Female Cialis: Uses, dosage, side effects, warnings & patient reviews

What is Female Cialis?

Female Cialis refers to tablets containing tadalafil, a drug belonging to the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class, marketed for use in women. The active ingredient, tadalafil, is the same as that in the FDA-approved medication Cialis, which is indicated for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men.

This formulation is proposed for addressing female sexual dysfunction, particularly symptoms related to arousal. It is categorized under medications for women’s health. The proposed mechanism of action involves increasing blood flow to the pelvic region, which may affect clitoral and vaginal engorgement. It is distinct from medications like Addyi (flibanserin), which acts on neurotransmitters in the brain to affect desire.

It is critical for patients to understand that tadalafil is not FDA-approved for treating any form of sexual dysfunction in women. Any use for this purpose is considered off-label, meaning it is prescribed at a physician’s discretion based on individual patient evaluation rather than widespread regulatory approval for this specific condition.

How Female Cialis is Prescribed

The prescription and use of tadalafil for female sexual concerns must be managed by a qualified healthcare professional. There is no standardized, FDA-approved dosing regimen for this indication.

Typical Prescribing Approach

When used off-label, dosing is often adapted from regimens used for other conditions. A typical starting dose may be low (e.g., 5 mg or 10 mg), taken on an as-needed basis prior to sexual activity. In some cases, a physician may consider a daily low-dose regimen (2.5 mg or 5 mg). The choice of regimen depends on the individual’s health profile, concurrent medications, and treatment goals.

Important Administration Notes

• This medication requires a prescription and thorough medical evaluation before use.
• It is taken orally, with or without food, as directed by a physician.
• Due to tadalafil’s long half-life of approximately 17.5 hours, effects may persist for 36 hours or more. This is a key pharmacological difference from other short-acting PDE5 inhibitors.
• Patients must not adjust the dose or frequency without consulting their prescribing doctor.

Side Effects of Female Cialis (Tadalafil)

The side effect profile of tadalafil in women is expected to be similar to that documented in men, as the drug’s systemic pharmacological action is the same. For a general explanation of these effects, see a guide to common PDE5 inhibitor side effects.

Back pain and myalgia are side effects more specifically associated with tadalafil compared to other PDE5 inhibitors.

Intended Use of Female Cialis

Female Cialis (tadalafil) is marketed for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Its proposed use targets symptoms associated with impaired arousal.

Proposed Mechanism and Indication

As a PDE5 inhibitor, tadalafil promotes vasodilation. The proposed theory for its use in women is that increased pelvic blood flow may enhance genital arousal responses, such as clitoral engorgement and vaginal lubrication, potentially improving subjective feelings of arousal.

It is primarily associated with off-label use for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD). This is distinct from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), which involves a lack of sexual interest. The medication does not directly increase libido or sexual desire.

Regulatory Status and Evidence

The U.S. FDA has not approved tadalafil or any other PDE5 inhibitor for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in women. Clinical trial results have been mixed, with many studies failing to demonstrate consistent, significant subjective improvement in women compared to placebo. Therefore, its use remains experimental and is not considered a first-line or standard therapy.

Important Safety Concerns and Considerations

Regulatory and Efficacy Status

The most significant concern is the lack of FDA approval for this specific use. “Female Cialis” is not a recognized pharmaceutical product in the United States. Tadalafil’s use for female sexual dysfunction is off-label, supported by limited and inconsistent clinical evidence. Patients should be aware that they are using a medication for a purpose not officially recognized as safe and effective by the primary regulatory body. For a medical perspective, see a discussion on the use of PDE5 inhibitors in women.

Cardiovascular and Hypotension Risk

Tadalafil causes a mild, transient lowering of blood pressure. It is contraindicated in patients with any condition that predisposes them to hypotension, or for whom vasodilation or sexual activity is inadvisable due to underlying cardiovascular disease (e.g., unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension, NYHA Class II-IV heart failure). A cardiovascular evaluation is recommended prior to prescribing any PDE5 inhibitor.

Source and Quality of Medication

This specific branded product is typically manufactured abroad and may be sourced from online pharmacies outside regulated supply chains. This raises concerns about product quality, accurate dosing, and the presence of contaminants. Patients should obtain medications only through licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription.

Critical Warnings for Female Cialis Use

Contraindication with Nitrates

The co-administration of tadalafil with any form of organic nitrate (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate) or nitric oxide donors is absolutely contraindicated. This combination can cause a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Contraindication with Guanylate Cyclase (GC) Stimulators

Concomitant use with GC stimulators such as riociguat is also contraindicated due to the risk of symptomatic hypotension.

Hearing and Vision Loss

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), causing sudden vision loss, has been reported post-marketing with PDE5 inhibitors. Sudden decrease or loss of hearing has also been reported. A causal relationship has not been established, but patients experiencing such symptoms should discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.

Priapism

Prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours has been reported with tadalafil use. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent tissue damage and erectile dysfunction.

Considerations Regarding Generics

As a formulation of tadalafil, this product is a generic version. Patients can refer to information on generic drug standards for context on quality and bioequivalence expectations.

Female Cialis Dosage Information

Any dosing for unapproved, off-label use must be determined and supervised by a prescribing physician. The following table outlines potential dosing strategies based on tadalafil’s pharmacokinetics and clinical experience in other indications.

Important Administration Notes

• Maximum Dose: A dose of 10 mg per day is typically the maximum recommended for as-needed use in this context. The 20 mg dose used for male ED is not recommended for off-label use in women.
• Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Dose reduction is recommended for patients with significant renal impairment (CrCl less than 30 mL/min) or mild-to-severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B, or C).
• Drug Interactions: Concomitant use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) requires a maximum tadalafil dose of 10 mg no more than once every 72 hours.

Drug Interactions with Female Cialis (Tadalafil)

Tadalafil has clinically significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions. A complete review of all concomitant medications with a healthcare provider is essential.

Additional Information

Mechanism of Action

Tadalafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) is released, leading to increased cGMP levels in the smooth muscle of the genital vasculature. By inhibiting PDE5, tadalafil prevents the degradation of cGMP, resulting in increased blood flow to the erectile tissue in men and, theoretically, to the clitoral and vaginal tissues in women.

Pharmacokinetics

Tadalafil is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with median time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) of 2 hours. Its absolute bioavailability is unknown. It is metabolized predominantly by CYP3A4. The mean terminal half-life is approximately 17.5 hours, which allows for its prolonged duration of action. Excretion is primarily as metabolites in feces (61%) and to a lesser extent in urine (36%).

Cost and Availability

As a generic tadalafil product, the cost is generally lower than that of brand-name Cialis. However, the price for formulations specifically packaged and marketed for women (“Female Cialis”) can vary widely depending on the source, dosage, and quantity. It is not covered by U.S. insurance for an unapproved indication. Patients are advised to consult with their doctor and pharmacist regarding legitimate and cost-effective sources if an off-label prescription is provided.

References and Medical Sources

The information on this page is based on the prescribing information for tadalafil (Cialis) and clinical literature regarding off-label use.

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cialis (tadalafil) Prescribing Information. [Revised 2023]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021368s20s21lbl.pdf
2. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH). Process of Care for Management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2018.
3. Kingsberg, S. A., & Woodard, T. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Focus on Low Desire. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2015.
4. Drugs.com. Tadalafil Professional Monograph. Drugs.com; [Updated 2024]. https://www.drugs.com/monograph/tadalafil.html

Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not self-medicate based on the information presented on this site. Always consult with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health.