although specific interaction studies were not conducted for all medicinal products, population pharmacokinetic analysis showed no effect of concomitant treatment on sildenafil pharmacokinetics when grouped as CYP2C9 inhibitors (such as tolbutamide, warfarin, phenytoin), CYP2D6 inhibitors (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants), thiazide and related diuretics, loop and potassium sparing diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists or inducers of CYP450 metabolism (such as rifampicin, barbiturates).

Nicorandil is a hybrid of potassium channel activator and nitrate. Due to the nitrate component it has the potential to result in a serious interaction with sildenafil.

Effects of sildenafil on other medicinal products

In vitro studies:

Sildenafil is a weak inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 isoforms 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4 (IC50 > 150 μM). Given sildenafil peak plasma concentrations of approximately 1 μM after recommended doses, it is unlikely that sildenafil will alter the clearance of substrates of these isoenzymes.

There are no data on the interaction of sildenafil and non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as theophylline or dipyridamole.

In vivo studies:

Consistent with its known effects on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway , sildenafil was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, and its co-administration with nitric oxide donors or nitrates in any form is therefore contraindicated.

Concomitant administration of sildenafil to patients taking alpha-blocker therapy may lead to symptomatic hypotension in a few susceptible individuals. This is most likely to occur within 4 hours post sildenafil dosing . In three specific drug-drug interaction studies, the alpha-blocker doxazosin (4mg and 8mg) and sildenafil (25mg, 50mg, or 100mg) were administered simultaneously to patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) stabilized on doxazosin therapy. In these study populations, mean additional reductions of supine blood pressure of 7/7mmHg, 9/5mmHg, and 8/4 mmHg, and mean additional reductions of standing blood pressure of 6/6mmHg, 11/4mmHg, and 4/5mmHg, respectively, were observed. When sildenafil and doxazosin were administered simultaneously to patients stabilized on doxazosin therapy, there were infrequent reports of patients who experienced symptomatic postural hypotension. These reports included dizziness and light-headedness, but not syncope.

No significant interactions were shown when sildenafil (50mg) was co-administered with tolbutamide (250mg) or warfarin (40mg), both of which are metabolised by CYP2C9.

Sildenafil (50mg) did not potentiate the increase in bleeding time caused by acetyl salicylic acid (150mg).

Sildenafil (50mg) did not potentiate the hypotensive effects of alcohol in healthy volunteers with mean maximum blood alcohol levels of 80mg/dl.

Pooling of the following classes of antihypertensive medication: diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, antihypertensive medicinal products (vasodilator and centrally-acting), adrenergic neurone blockers, calcium channel blockers and alpha-adrenoceptor blockers, showed no difference in the side effect profile in patients taking sildenafil compared to placebo treatment. In a specific interaction study, where sildenafil (100mg) was co-administered with amlodipine in hypertensive patients, there was an additional reduction on supine systolic blood pressure of 8 mmHg. The corresponding additional reduction in supine diastolic blood pressure was 7 mmHg. These additional blood pressure reductions were of a similar magnitude to those seen when sildenafil was administered alone to healthy volunteers.

Sildenafil (100mg) did not affect the steady state pharmacokinetics of the HIV protease inhibitors, saquinavir and ritonavir, both of which are CYP3A4 substrates.

 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Sildenafil is not indicated for use by women.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

No relevant adverse effects were found in reproduction studies in rats and rabbits following oral administration of sildenafil.

There was no effect on sperm motility or morphology after single 100 mg oral doses of sildenafil in healthy volunteers.

 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.

As dizziness and altered vision were reported in clinical trials with sildenafil, patients should be aware of how they react to sildenafil before driving or operating machinery.

 

 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The safety profile of sildenafil is based on 8691 patients who received the recommended dosing regimen in 67 placebo-controlled clinical studies. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical studies among sildenafil treated patients were headache, flushing, dyspepsia, visual disorders, nasal congestion, dizziness and visual colour distortion.

Adverse reactions from post-marketing surveillance has been gathered covering an estimated period >9 years. Because not all adverse reactions are reported, the frequencies of these reactions cannot be reliably determined.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

In the table below all medically important adverse reactions, which occurred in clinical trials at an incidence greater than placebo are listed by system organ class and frequency (very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000).

In addition, the frequency of medically important adverse reactions reported from post-marketing experience is included as not known.

Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

 Overdose

In single dose volunteer studies of doses up to 800mg, adverse reactions were similar to those seen at lower doses, but the incidence rates and severities were increased. Doses of 200mg did not result in increased efficacy but the incidence of adverse reactions (headache, flushing, dizziness, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, altered vision) was increased.

In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted as required. Renal dialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance as sildenafil is highly bound to plasma proteins and not eliminated in the urine.

 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Urologicals; Drugs used in erectile dysfunction. ATC Code: G04B E03.

Mechanism of action

Sildenafil is an oral therapy for erectile dysfunction. In the natural setting, i.e. with sexual stimulation, it restores impaired erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penis.

The physiological mechanism responsible for erection of the penis involves the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum during sexual stimulation. Nitric oxide then activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), producing smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum and allowing inflow of blood.

Sildenafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in the corpus cavernosum, where PDE5 is responsible for degradation of cGMP. Sildenafil has a peripheral site of action on erections. Sildenafil has no direct relaxant effect on isolated human corpus cavernosum but potently enhances the relaxant effect of NO on this tissue. When the NO/cGMP pathway is activated, as occurs with sexual stimulation, inhibition of PDE5 by sildenafil results in increased corpus cavernosum levels of cGMP. Therefore sexual stimulation is required in order for sildenafil to produce its intended beneficial pharmacological effects.

Pharmacodynamic effects

Studies in vitro have shown that sildenafil is selective for PDE5, which is involved in the erection process. Its effect is more potent on PDE5 than on other known phosphodiesterases. There is a 10-fold selectivity over PDE6 which is involved in the phototransduction pathway in the retina. At maximum recommended doses, there is an 80-fold selectivity over PDE1, and over 700-fold over PDE2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In particular, sildenafil has greater than 4,000-fold selectivity for PDE5 over PDE3, the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase isoform involved in the control of cardiac contractility.

Clinical efficacy and safety

Two clinical studies were specifically designed to assess the time window after dosing during which sildenafil could produce an erection in response to sexual stimulation. In a penile plethysmography (RigiScan) study of fasted patients, the median time to onset for those who obtained erections of 60% rigidity (sufficient for sexual intercourse) was 25 minutes (range 12-37 minutes) on sildenafil. In a separate RigiScan study, sildenafil was still able to produce an erection in response to sexual stimulation 4-5 hours post-dose.

Sildenafil causes mild and transient decreases in blood pressure which, in the majority of cases, do not translate into clinical effects. The mean maximum decreases in supine systolic blood pressure following 100mg oral dosing of sildenafil was 8.4 mmHg. The corresponding change in supine diastolic blood pressure was 5.5 mmHg. These decreases in blood pressure are consistent with the vasodilatory effects of sildenafil, probably due to increased cGMP levels in vascular smooth muscle. Single oral doses of sildenafil up to 100mg in healthy volunteers produced no clinically relevant effects on ECG.

In a study of the hemodynamic effects of a single oral 100mg dose of sildenafil in 14 patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) (>70% stenosis of at least one coronary artery), the mean resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased by 7% and 6% respectively compared to baseline. Mean pulmonary systolic blood pressure decreased by 9%. Sildenafil showed no effect on cardiac output, and did not impair blood flow through the stenosed coronary arteries.

A double blind, placebo controlled exercise stress trial evaluated 144 patients with erectile dysfunction and chronic stable angina, who regularly received anti-anginal medicinal products (except nitrates). The results demonstrated no clinically relevant differences between sildenafil and placebo in time to limiting angina.

Mild and transient differences in colour discrimination (blue/green) were detected in some subjects using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test at 1 hour following a 100mg dose, with no effects evident after 2 hours post-dose. The postulated mechanism for this change in colour discrimination is related to inhibition of PDE6, which is involved in the phototransduction cascade of the retina. Sildenafil has no effect on visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. In a small size placebo-controlled study of patients with documented early age-related macular degeneration (n=9), sildenafil (single dose, 100mg) demonstrated no significant changes in the visual tests conducted (visual acuity, Amsler grid, colour discrimination simulated traffic light, Humphrey perimeter and photostress).

Further information on clinical trials

In clinical trials sildenafil was administered to more than 8000 patients aged 19-87. The following patient groups were represented: elderly (19.9%), patients with hypertension (30.9%), diabetes mellitus (20.3%), ischaemic heart disease (5.8%), hyperlipidaemia (19.8%), spinal cord injury (0.6%), depression (5.2%), transurethral resection of the prostate (3.7%), radical prostatectomy (3.3%). The following groups were not well represented or excluded from clinical trials: patients with pelvic surgery, patients post-radiotherapy, patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment and patients with certain cardiovascular conditions.

In fixed dose studies, the proportions of patients reporting that treatment improved their erections were 62% (25mg), 74% (50mg) and 82% (100mg) compared to 25% on placebo. In controlled clinical trials, the discontinuation rate due to sildenafil was low and similar to placebo. Across all trials, the proportion of patients reporting improvement on sildenafil were as follows: psychogenic erectile dysfunction (84%), mixed erectile dysfunction (77%), organic erectile dysfunction (68%), elderly (67%), diabetes mellitus (59%), ischaemic heart disease (69%), hypertension (68%), TURP (61%), radical prostatectomy (43%), spinal cord injury (83%), depression (75%). The safety and efficacy of sildenafil was maintained in long-term studies.

 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption:

Sildenafil is rapidly absorbed. Maximum observed plasma concentrations are reached within 30 to 120 minutes (median 60 minutes) of oral dosing in the fasted state. The mean absolute oral bioavailability is 41% (range 25-63%). After oral dosing of sildenafil AUC and Cmax increase in proportion with dose over the recommended dose range (25-100mg).

When sildenafil is taken with food, the rate of absorption is reduced with a mean delay in tmax of 60 minutes and a mean reduction in Cmax of 29%.

