What is Cialis?
Cialis is a name brand version of the generic medication tadalafil. It treats erectile dysfunction (ED) in men by increasing the body’s nitrous oxide levels which leads to a relaxing of muscles and increase in blood flow to the penis. This medication is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that causes enlargement of the prostate gland.
The Food and Drug Administration approved this medication in November 2003 for treatment of ED. Currently, Cialis is exclusively manufactured and distributed by Eli Lilly Company. It is supplied as tablet containing 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg of tadalafil. Tadalafil is not available in its generic form although it may be bought under a different trade name – Adcirca.
Cialis has been dubbed as “The Weekend Pill” because its 36-hour effectiveness. Like sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra), it is often taken only on ‘as needed’ basis. However, unlike to the first two, Cialis can also be taken on a regular basis as a once-daily medication.
Cialis Uses
Cialis is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction or impotence in men which is characterized by inability to get or maintain an erection. It is also used to help manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate. For older men with BPH, Cialis can help relieve symptoms such as painful urination, difficulty urinating (dribbling, hesitation, incomplete bladder emptying, and weak stream), and urinary frequency or urgency.
Tadalafil, particularly Adcirca, can help increase the ability to perform physical exercises in people diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is due to the high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood to the lungs, causing dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
This medication has also been shown to enhance sexual activity for women in some studies. It may also be prescribed for other medical conditions not discussed in this medication guide. As with many medications tadalafil has a potential for side effects and drug interactions, be sure to inform your doctor of all the medications that you are taking prior to taking Cialis.
How Cialis Works
Cialis belongs to a group of medication called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, others being sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra). These medications work by preventing the enzyme phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. This enzyme works primarily in the penis. Although all of these drugs work on the same enzyme, Cialis is different because it has a longer duration of action.
For the penis to achieve an erection, it needs to be filled with blood. The blood vessels supply blood to the penis causing it to increase in size. During sexual stimulation, the body releases nitric oxide in the penis which subsequently produces cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This enzyme, cGMP, regulates the increase or decrease in the size of blood vessels to and from the penis, respectively, and is responsible for erection. Meanwhile, another enzyme – the phosphodiesterase-5 – destroys cGMP thereby causing the blood to leave the penis and back to its flaccid state. Tadalafil helps achieve and sustain an erection by preventing the action of phosphodiesterase-5. The presence of cGMP leads to sustained penile erections.
It is not entirely clear how tadalafil helps relieve the symptoms of BPH, although it is suggested that the presence of phosphodiesterase-5 in the bladder and prostate can help ease the passage of urine. This enzyme is thought to reduce the pressure on the muscle that regulates the flow of urine from the bladder thereby managing BPH symptoms.
How to Take Cialis
Take this medication exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. Read your prescription label carefully before initiating treatment.
Cialis is supplied in tablet form. It can be taken with or without meals. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush or split the tablet.
If using Cialis to treat ED, follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions. Usually, you will start on an average dose of tadalafil then gradually adjusted depending on your response to the treatment. This medication can be taken either daily or on an as needed basis. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your condition and decide which dosing schedule is best for you. If using it on as needed basis, take the drug at least 30 minutes before sexual activity and not more than once in 24 hours. It may also be taken on a regular basis without regard to sexual activity. If taken on a regular schedule, take it around the same time of the day. You can attempt engaging in sexual activity at anytime of the day when taking it regularly. People with underlying medical conditions may be prescribed with a lower dose of Cialis to be taken once a day. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. If you do not understand the prescription or have questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Do not take more or less than the recommended amount. Inform your healthcare provider if you feel the drug is not effective or is causing side effects.
If taking Cialis to treat BPH or PAH, follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions. Usually, the daily dose of Cialis is taken at one time each day; do not divide the dose. For maximum effect, take it around the same time of the day. Inform your healthcare provider if you are using other medications for BPH. You may need to stop taking your current medication before you start with Cialis, sometimes dose adjustments are recommended. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. If you have questions, be sure to ask your healthcare provider. If taking Cialis for PAH, it is important to understand that this medication does not cure the condition but only helps manage the symptoms. Continue taking all medications prescribed to you even if you feel better. Do not discontinue the drug unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider.
Cialis will not cause an erection. It only helps achieve an erection during sexual stimulation.
Important Things To Remember When Using Cialis
- Cialis is contraindicated for patients who are allergic to tadalafil and those taking nitrate medications for heart problems and chest pain. Nitrate drugs include nitroglycerine (Nitro Dur, Nitrostat, Transderm Nitro, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur), and other drug combinations.
- Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking Adcirca for PAH. Cialis may also be contraindicated for you.
- Do not take more than one dose of Cialis within a 24-hour period. Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical attention if you experience prolonged, painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours. This condition is known as priapism and can cause damage to the penis.
- If you experience side effects such as dizziness or nausea during sexual activity, or if you have numbness, tingling or pain in your chest, neck, jaw or arms, take some rest and contact your healthcare provider right away. These may indicate serious side effects of Cialis.
- Cialis can decrease blood circulation to the optic nerve, leading to sudden loss of sight. People with history of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, certain underlying eye conditions, and chronic smokers are at increased risk of vision loss. However, it is not clear whether Cialis is the main cause or just a contributing factor to loss of vision. In case of vision loss, stop using Cialis.
- Cialis only helps achieve and sustain erection. It does not cure ED, increase sexual desire, protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV, and serve as birth control.
