NON-THERAPEUTIC (RECREATIONAL) USE OF TADALAFIL BY YOUNG PEOPLE: RISKS, PSYCHOSOCIAL MOTIVATIONS AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the psychosocial motivations related to the recreational use of tadalafil by young people, its main pharmacological risks and its public health implications, highlighting the role of pharmacists. This is a narrative, descriptive and qualitative literature review based on indexed literature, clinical guidelines and institutional documents from Anvisa and the Brazilian Federal Council of Pharmacy. The evidence indicates that non-medical use is associated with the pursuit of sexual confidence, the reduction of performance anxiety, the expectation of prolonging sexual activity and the influence of peers and social media. Lower confidence in erectile ability without the medication was observed among recreational users, although no causal relationship has been demonstrated. The main risks include headache, dyspepsia, flushing, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, hypotension and drug interactions, especially with nitrates. There is no evidence supporting the use of tadalafil for muscle gain, strength or physical performance in healthy individuals. The phenomenon therefore requires an interdisciplinary approach, health education, pharmacovigilance and professional counseling, avoiding both the trivialization of the medicine and the stigmatization of young people.