Indications
Cialis (active ingredient: tadalafil) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Cialis is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.
- Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Cialis is prescribed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate that can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently.
- Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (ED/BPH): Cialis is also indicated for the treatment of both erectile dysfunction and the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (ED/BPH) when the conditions occur together.
Cialis belongs to the drug class known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Uses and Dosage
Cialis is available in the form of tablet to be orally taken before sexual activity, not more than once daily. Cialis may be taken with or without food. In some patients, the dose strength and maximum frequency of use may be adjusted.
There are two methods to take tadalafil, either daily or on an as needed basis. Talk to your doctor about which dosing schedule is right for you.
- Tadalafil is sometimes taken as needed, usually at least 30 minutes before sexual activity and not more than once every 24 hours. Your doctor will help you decide the best time for you to take tadalafil before sexual activity.
- Tadalafil is also sometimes taken once a day without regard to timing of sexual activity. You may attempt sexual activity at any time between doses. If you are taking tadalafil on a regular schedule, take it at around the same time every day.
If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take tadalafil less often or may prescribe a lower dose to be taken once a day.
The recommended starting dose of Cialis for daily use is 2.5 mg, taken about the same time every day, regardless of timing of sexual activity. However, the Cialis dose for daily use may be increased to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability, it can go up to 10 and 20 mg. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Taking Cialis Include:
- Back or muscle pain
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
Severe Side Effects that May occur Include:
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Pain spreading to jaw or shoulder
- Painful or prolonged erection
- Persistent nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Severe dizziness
- A painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours;
- Sudden decreased vision (including permanent blindness, in one or both eyes);
- A sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness.
Form and Strength
Cialis and its Generic Alternatives Tadalafil come forms and strengths
Cialis tablet:
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Tadalafil tablet
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Cautions
- Cialis can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with any nitrate medication. You could get dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke.
- After taking a single tablet, some of the active ingredients of Cialis remain in your body for more than 2 days. The active ingredient can remain longer if you have problems with your kidneys or liver, or you are taking certain other medications.
- Tadalafil is available under the brand names Adcirca and Cialis. However, you should only be treated with one of these products at a time.
- You need to keep Cialis in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
- Taking Cialis may make you dizzy by itself. But with alcohol or marijuana (cannabis), Cialis can make you dizzier. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who should not take Cialis?
Cialis should not be used by patients taking nitrates (such as nitroglycerin tablets or patches) because the combination of these with Cialis could significantly lower blood pressure and lead to fainting or even death in some men.
When should I take my Cialis to get the best effects?
You should take Cialis at least 2 hours before you plan to have sex. The effects may last for up to 36 hours after you take it.
How much should I take Tadalafil?
Don't take more than one dose per day to avoid the risk of a prolonged, painful erection (priapism), drop in blood pressure, or other serious side effects. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose, depending on how well it works and how often you take it.
What to avoid while taking tadalafil?
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may change the amount of this medicine that is absorbed in the body. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor.
Resources
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-cialis-tadalafil
- https://www.rxlist.com/cialis-side-effects-drug-center.htm#overview
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-77875/tadalafil-oral/details
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