Distribution:

The mean steady state volume of distribution (Vd) for sildenafil is 105 l, indicating distribution into the tissues. After a single oral dose of 100mg, the mean maximum total plasma concentration of sildenafil is approximately 440 ng/ml (CV 40%). Since sildenafil (and its major circulating N-desmethyl metabolite) is 96% bound to plasma proteins, this results in the mean maximum free plasma concentration for sildenafil of 18 ng/ml (38 nM). Protein binding is independent of total drug concentrations.

In healthy volunteers receiving sildenafil (100mg single dose), less than 0.0002% (average 188 ng) of the administered dose was present in ejaculate 90 minutes after dosing.

Biotransformation:

Sildenafil is cleared predominantly by the CYP3A4 (major route) and CYP2C9 (minor route) hepatic microsomal isoenzymes. The major circulating metabolite results from N-demethylation of sildenafil. This metabolite has a phosphodiesterase selectivity profile similar to sildenafil and an in vitro potency for PDE5 approximately 50% that of the parent drug. Plasma concentrations of this metabolite are approximately 40% of those seen for sildenafil. The N-desmethyl metabolite is further metabolised, with a terminal half-life of approximately 4 h.

Elimination:

The total body clearance of sildenafil is 41 l/h with a resultant terminal phase half-life of 3-5 h. After either oral or intravenous administration, sildenafil is excreted as metabolites predominantly in the faeces (approximately 80% of administered oral dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 13% of administered oral dose).

Pharmacokinetics in special patient groups

Elderly:

Healthy elderly volunteers (65 years or over) had a reduced clearance of sildenafil, resulting in approximately 90% higher plasma concentrations of sildenafil and the active N-desmethyl metabolite compared to those seen in healthy younger volunteers (18-45 years). Due to age-differences in plasma protein binding, the corresponding increase in free sildenafil plasma concentration was approximately 40%.

Renal insufficiency:

In volunteers with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance = 30-80 ml/min), the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil were not altered after receiving a 50mg single oral dose. The mean AUC and Cmax of the N-desmethyl metabolite increased 126% and 73% respectively, compared to age-matched volunteers with no renal impairment. However, due to high inter-subject variability, these differences were not statistically significant. In volunteers with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min), sildenafil clearance was reduced, resulting in mean increases in AUC and Cmax of 100% and 88% respectively compared to age-matched volunteers with no renal impairment. In addition, N-desmethyl metabolite AUC and Cmax values were significantly increased 79% and 200% respectively.

Hepatic insufficiency:

In volunteers with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A and B) sildenafil clearance was reduced, resulting in increases in AUC (84%) and Cmax (47%) compared to age-matched volunteers with no hepatic impairment. The pharmacokinetics of sildenafil in patients with severely impaired hepatic function have not been studied.

 

 

 

CIALIS (10 tab/20 mg of  tadalafil)

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 Therapeutic indications

Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males.

In order for tadalafil to be effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, sexual stimulation is required.

5 mg only: Treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult males.

CIALIS is not indicated for use by women.

 Posology and method of administration

Posology

Erectile dysfunction in adult Men

In general, the recommended dose is 10 mg taken prior to anticipated sexual activity and with or without food.

In those patients in whom tadalafil 10 mg does not produce an adequate effect, 20 mg might be tried. It may be taken at least 30 minutes prior to sexual activity.

The maximum dose frequency is once per day.

Tadalafil 10 and 20 mg is intended for use prior to anticipated sexual activity and it is not recommended for continuous daily use.

In patients who anticipate a frequent use of CIALIS (i.e., at least twice weekly) a once daily regimen with the lowest doses of CIALIS might be considered suitable, based on patient choice and the physician's judgement.

In these patients, the recommended dose is 5mg taken once a day at approximately the same time of day. The dose may be decreased to 2.5mg once a day based on individual tolerability.

The appropriateness of continued use of the daily regimen should be reassessed periodically.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult men (tadalafil 5 mg only)

The recommended dose is 5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day with or without food. For adult men being treated for both benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction the recommended dose is also 5 mg taken at approximately the same time every day. Patients who are unable to tolerate tadalafil 5 mg for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia should consider an alternative therapy as the efficacy of tadalafil 2.5 mg for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia has not been demonstrated.

Special Populations

Elderly Men

Dose adjustments are not required in elderly patients.

Men with Renal Impairment

Dose adjustments are not required in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. For patients with severe renal impairment, 10 mg is the maximum recommended dose.

Once-a-day dosing of 2.5 or 5 mg tadalafil both for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or benign prostatic hyperplasia is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment.

Men with Hepatic Impairment

For the treatment of erectile dysfunction using on-demand CIALIS the recommended dose of CIALIS is 10 mg taken prior to anticipated sexual activity and with or without food. There is limited clinical data on the safety of CIALIS in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C); if prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician. There are no available data about the administration of doses higher than 10mg of tadalafil to patients with hepatic impairment.

Once-a-day dosing both for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia has not been evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment; therefore, if prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Men with Diabetes

Dose adjustments are not required in diabetic patients.

Paediatric population

There is no relevant use of CIALIS in the paediatric population with regard to the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Method of administration

CIALIS is available as 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg film-coated tablets for oral use.

