Intimate 20 mg Tablet

Overview

Intimate 20 mg Tablet contains Tadalafil 20 mg, a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Tadalafil inhibits PDE5, increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum, which promotes smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow into the penis, facilitating erection in response to sexual stimulation. The 20 mg dose is the maximum recommended dose and is used when the standard 10 mg starting dose is insufficient. Tadalafil remains effective for up to 36 hours, offering a longer therapeutic window compared to other PDE5 inhibitors.

Dosage and Administration

Erectile Dysfunction: The recommended starting dose is 10 mg. The dose may be increased to 20 mg if the lower dose is insufficiently effective, or decreased to 5 mg based on individual response and tolerability. The maximum dosing frequency is once per day. Sexual stimulation is required for the drug to work. Tadalafil is effective for up to 36 hours.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia / Combined ED and BPH: The recommended dose is 5 mg once daily (the 5 mg strength is typically prescribed for these indications).

Interaction

Intimate may interact with nitrates (e.g., Isosorbide, Nitroglycerin), Alpha adrenergic blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, antacids (magnesium hydroxide/aluminium hydroxide), Ketoconazole, Ritonavir, Erythromycin, Itraconazole, grapefruit juice, other HIV protease inhibitors, Rifampin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and Phenobarbital. Co-administration with nitrates is contraindicated due to severe hypotension risk.

Contraindications

Intimate is contraindicated in patients concurrently using nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide) due to risk of potentiated hypotension, and in patients with known hypersensitivity to Tadalafil or any excipient in the formulation.

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasopharyngitis, and nasal congestion. Rare but serious adverse events may include change in colour vision, sudden vision loss, hearing loss, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, angina, stroke, myocardial infarction, severe hypotension, and tachycardia.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Tadalafil is assigned to pregnancy category B by the USFDA. Use during pregnancy is only recommended when benefit outweighs risk. Data on excretion of Tadalafil in human breast milk are not available; caution is advised during nursing.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with caution in patients with angina, renal impairment, or hepatic impairment. Avoid concomitant use with nitrates, alpha blockers, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ritonavir, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole), or other PDE5 inhibitors. Patients with cardiovascular conditions should seek physician advice before initiating therapy.

Storage Conditions

Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the 20 mg dose of Intimate (Tadalafil) used?
Intimate 20 mg is the maximum recommended dose and is prescribed when the standard 10 mg starting dose does not produce a sufficient response for Erectile Dysfunction. It should only be used as directed by a physician. The maximum frequency is once per day, and like the lower doses, it remains effective for up to 36 hours. Sexual stimulation remains necessary for erection to occur.

Q: Can Intimate 20 mg be taken with blood pressure medications?
Tadalafil can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, particularly when combined with nitrates (such as Nitroglycerin or Isosorbide) or alpha-adrenergic blockers. Co-administration with nitrates is strictly contraindicated. Patients taking antihypertensive medications should inform their physician before starting Intimate 20 mg, as dose adjustments or additional monitoring may be required.