Cialis Side Effects
Summary
The most common side effects of Cialis (Tadalafil) are cough dizziness, mild back or muscle pain, headache, heartburn, flushing of the neck, face or chest, runny nose, and upset stomach. These side effects usually do not require medical attention however, if they persist or become bothersome contact your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Common Cialis Side Effects
The most common Cialis side effects include the following:
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Mild back or muscle pain
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Flushing of the face, neck, or chest
- Runny nose
- Upset stomach
The side effects listed above usually do not require medical attention as they will commonly diminish when your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor may also be able to advise you of ways to reduce or prevent these common side effects from occurring. However, if any persist or become bothersome you should notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Serious Cialis Side Effects
An allergic reaction can occur when you take Cialis. If you experience any of the following symptoms indicating an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help right away.
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue
Many other side effects can occur that are not indicative of an allergic reaction but are still serious. If you experience any of the following side effects, you should notify your doctor immediately.
- Erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours
- Seizure
- Chest pain or heaviness
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Pain spreading to shoulder or arm
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Numbness of extremities
- Slurred speech
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Overall ill feeling
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling of the feet or hands
- Shortness of breath
Other severe side effects that should be reported to a doctor right away are:
- Changes in vision
- Sudden vision loss
- Ringing in ears
- Sudden hearing loss
- Red, blistered, swollen, or peeling skin
- Weakness on one side
- Decreased urination
- Dizziness or nausea during sex
- Pain, numbness, or tingling of chest, arms, jaw, or neck during sex
Sudden Vision Loss
In a small number of people, Cialis may have caused sudden vision loss. Loss of vision happens as a result of decreased blood flow to the optic nerve. This occurrence is very rare and primarily affected individuals with the following conditions; high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and eye problems.
Individuals who were over the age of 50 or smokers were also among those affected. It is unsure at this time if Cialis is the culprit of sudden vision loss however, if you experience any changes in your vision while taking this medication seek emergency medical help right away.
Pre-existing Conditions
Many medical conditions may require special tests or dosage adjustments to ensure you can safely take Cialis. If you have any of the following conditions, talk to your doctor before taking this medication; liver disease, kidney disease or dialysis, angina, high or low blood pressure, heart attack within the past 90 days, stroke or congestive heart failure within the past 6 months, heart disease or rhythm problems, stomach ulcer, retinitis pigmentosa, any physical deformity of the penis, bleeding disorders, blood cell disorders, or if you have been warned against having sex for health reasons.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should talk to a doctor before taking Cialis. This medication has been given a category B listing by the FDA, which means it is unlikely that the drug will be harmful to a fetus. If you are breastfeeding you should also talk to your doctor before taking Cialis as it is unknown if this medication passes through breast milk and the potential effects it could have on a newborn.
Other Medications
Nitrates
Cialis should never be taken with other the medications used to treat heart problems and chest pain, known as nitrates. If tadalafil and nitrate medications are taken together a dangerous interaction can occur; the result can be a sudden and extreme drop in blood pressure that can lead to fainting or stroke. Nitrates that are used for medical purposes are found in the following medications; nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, or isosorbide mononitrate. Nitrates can also be found in recreational drugs such as nitrite or amyl nitrate, which are commonly known as “poppers.”
It is important to inform your doctor of all the over the counter, prescription, and herbal medications that you take prior to taking tadalafil. The following medications and foods may cause an interaction to occur if taken with Cialis:
- Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
- Other medications for treating erectile dysfunction such as Viagra or Levitra
- Antibiotic such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin.
- rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine.
- Antifungal medications such as itraconazol, ketoconazol, miconazole, or voriconazole.
- Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
- Antidepressants such as nefazodone
- Heart or blood pressure medications such as diltiazem, nicardipine, quinidine, or verapamil.
- Seizure medications such as carbamazepine or phenytoin.
- Medications used to treat prostate disorders or high blood pressure, such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin, or tamsulosin.
- HIV or AIDS medications such as darunavir, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, or ritonavir.
Cialis is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and to treat conditions that cause enlargement of the prostate gland. Many medical conditions may require special tests or a dosage adjustment to lower the risk for dangerous side effects. If you experience a serious side effect or if a common effect becomes bothersome, contact your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