 Contraindications

In clinical studies, tadalafil was shown to augment the hypotensive effects of nitrates. This is thought to result from the combined effects of nitrates and tadalafil on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway. Therefore, administration of CIALIS to patients who are using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated.

CIALIS must not be used in men with cardiac disease for whom sexual activity is inadvisable. Physicians should consider the potential cardiac risk of sexual activity in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

The following groups of patients with cardiovascular disease were not included in clinical trials and the use of tadalafil is therefore contraindicated:

- patients with myocardial infarction within the last 90 days,

- patients with unstable angina or angina occurring during sexual intercourse,

- patients with New York Heart Association Class 2 or greater heart failure in the last 6 months,

- patients with uncontrolled arrhythmias, hypotension (<90/50 mm Hg), or uncontrolled hypertension,

- patients with a stroke within the last 6 months.

CIALIS is contraindicated in patients who have loss of vision in one eye because of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), regardless of whether this episode was in connection or not with previous PDE5 inhibitor exposure.

The co-administration of PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil, with guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat, is contraindicated as it may potentially lead to symptomatic hypotension.

Special warnings and precautions for use

Before treatment with CIALIS

A medical history and physical examination should be undertaken to diagnose erectile dysfunction or benign prostatic hyperplasia and determine potential underlying causes, before pharmacological treatment is considered.

Prior to initiating any treatment for erectile dysfunction, physicians should consider the cardiovascular status of their patients, since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity. Tadalafil has vasodilator properties, resulting in mild and transient decreases in blood pressure  and as such potentiates the hypotensive effect of nitrates.

The evaluation of erectile dysfunction should include a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment following an appropriate medical assessment. It is not known if CIALIS is effective in patients who have undergone pelvic surgery or radical non-nerve-sparing prostatectomy.

Tadalafil 5 mg - Prior to initiating treatment with tadalafil for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients should be examined to rule out the presence of carcinoma of the prostate and carefully assessed for cardiovascular conditions .

Cardiovascular

Serious cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, unstable angina pectoris, ventricular arrhythmia, stroke, transient ischaemic attacks, chest pain, palpitations and tachycardia, have been reported either post marketing and/or in clinical trials. Most of the patients in whom these events have been reported had pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. However, it is not possible to definitively determine whether these events are related directly to these risk factors, to CIALIS, to sexual activity, or to a combination of these or other factors.

Tadalafil 2.5 mg and 5 mg - In patients receiving concomitant antihypertensive medicinal products, tadalafil may induce a blood pressure decrease. When initiating daily treatment with tadalafil, appropriate clinical considerations should be given to a possible dose adjustment of the antihypertensive therapy.

In patients who are taking alpha1 blockers, concomitant administration of CIALIS may lead to symptomatic hypotension in some patients . The combination of tadalafil and doxazosin is not recommended.

Vision

Visual defects and cases of NAION have been reported in connection with the intake of CIALIS and other PDE5 inhibitors. The patient should be advised that in case of sudden visual defect, he should stop taking CIALIS and consult a physician immediately.

Renal and hepatic impairment (tadalafil 2.5 mg and 5 mg)

Due to increased tadalafil exposure (AUC), limited clinical experience and the lack of ability to influence clearance by dialysis, once-a-day dosing of CIALIS is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment.

There is limited clinical data on the safety of single-dose administration of CIALIS in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh Class C). Once-a-day administration has not been evaluated in patients with hepatic insufficiency. If CIALIS is prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician.

Hepatic impairment (tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg)

There is limited clinical data on the safety of single-dose administration of CIALIS in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh Class C). If CIALIS is prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician.

Priapism and anatomical deformation of the penis

Patients who experience erections lasting 4 hours or more should be instructed to seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency may result.

CIALIS, should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease) or in patients who have conditions which may predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma or leukaemia).

Use with CYP3A4 inhibitors

Caution should be exercised when prescribing CIALIS to patients using potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and erythromycin), as increased tadalafil exposure (AUC) has been observed if the medicinal products are combined.

CIALIS and other treatments for erectile dysfunction

The safety and efficacy of combinations of CIALIS and other PDE5 inhibitors or other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not been studied. The patients should be informed not to take CIALIS in such combinations.

Lactose

CIALIS contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.

 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Interaction studies were conducted with 10 mg and/or 20 mg tadalafil, as indicated below. With regard to those interaction studies where only the 10 mg tadalafil dose was used, clinically relevant interactions at higher doses cannot be completely ruled out.

Effects of Other Substances on Tadalafil

Cytochrome P450 inhibitors

Tadalafil is principally metabolised by CYP3A4. A selective inhibitor of CYP3A4, ketoconazole (200 mg daily), increased tadalafil (10 mg) exposure (AUC) 2-fold and Cmax by 15%, relative to the AUC and Cmax values for tadalafil alone. Ketoconazole (400 mg daily) increased tadalafil (20 mg) exposure (AUC) 4-fold and Cmax by 22%. Ritonavir, a protease inhibitor (200 mg twice daily), which is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6, increased tadalafil (20 mg) exposure (AUC) 2-fold with no change in Cmax. Although specific interactions have not been studied, other protease inhibitors, such as saquinavir, and other CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, and grapefruit juice, should be co-administered with caution, as they would be expected to increase plasma concentrations of tadalafil . Transporters

The role of transporters (for example, p-glycoprotein) in the disposition of tadalafil is not known. Therefore, there is the potential of drug interactions mediated by inhibition of transporters.

