Finasteride and tadalafil (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 26, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Entadfi

Pharmacologic Class: 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor

Uses for finasteride and tadalafil

Note: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use finasteride and tadalafil or handle the crushed or open capsules. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male babies.

Finasteride and tadalafil combination is used to treat men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is caused by an enlarged prostate. Men with BPH usually have difficulty urinating, a decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, and a need to get up at night to urinate. Finasteride and tadalafil will make these symptoms less severe and reduce the chance that prostate surgery will be needed.

Finasteride blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme changes testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow in males. It will increase testosterone levels in the body, which decreases prostate size. The effect of finasteride on the prostate will only last as long as the medicine is taken. When it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again.

Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The prostate is one of the areas where this enzyme works.

Finasteride and tadalafil is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using finasteride and tadalafil

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For finasteride and tadalafil, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to finasteride and tadalafil or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of finasteride and tadalafil combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of finasteride and tadalafil combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects (eg, diarrhea) of finasteride and tadalafil than younger adults.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking finasteride and tadalafil, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any...