Cialis
® (
tadalafil) is a prescription medication used for treating problems with obtaining or maintaining an erection.
Cialis is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
Cialis has been licensed to treat
erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (
ED), also known as
impotence, can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Essentially, erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Cialis works by blocking a chemical that reverses an erection by allowing blood to flow out of the penis. More blood in the penis means an improved erection.
The effects of the drug can include:
- Achieving and maintaining an erection during sexual activity
- Having a harder erection during sexual activity
- Experiencing greater frequency of orgasms
- Having increased satisfaction with, and enjoyment of, intercourse.
In previous clinical studies, up to 78 percent of men reported that Cialis allowed them to have successful intercourse. The medication was also shown to be effective in men with various health problems and medical conditions.
When Does It Start Working?
The time it takes for Cialis to work will vary, depending on the individual. In clinical studies, the medication began to work in as little as 30 minutes. For most men, though, it begins working within an hour. Cialis can work up to 36 hours after you take your dose.
Here are some general guidelines for when and how to take Cialis:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken as needed, usually one hour before sexual activity. However, you should not take Cialis more than once in a day.
- Take your Cialis dosage with a glass of water. You may take it with or without food.
- For Cialis to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Cialis your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Cialis. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most men tolerate it well. If people do develop side effects, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
The most common side effects include:
- Headache -- in up to 15 percent of men
- Indigestion (dyspepsia) -- up to 10 percent
- Back pain -- up to 6 percent
- Muscle pain (myalgia) -- up to 4 percent
- Nasal congestion -- up to 3 percent
- Facial flushing -- up to 3 percent
- Pain in the arms or legs -- up to 3 percent.
Also, there have been rare cases of a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in people taking Cialis. This condition can lead to sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. If you experience any loss of vision while taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider immediately
(see Cialis and Blindness).
(Click Cialis Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Cialis can potentially interact with a number of different medicines
(see Cialis Drug Interactions for more information).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Cialis?
Prior to taking the drug, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- Heart disease (such as angina, congestive heart failure, or irregular heartbeats)
- Liver disease or liver failure
- A history of a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening arrhythmia within the past six months
- Retinitis pigmentosa, which is a rare eye problem
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- A history of severe vision loss, including a condition called NAION
- Stomach ulcers
- Other bleeding problems
- Sickle cell anemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukemia
- A history of priapism, which is a painful erection lasting longer than six hours
- Any condition that causes a penis deformation, such as angulation, Peyronie's disease, or cavernosal fibrosis
- Any allergies.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
There have been a limited number of cases in which people overdosed on Cialis. In these cases, side effects were similar to those seen at lower doses. If you happen to take too much, seek medical attention immediately.
Cialis should be stored at room temperature. Also, keep Cialis and all medications out of the reach of children.
Several strengths of Cialis are available. These include:
- Cialis 5 mg
- Cialis 10 mg
- Cialis 20 mg.
There is currently no generic Cialis available for sale
(see Generic Cialis).