Cytochrome P450 inducers

A CYP3A4 inducer, rifampicin, reduced tadalafil AUC by 88%, relative to the AUC values for tadalafil alone (10 mg). This reduced exposure can be anticipated to decrease the efficacy of tadalafil; the magnitude of decreased efficacy is unknown. Other inducers of CYP3A4, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine, may also decrease plasma concentrations of tadalafil.

Effects of Tadalafil on Other Medicinal Products

Nitrates

In clinical studies, tadalafil (5, 10 and 20 mg) was shown to augment the hypotensive effects of nitrates. Therefore, administration of CIALIS to patients who are using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Based on the results of a clinical study in which 150 subjects receiving daily doses of tadalafil 20 mg for 7 days and 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin at various times, this interaction lasted for more than 24 hours and was no longer detectable when 48 hours had elapsed after the last tadalafil dose. Thus, in a patient prescribed any dose of CIALIS (2.5 mg- 20 mg), where nitrate administration is deemed medically necessary in a life-threatening situation, at least 48 hours should have elapsed after the last dose of CIALIS before nitrate administration is considered. In such circumstances, nitrates should only be administered under close medical supervision with appropriate haemodynamic monitoring.

Anti-hypertensives (including calcium channel blockers)

The co-administration of doxazosin (4 and 8 mg daily) and tadalafil (5 mg daily dose and 20 mg as a single dose) increases the blood pressure-lowering effect of this alpha-blocker in a significant manner. This effect lasts at least twelve hours and may be symptomatic, including syncope. Therefore, this combination is not recommended.

In interaction studies performed in a limited number of healthy volunteers, these effects were not reported with alfuzosin or tamsulosin. However, caution should be exercised when using tadalafil in patients treated with any alpha-blockers, and notably in the elderly. Treatments should be initiated at minimal dosage and progressively adjusted.

In clinical pharmacology studies, the potential for tadalafil to augment the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive medicinal products was examined. Major classes of antihypertensive medicinal products were studied, including calcium-channel blockers (amlodipine), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (enalapril), beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (metoprolol), thiazide diuretics (bendrofluazide), and angiotensin II receptor blockers (various types and doses, alone or in combination with thiazides, calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers, and/or alpha-blockers). Tadalafil (10 mg, except for studies with angiotensin II receptor blockers and amlodipine in which a 20 mg dose was applied) had no clinically significant interaction with any of these classes. In another clinical pharmacology study, tadalafil (20 mg) was studied in combination with up to 4 classes of antihypertensives. In subjects taking multiple antihypertensives, the ambulatory-blood-pressure changes appeared to relate to the degree of blood pressure control. In this regard, study subjects whose blood pressure was well controlled, the reduction was minimal and similar to that seen in healthy subjects. In study subjects whose blood pressure was not controlled, the reduction was greater, although this reduction was not associated with hypotensive symptoms in the majority of subjects. In patients receiving concomitant antihypertensive medicinal products, tadalafil 20 mg may induce a blood pressure decrease, which (with the exception of alpha-blockers - see above) is, in general, minor and not likely to be clinically relevant. Analysis of Phase 3 clinical trial data showed no difference in adverse events in patients taking tadalafil with or without antihypertensive medicinal products. However, appropriate clinical advice should be given to patients regarding a possible decrease in blood pressure when they are treated with antihypertensive medicinal products.

Riociguat

Preclinical studies showed an additive systemic blood pressure lowering effect when PDE5 inhibitors were combined with riociguat. In clinical studies, riociguat has been shown to augment the hypotensive effects of PDE5 inhibitors. There was no evidence of favourable clinical effect of the combination in the population studied. Concomitant use of riociguat with PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil, is contraindicated.

5- alpha reductase inhibitors

In a clinical trial that compared tadalafil 5 mg coadministered with finasteride 5 mg to placebo plus finasteride 5 mg in the relief of BPH symptoms, no new adverse reactions were identified. However, as a formal drug-drug interaction study evaluating the effects of tadalafil and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) has not been performed, caution should be exercised when tadalafil is co-administered with 5-ARIs.

CYP1A2 substrates (e.g. theophylline)

When tadalafil 10 mg was administered with theophylline (a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor) in a clinical pharmacology study, there was no pharmacokinetic interaction. The only pharmacodynamic effect was a small (3.5 bpm) increase in heart rate. Although this effect is minor and was of no clinical significance in this study, it should be considered when co-administering these medicinal products.

Ethinylestradiol and terbutaline

Tadalafil has been demonstrated to produce an increase in the oral bioavailability of ethinylestradiol; a similar increase may be expected with oral administration of terbutaline, although the clinical consequence of this is uncertain.

