An Overview
Cialis® (tadalafil) is a prescription medication used for treating problems with obtaining or maintaining an erection.
What Is Cialis Used For?
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.
How Does Cialis Work?
It 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.
Effects of Cialis
The effects of Cialis 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. Was also shown to be effective in men with various health problems and medical conditions.
When Does Cialis Start Working?
Many men wonder, "How long do I have to wait for Cialis to work?" The time it takes to work will vary depending on the individual. In clinical studies, began to work in as little as 30 minutes. For most people, though, it begins working within an hour. Can work up to 36 hours after you take your dose.
When and How Do I Take It?
Here are some general guidelines for when and how to take Cialis:
It comes in tablet form. It is taken as needed, usually one hour before sexual activity. However, it is not recommended that you take more than once in a day.
It is recommended that you take your dose with a glass of water. You may take it with or without food.
Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
Dosage
The dose your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
Other medical conditions you may have
Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects . However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When 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 -- up to 15 percent of people
Facial flushing -- up to 3 percent of people
Indigestion, known as dyspepsia -- up to 10 percent of people
Back pain -- up to 6 percent of people
Nasal congestion -- up to 3 percent of people
Muscle pain (known as myalgia) -- up to 4 percent of people
Pain in the arms or legs -- up to 3 percent of people.
If you have cardiovascular disease or significant heart disease risk factors, there is an increased chance of serious problems related to your heart, brain, and blood vessels. These problems can lead to dangerous side effects such as a heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
Also, there have been rare cases of a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) . 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
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking , you should 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.
Who Should Not Take Cialis?
You should not take if:
You are allergic to any component of tadalafil. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
You are taking a nitrate. Nitrates are most commonly used to treat angina.
Overdose
There have been a limited number of cases in which people overdosed . In these cases, side effects were similar to those seen at lower doses. If you happen to overdose , seek medical attention immediately.
Strengths
There are several strengths available. These include:
