Does Tadalafil Cause Heartburn
Tadalafil is the active component of Cialis used for erectile dysfunction treatment and other conditions. This drug is generally safe to use but may cause some users to experience indigestion and heartburn.
PDE5 inhibitors are the drug class for medicines including tadalafil. These drugs help relax smooth muscles, further aiding blood flow which is beneficial for creating an erection; however it can also relax smooth muscles in the digestive system to the point of causing acid reflux or heartburn.
Key Takeaways
- Tadalafil can cause heartburn and indigestion in certain users.
- It can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to travel up the esophagus.
- It seems to cause heartburn more with higher doses.
- Symptoms of heartburn improve for most users within a few hours, but can take longer as this drug stays active in the body for longer periods of time.
- A few things users can try for relieving heartburn include staying in an upright position for some time after meals, avoiding any trigger foods, and using an appropriate antacid.
- See your health care provider if you experience heartburn that is persistent or severe.
Does Tadalafil Cause Heartburn?
Yes. As noted in the Cialis label, cause heartburn is one of the most common side effects of tadalafil.
Smooth muscles of the digestive tract are also relaxed by this drug which can ultimately lead to acid reflux and heartburns.
Not everyone who takes tadalafil will experience heartburn, and severity can vary from one user to the next.
Why Does Tadalafil Cause Heartburn?
Tadalafil can cause heartburn for a few reasons.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) helps stop the movement of food and liquid from your stomach to your esophagus. The relaxation of smooth muscle by tadalafil creates a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter pressure.
One study looked at the effect of 20 mg of tadalafil on LES pressure and esophageal contraction. Changes caused by tadalafil may promote acid reflux.
Digestive Side Effects
Indigestion is a side effect of tadalafil. Heartburn may be accompanied by a bloated feeling.
Approximately 1% of those taking the placebo reported indigestion.
If digestive side effects are cause heartburn by tadalafil, they are more likely to occur as the dose is increased.
Tadalafil Lasts Longer in the Body
Tadalafil has a longer half-life than some other ED drugs, ranging from 17-18 hours, and may be effective for up to 36 hours.
For some, digestive side effects may be prolonged due to tadalafil persisting longer than other ED drugs. One study found tadalafil’s effects on the esophagus to last well over 24 hours.
5 Tips to Manage Tadalafil Heartburn
The following strategies may minimize cause heartburn by tadalafil.
Avoid Common Heartburn Triggers
There are some foods and drinks that can increase the symptoms of acid reflux. You may want to avoid these foods and drinks around the time you take your tadalafil:
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Spicy foods
- Carbonated drinks
- Chocolate
- Fatty of fried food
Though tadalafil can be taken with or without food, avoiding certain trigger foods can help manage your symptoms.
Consider OTC Antacids
There are mildly acidic foods that can be managed with over the counter acid relief medications to take the edge off before tadalafil takes effect. There are no serious drug-to-drug interactions between typical over the counter acid relievers and tadalafil.
While antacids do help, they will lessen the speed at which tadalafil kicks in. They do not lessen the total effect of tadalafil.
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Follow the product instructions, or ask the pharmacist for help if you have other medications.
Stay Upright After Eating
Lying down after eating makes reflux more likely. Standing or sitting after eating and after tadalafil helps lessen reflux symptoms.
Lose Weight If You Are Overweight
Weight that is above normal puts pressure on your stomach and makes reflux symptoms worse. Losing weight can help your reflux symptoms.
Discuss Your Dose of Tadalafil with Your Doctor
Though heartburn is rarely a reason to change your dose of tadalafil, some patients experience heartburn. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and your dose before changing your tadalafil dose on your own.
Other treatment options may work as well or better for your case.
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How Long Does Tadalafil Heartburn Last?
One of the many side effects of taking tadalafil cause heartburn. Thankfully, the heartburn from Tadalafil is temporary. It tends to go away in a few hours, though heartburn from Tadalafil can last longer for some people. Tadalafil’s half-life is approximately 17 or 18 hours, so it can take a while before some of the effects of Tadalafil are noticeably gone.
There are no studies of significant length that specifically measure the heartburn from Tadalafil and how long it can last. Yet, there are some cases that suggest burning or reflux symptoms can last up to 24 hours after taking Tadalafil.
How long the heartburn from Tadalafil lasts depends on the dose of Tadalafil taken along with the diet, individual’s metabolism, and if they suffer from GERD, acid reflux, or other digestive issues.
How Common is Heartburn from Tadalafil?
One of the more common digestive related side effects of Tadalafil is indigestion. In clinical studies, indigestion from tadalafil was reported anywhere from 4% to 10% depending on the dose of tadalafil.
Since indigestion and heartburn are often related, it can be difficult to determine just how much heartburn is related to Tadalafil.
Bottom Line
Some users experience cause heartburn or indigestion due to tadalafil’s relaxing of smooth muscles, which may include those of the digestive system. Symptoms worsen with larger tadalafil doses.
For most people, symptoms improve within several hours of taking tadalafil, though for some people, symptoms can persist. To ease symptoms, avoid trigger foods, stay upright after eating for several hours, and take appropriate over-the-counter medicines.
If heartburn is severe and/or long-lasting or persists after taking tadalafil, see your healthcare provider. They can check for conditions such as GERD, and determine if other treatments may be appropriate.