Alcohol

Alcohol concentrations (mean maximum blood concentration 0.08%) were not affected by co-administration with tadalafil (10 mg or 20 mg). In addition, no changes in tadalafil concentrations were seen 3 hours after co-administration with alcohol. Alcohol was administered in a manner to maximise the rate of alcohol absorption (overnight fast with no food until 2 hours after alcohol). Tadalafil (20 mg) did not augment the mean blood pressure decrease produced by alcohol (0.7 g/kg or approximately 180 ml of 40% alcohol [vodka] in an 80 kg male) but, in some subjects, postural dizziness and orthostatic hypotension were observed. When tadalafil was administered with lower doses of alcohol (0.6 g/kg), hypotension was not observed and dizziness occurred with similar frequency to alcohol alone. The effect of alcohol on cognitive function was not augmented by tadalafil (10 mg).

Cytochrome P450 metabolised medicinal products

Tadalafil is not expected to cause clinically significant inhibition or induction of the clearance of medicinal products metabolised by CYP450 isoforms. Studies have confirmed that tadalafil does not inhibit or induce CYP450 isoforms, including CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19.

CYP2C9 substrates (e.g. R-warfarin)

Tadalafil (10 mg and 20 mg) had no clinically significant effect on exposure (AUC) to S-warfarin or R-warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), nor did tadalafil affect changes in prothrombin time induced by warfarin.

Aspirin

Tadalafil (10 mg and 20 mg) did not potentiate the increase in bleeding time caused by acetylsalicylic acid.

Antidiabetic medicinal products

Specific interaction studies with antidiabetic medicinal products were not conducted.

 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

CIALIS is not indicated for use by women.

Pregnancy

There are limited data from the use of tadalafil in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development . As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of CIALIS during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of tadalafil in milk. A risk to the suckling child cannot be excluded. CIALIS should not be used during breast feeding.

Fertility

Effects were seen in dogs that might indicate impairment of fertility. Two subsequent clinical studies suggest that this effect is unlikely in humans, although a decrease in sperm concentration was seen in some men.

 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

CIALIS has negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Although the frequency of reports of dizziness in placebo and tadalafil arms in clinical trials was similar, patients should be aware of how they react to CIALIS before driving or using machines.

 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients taking CIALIS for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or benign prostatic hyperplasia were headache, dyspepsia, back pain and myalgia, in which the incidences increase with increasing dose of CIALIS. The adverse reactions reported were transient, and generally mild or moderate. The majority of headaches reported with CIALIS once-a-day dosing are experienced within the first 10 to 30 days of starting treatment.

 Overdose

Single doses of up to 500 mg have been given to healthy subjects, and multiple daily doses up to 100 mg have been given to patients. Adverse events were similar to those seen at lower doses.

In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted, as required. Haemodialysis contributes negligibly to tadalafil elimination.

 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Urologicals, Drugs used in erectile dysfunction. ATC code: G04BE08.

Mechanism of action

Tadalafil is a selective, reversible inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). When sexual stimulation causes the local release of nitric oxide, inhibition of PDE5 by tadalafil produces increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. This results in smooth muscle relaxation and inflow of blood into the penile tissues, thereby producing an erection. Tadalafil has no effect in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in the absence of sexual stimulation.

Tadalafil 5 mg - The effect of PDE5 inhibition on cGMP concentration in the corpus cavernosum is also observed in the smooth muscle of the prostate, the bladder and their vascular supply. The resulting vascular relaxation increases blood perfusion which may be the mechanism by which symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia are reduced. These vascular effects may be complemented by inhibition of bladder afferent nerve activity and smooth muscle relaxation of the prostate and bladder.

Pharmacodynamic effects

Studies in vitro have shown that tadalafil is a selective inhibitor of PDE5. PDE5 is an enzyme found in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle, vascular and visceral smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, platelets, kidney, lung, and cerebellum. The effect of tadalafil is more potent on PDE5 than on other phosphodiesterases. Tadalafil is >10,000-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE1, PDE2, and PDE4 enzymes which are found in the heart, brain, blood vessels, liver, and other organs. Tadalafil is >10,000-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE3, an enzyme found in the heart and blood vessels. This selectivity for PDE5 over PDE3 is important because PDE3 is an enzyme involved in cardiac contractility. Additionally, tadalafil is approximately 700-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE6, an enzyme which is found in the retina and is responsible for phototransduction. Tadalafil is also >10,000-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE7 through PDE10.

Clinical efficacy and safety

Tadalafil administered to healthy subjects produced no significant difference compared to placebo in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean maximal decrease of 1.6/0.8mmHg, respectively), in standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean maximal decrease of 0.2/4.6mmHg, respectively), and no significant change in heart rate.

In a study to assess the effects of tadalafil on vision, no impairment of colour discrimination (blue/green) was detected using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test. This finding is consistent with the low affinity of tadalafil for PDE6 compared to PDE5. Across all clinical studies, reports of changes in colour vision were rare (<0.1%).

Three studies were conducted in men to assess the potential effect on spermatogenesis of CIALIS 10mg (one 6-month study) and 20mg (one 6-month and one 9-month study) administered daily. In two of these studies decreases were observed in sperm count and concentration related to tadalafil treatment of unlikely clinical relevance. These effects were not associated with changes in other parameters, such as motility, morphology, and FSH.

