Tadalafil/Oxytocin combines tadalafil, a well-known phosphodiesterase class 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that increases blood flow into the penis, with oxytocin, a hormone that has been dubbed the “love drug.”

The combination treats erectile dysfunction while enhancing the orgasmic response.

In one case study, oxytocin helped a person control his social anxiety, which, in turn, improved his sexual function.

Viagra (sildenafil) and other PDE 5 inhibitors such as tadalafil are not oxytocin. However, the functions of sildenafil and oxytocin are intertwined. Researchers have found that PDE5 inhibitors increase the release of oxytocin from the pituitary gland by threefold. The increase was only seen after sexual stimulation. Therefore, PDE5 inhibitors may enhance orgasm and sexual pleasure AND treat erectile dysfunction.

With ejaculation, there is a burst of oxytocin from the male pituitary gland. Oxytocin stimulates contractions throughout the male reproductive tract, making it easier for sperm to travel and be released.

Oxytocin is synthesized in the testes, epididymis, and prostate, and there are oxytocin receptors throughout the male reproductive tract.

Oxytocin also plays a role in modulating testosterone levels by stimulating the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.

Side effects found in greater than 10% of tadalafil users include the following:

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Respiratory tract infections
• Sore throat
• Heartburn
• Flushing or a feeling of warmth
• Back pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Cough

Potentially serious side-effects of tadalafil rarely occur. Contact a health care provider or seek emergency care if you notice any of these symptoms or are concerned about your health.

• Sudden decrease or loss of vision
• Blurred vision
• Changes in color vision (having trouble differentiating blue and green)
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing
• Ringing in the ears
• An erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism)
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Hives
• Rash
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Allergic reactions

The length that an erection lasts depends on many environmental and psychological factors. Erections typically last for a few minutes, up to 30 minutes or so.

Priapism is an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. Erections this long can cause damage to tissues in the penis because blood is not entering and leaving the penis and therefore is not replenishing oxygen stores and removing waste products.

Men who are taking ED medications have an increased risk for priapism and should be aware of the condition. Your healthcare provider will provide a treatment plan in case it should occur.

Tadalafil is not right for all men. Contraindications for prescribing or using tadalafil include:

• Bleeding disorders
• Eye or vision problems
• Peyronie’s disease
• History of priapism
• Heart disease
• History of bleeding problems or blood disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Stroke
• An allergic reaction to tadalafil or any of its components

After sexual stimulation, tadalafil helps you get and keep an erection. Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor which means that it increases nitric oxide levels around blood vessels. Increased nitric oxide levels facilitate smooth muscle relaxation in the penis, allowing blood to fill the corpus cavernosa (hollow cavities) in the penis. This increases pressure in the penis, producing an erection.

No tadalafil does not raise blood pressure.

Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which increases nitric oxide levels around blood vessels and dilates blood vessels. Dilating blood vessels lowers blood pressure.