Introduction
Tadalafil powder — best known as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of Cialis® and Adcirca® — is one of the most widely used PDE5 inhibitors worldwide. Available as a raw material API, Tadalafil powder is the foundation for manufacturing Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) medications.
Since patent expiries, generic Tadalafil powder has become a major export commodity, produced primarily in China and India and distributed globally to pharma manufacturers, wholesalers, and research labs.
👉 For procurement strategy, see the Complete 2025 Buyer’s Guide to Tadalafil Raw Powder.
What is Tadalafil?
- CAS Number: 171596-29-5
- Molecular Formula: C22H19N3O4
- Molecular Weight: ~389.4 g/mol
- Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
- Storage: 2–8°C, sealed, dry, away from light
- Half-Life: ~17.5 hours (longer than Sildenafil’s 4–5 hours)
Pharmacology:
Tadalafil works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). By preventing PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, it promotes smooth muscle relaxation and blood vessel dilation — resulting in increased blood flow.
👉 For a comparison of PDE5 APIs, see Vardenafil vs Tadalafil: Selectivity & Half-Life.
Medical Applications of Tadalafil Powder
1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Marketed as Cialis®, Tadalafil provides 12–36 hours of activity after a single dose.
- Sometimes called the “weekend pill” due to its long half-life.
- Available in 10–20 mg tablets for on-demand use.
📊 Prevalence: ~30–40% of men over 40 suffer from some degree of ED (NIH, 2024).
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Tadalafil is the only PDE5 inhibitor approved for BPH, reducing urinary symptoms linked to prostate enlargement.
- Typical dose: 2.5–5 mg daily.
- Dual indication: ED + BPH treatment in one drug.
3. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
- Sold as Adcirca® in 40 mg daily doses.
- Helps reduce pulmonary vascular resistance, improving exercise tolerance.
- Represents a secondary but significant application in cardiovascular therapy.
4. Compounding & Research
- Compounding pharmacies use Tadalafil raw powder for customized doses (e.g., daily microdosing).
- Research labs explore ODTs, films, and liquid suspensions.
- Used as a comparator drug in PDE5 inhibitor research.
👉 For lab-focused use cases, see Research-Grade Tadalafil Powder: Applications in ED, BPH & PAH Studies.
Tadalafil vs Other PDE5 Inhibitors
| Attribute | Tadalafil | Sildenafil | Vardenafil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Life | ~17.5 h | ~4–5 h | ~4–5 h |
| Onset | ~30 min | ~30–60 min | ~30–60 min |
| Duration | 12–36 h | 4–6 h | 4–6 h |
| Unique Uses | ED + BPH + PAH | ED + PAH | ED (more PDE5-selective than Sildenafil) |
📊 Takeaway: Tadalafil’s long half-life makes it the preferred PDE5 inhibitor for once-daily low-dose regimens and extended coverage.
Supply & Procurement
- China: Dominates global API production; offers lowest cost ($350–$500/kg bulk).
- India: Higher costs ($400–$600/kg) but DMF/CEP filings available.
- US/EU: Resellers offering research packs at $800–$1,200/kg.
👉 For sourcing options, see Top Tadalafil Powder Manufacturers & Suppliers 2025.
Conclusion
Tadalafil raw powder is a versatile PDE5 inhibitor API used globally in ED, BPH, and PAH therapies. Its unique long half-life and dual indication approvals distinguish it from other PDE5 inhibitors.
Key takeaways:
- Tadalafil is supplied as raw API powder, citrate salt, or finished tablets.
- Used in Cialis®, Adcirca®, and multiple generic formulations.
- Buyers should demand ≥99% HPLC purity, COA, GMP, MSDS before purchase.
- Primary suppliers: China (cost), India (compliance), US/EU (research small-lots).
📌 Next Steps:
- Direct sourcing
- Bulk scaling
- Compliance
By aligning clinical applications with supplier due diligence, buyers can integrate Tadalafil powder into safe, compliant, and profitable pharmaceutical operations.