Erectile dysfunction

Three clinical studies were conducted in 1054 patients in an at-home setting to define the period of responsiveness to CIALIS on demand. Tadalafil demonstrated statistically significant improvement in erectile function and the ability to have successful sexual intercourse up to 36 hours following dosing, as well as patients' ability to attain and maintain erections for successful intercourse compared to placebo as early as 16 minutes following dosing.

In a 12-week study performed in 186 patients (142 tadalafil, 44 placebo) with erectile dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury, tadalafil significantly improved the erectile function leading to a mean per-subject proportion of successful attempts in patients treated with tadalafil 10 or 20 mg (flexible-dose, on demand) of 48% as compared to 17% with placebo.

Tadalafil at doses of 2 to 100mg has been evaluated in 16 clinical studies involving 3250 patients, including patients with erectile dysfunction of various severities (mild, moderate, severe), etiologies, ages (range 21-86 years), and ethnicities. Most patients reported erectile dysfunction of at least 1 year in duration. In the primary efficacy studies of general populations, 81% of patients reported that CIALIS improved their erections as compared to 35% with placebo. Also, patients with erectile dysfunction in all severity categories reported improved erections whilst taking CIALIS (86%, 83%, and 72% for mild, moderate, and severe, respectively, as compared to 45%, 42%, and 19% with placebo). In the primary efficacy studies, 75% of intercourse attempts were successful in CIALIS-treated patients as compared to 32% with placebo.

For once-a-day evaluation of tadalafil at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg 3 clinical studies were initially conducted involving 853 patients of various ages (range 21-82 years) and ethnicities, with erectile dysfunction of various severities (mild, moderate, severe) and etiologies. In the two primary efficacy studies of general populations, the mean per-subject proportion of successful intercourse attempts were 57 and 67% on CIALIS 5mg, 50% on CIALIS 2.5mg as compared to 31 and 37% with placebo. In the study in patients with erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes, the mean per-subject proportion of successful attempts were 41 and 46% on CIALIS 5mg and 2.5mg, respectively, as compared to 28% with placebo. Most patients in these three studies were responders to previous on-demand treatment with PDE5 inhibitors. In a subsequent study, 217 patients who were treatment-naive to PDE5 inhibitors were randomised to CIALIS 5mg once a day vs. placebo. The mean per-subject proportion of successful sexual intercourse attempts was 68% for CIALIS patients compared to 52% for patients on placebo.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

CIALIS was studied in 4 clinical studies of 12 weeks duration enrolling over 1500 patients with signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The improvement in the total international prostate symptom score with CIALIS 5mg in the four studies were -4.8, -5.6, -6.1 and -6.3 compared to -2.2, -3.6, -3.8 and -4.2 with placebo. The improvements in total international prostate symptom score occurred as early as 1 week. In one of the studies, which also included tamsulosin 0.4 mg as an active comparator, the improvement in total international prostate symptom score with CIALIS 5mg, tamsulosin and placebo were -6.3, -5.7 and -4.2 respectively.

One of these studies assessed improvements in erectile dysfunction and signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with both conditions. The improvements in the erectile function domain of the international index of erectile function and the total international prostate symptom score in this study were 6.5 and -6.1 with CIALIS 5 mg compared to 1.8 and -3.8 with placebo, respectively. The mean per-subject proportion of successful sexual intercourse attempts was 71.9% with CIALIS 5 mg compared to 48.3% with placebo.

The maintenance of the effect was evaluated in an open-label extension to one of the studies, which showed that the improvement in total international prostate symptom score seen at 12 weeks was maintained for up to 1 additional year of treatment with CIALIS 5mg.

Paediatric population

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies in all subsets of the paediatric population in the treatment of the erectile dysfunction. See section 4.2 for information on paediatric use.

 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

Tadalafil is readily absorbed after oral administration and the mean maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) is achieved at a median time of 2 hours after dosing. Absolute bioavailability of tadalafil following oral dosing has not been determined.

The rate and extent of absorption of tadalafil are not influenced by food, thus CIALIS may be taken with or without food. The time of dosing (morning versus evening) had no clinically relevant effects on the rate and extent of absorption.

Distribution

The mean volume of distribution is approximately 63 l, indicating that tadalafil is distributed into tissues. At therapeutic concentrations, 94% of tadalafil in plasma is bound to proteins. Protein binding is not affected by impaired renal function.

Less than 0.0005% of the administered dose appeared in the semen of healthy subjects.

Biotransformation

Tadalafil is predominantly metabolised by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 isoform. The major circulating metabolite is the methylcatechol glucuronide. This metabolite is at least 13,000-fold less potent than tadalafil for PDE5. Consequently, it is not expected to be clinically active at observed metabolite concentrations.

Elimination

The mean oral clearance for tadalafil is 2.5 l/h and the mean half-life is 17.5 hours in healthy subjects.

Tadalafil is excreted predominantly as inactive metabolites, mainly in the faeces (approximately 61% of the dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 36% of the dose).

Linearity/Non-Linearity

Tadalafil pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects are linear with respect to time and dose. Over a dose range of 2.5 to 20 mg, exposure (AUC) increases proportionally with dose. Steady-state plasma concentrations are attained within 5 days of once daily dosing.

