Tadalafil use linked to increased glaucoma and vision loss risk

A multinational study has identified a significant link between the use of tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia, and an increased risk of glaucoma. Research conducted by institutions including the National Taiwan University Hospital, involving data from approximately 74,000 men aged 40 and older, indicates that users have a 22% higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to non-users.

The risk is notably higher for primary open-angle glaucoma, which increased by 33%. Additionally, users showed a 32% higher incidence of ocular hypertension, a major risk factor for optic nerve damage. The study suggests these risks can appear even after short-term use.

In Brazil, data from the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) shows a massive 2,000% increase in tadalafil consumption between 2024 and 2025, with sales jumping from three million to nearly 65 million units. Experts note that many young people are using the drug off-label as a gym supplement or pre-workout, increasing the potential for unmonitored health complications.