Pharmacokinetics determined with a population approach in patients with erectile dysfunction are similar to pharmacokinetics in subjects without erectile dysfunction.

Special Populations

Elderly

Healthy elderly subjects (65 years or over) had a lower oral clearance of tadalafil, resulting in 25% higher exposure (AUC) relative to healthy subjects aged 19 to 45 years. This effect of age is not clinically significant and does not warrant a dose adjustment.

Renal Insufficiency

In clinical pharmacology studies using single dose tadalafil (5 to 20mg), tadalafil exposure (AUC) approximately doubled in subjects with mild (creatinine clearance 51 to 80 ml/min) or moderate (creatinine clearance 31 to 50 ml/min) renal impairment and in subjects with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. In haemodialysis patients, Cmax was 41% higher than that observed in healthy subjects. Haemodialysis contributes negligibly to tadalafil elimination.

Hepatic Insufficiency

Tadalafil exposure (AUC) in subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A and B) is comparable to exposure in healthy subjects when a dose of 10 mg is administered. There is limited clinical data on the safety of CIALIS in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh class C). If CIALIS is prescribed, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician. There are no available data about the administration of once-a-day dosing of tadalafil to patients with hepatic impairment. If CIALIS is prescribed once-a-day, a careful individual benefit/risk evaluation should be undertaken by the prescribing physician. There are no available data about the administration of doses higher than 10 mg of tadalafil to patients with hepatic impairment.

Patients with Diabetes

Tadalafil exposure (AUC) in patients with diabetes was approximately 19% lower than the AUC value for healthy subjects. This difference in exposure does not warrant a dose adjustment.

 

CLOMO

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Active ingredient: Сlomiphene citrate.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiestrogen

Рharmachologic effect: Gonadotropin production stimulator. Means with antiestrogenic and estrogenic activity. Has a non-steroidal structure, which is close to chlorotrianisene. It is believed that the effect of clomiphene is due to specific binding to the estrogen receptors of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which increases the secretion of gonadotropic hormones of the pituitary gland. This in turn stimulates the maturation and endocrine activity of the follicle in the ovary, as well as the subsequent formation and stimulation of the function of the corpus luteum. In high doses, inhibits the secretion of gonadotropins. It does not have gestagenic and androgenic activity.

Indications: To stimulate ovulation in infertility due to secondary hypofunction of the ovaries, mainly due to functional hypothalamic-pituitary disorders; functional uterine bleeding; secondary amenorrhea or severe oligomenorrhea; polycystic ovary syndrome (such as Stein-Leventhal); androgen deficiency; in men - oligospermia.

Dosage: Take orally. A single dose is 50 mg. Multiplicity of admission is set individually, depending on the indications, treatment regimen and effectiveness of therapy.

Side effect: From the side of the central nervous system: increased irritability, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, severe headache.

From the endocrine system: weight gain, polyuria, pollakiuria, increased sweating, an increase in the size of the ovaries or ovarian cysts, pain in the area of the uterine appendages, heavy menstruation.

From the digestive system: a feeling of heaviness in the epigastrium, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.

Allergic reactions: urticaria, allergic dermatitis.

Other: heat attacks, heaviness in the chest, slight reversible alopecia, impaired visual acuity.

Contraindications: Impaired liver function, visual impairment (including a history), ovarian cysts, neoplasms, primary pituitary pituitary, bleeding of unknown origin, pregnancy, lactation, hypersensitivity to clomiphene.

 

VIRON

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Active substance: Mesterolone

Pharmacological group: Аndrogens

Pharmachologic effect: Androgen. During the replacement therapy, it stimulates the development of male genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics, increases libido and potency. It exhibits anabolic properties, increases the accumulation of protein in tissues, especially in muscle, accelerates bone growth and the rate of closure of the pineal glands, stimulates erythropoiesis.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity.

Side effects: Frequent or prolonged erection.

Interaction: Significant drug interactions in the treatment of VIRON in conjunction with other drugs have not been identified.

Special instructions: Apply only to men. Regular prostate examination is recommended. It is not intended to stimulate the growth of muscle tissue in healthy individuals or to increase their performance.

Rarely, when using VIRON, the development of benign and malignant tumors of the liver was observed, leading in some cases to life-threatening abdominal bleeding. It is necessary to warn the patient about the need to inform the doctor about unusual pain in the upper abdomen.

Dosage:

Inside. Hypoandrogenia and impaired potency: at the beginning of treatment with VIRON - daily, 75 mg, until there is a noticeable improvement. In the future - daily, 25-50 mg of VIRON for several months. Hypogonadism: long-term treatment, for the formation of secondary sexual characteristics - 25-50 mg 3 times a day for many months. As a supportive therapy, administration of 25 mg 2-3 times a day is often sufficient. Male infertility: to improve the quality and quantity of sperm - 25 mg 2-3 times a day for 1 cycle of spermatogenesis (90 days). After a break, treatment is repeated for several weeks. To increase the concentration of fructose in the ejaculate, with post-pubertal insufficiency of Leydig cells: 25 mg 2 times a day for several months.