What Is Cialis? Full Guide to Benefits & Risks

Cialis (Tadalafil) is a prescription drug to manage symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Cialis works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping men get or keep an erection for penetrative sex.
Depending on the prescribed dose and treatment goals, it can be taken as needed or daily.
If you're considering Cialis or have been prescribed it, understanding how it works, the correct dosage, side effects, and interactions is crucial.
This blog will help you know everything you need to know to use Cialis effectively and safely.
What is Cialis?
Cialis is an FDA-approved ED medication containing Tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor that improves blood flow for erections.
Eli Lilly is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures Cialis(Tadalafil), which comes in yellow pills.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cialis in 2003 for treating ED and later approved it for BPH symptoms in 2011.
It also treats BPH and, under the brand Adcirca, pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH) symptoms.
Tadalafil is generally known for its long-lasting effects of 36 hours.
Cialis is prescription-only and available in daily or as-needed doses; your doctor will prescribe Cialis in any way as needed.
What is Cialis for?
Cialis(Tadalafil) is primarily used to treat symptoms of Erectile dysfunction and improve male sexual function.
Also, its active ingredient eases BPH symptoms and relieves urinary symptoms in adult males.
Males above 18 years of age take this ED pill only when prescribed by a doctor.
Note that Cialis can't protect you from sexually transmitted diseases(STDS).
How does Cialis work to treat Erectile dysfunction(ED)?
Cialis contains Tadalafil, a PDE5 Inhibitor that helps improve your erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penis.
Tadalafil blocks the enzyme called PDE5, which breaks down cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cgmp) levels.
cGMP is a smooth muscle relaxant of the blood vessels that ensure proper blood flow to the penis.
It acts on the penile region and offers increased blood flow under sexual stimulation of the penis, and allows hard erections.
While using Cialis for BPH, it has the same effects on the muscles of the bladder and prostate.
It promotes relaxation and prevents and treats the urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
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How fast does Cialis work?
Cialis starts working within 30 minutes of its intake.
However, its onset of action may vary depending on an individual's age, weight, and other factors.
Sometimes, it may take around 2 hours to be effective and start working.
How long does Cialis last?
Cialis's effects last up to 36 hours after it starts working.
Compared to other ED pills, Cialis(Tadalafil) has a long-lasting impact on the body.
This makes Cialis one of the best choices for daily dosing, and its lower strengths are also highly potent.
In case Cialis keeps working for up to 36 hours, it will help you get and maintain an erection during that time with ED instruction.
However, the doctor prescribes Cialis daily dosing for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Its consistent presence in the system helps prevent the complications associated with BPH and ED.
How to take Cialis?
Cialis is a prescription medicine; one must use it only when a healthcare professional advises.
Take this ED pill as instructed by a doctor, usually 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity.
For regular dosing in conditions like BPH and ED, take Cialis at fixed intervals in the prescribed strength.
To take Cialis, which comes as a tablet, swallow it with a glass of water.
Do not chew or crush the tablet while taking it, and do not take it with alcohol.
You can take Cialis on an empty stomach or after a meal.
Cialis dosage information:
Cialis is available in different dosage strengths, for example, 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.
The FDA has approved two ways of dosing Cialis, as needed and essential, and for daily dosing.
Men with ED can take it when needed, or if they need sexual intimacy frequently, they can do it for daily dosing (2.5mg or 5mg) each day.
On a need basis, the recommended doses are 5mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg before having sex.
Only a 5mg daily dose of Cialis is enough and is currently approved to manage a condition like BPH.
Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may increase or decrease the strength of Cialis to achieve the best results.
Avoid self-adjusting the dosage and use the dosage only when approved by a doctor.
Taking a higher dose without a prescription can be unsafe and increase the risk of potential side effects that Cialis may cause.
What are the side effects of Cialis?
Cialis, containing Tadalafil as an active ingredient, might have some side effects like any other medicine.
Here is a list of possible side effects that may appear during use of Cialis.
But note that not every person who takes this ED pill faces them; side effects are rare, and only a few people get them.
Common side effects of Cialis include:
- Flushing
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fainting(Faintness)
- Stuffy nose
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Indigestion
- Muscle pain
Less common side effects of Cialis(Tadalafil) are:
- Loss of vision or blurred vision
- Hearing loss
- Trouble hearing
- Allergic reaction
- A prolonged erection(erection lasting more than four hours-Priapism)
- Changes in blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Ringing in your ears
If you suspect any side effects of Cialis, please discuss them with a doctor and seek medical help if needed.
How to avoid Cialis side effects?
To avoid Cialis side effects, take it exactly as your doctor directs.
If your doctor prescribes Cialis for daily dosing, take it at fixed intervals and do not consume a higher dose than prescribed.
Using a higher dose with your doctor's approval might be safe, but could lead to potential risks.
Do not consume alcohol when taking Cialis; it might also increase the chances of side effects.
Take care of drug interactions, disease interactions, and other warnings your doctor gives when prescribing Cialis.
To manage side effects, consult a doctor, and if any of the side effects turn severe, contact a doctor immediately.
What are the Cialis Interactions?
Although Cialis tablets are safe and effective, they may not suit all men. In some rare cases,
Tadalafil can be unsafe or adversely affect some individuals with preexisting conditions and those already taking other medicines.
Therefore, avoid possible drug and disease interactions related to Tadalafil.
You can disclose your medical history to your healthcare provider and let them know about certain foods and beverages you take.
In case of an accidental overdose or if you suspect a drug or disease interaction, seek emergency medical care.
Cialis interaction with medications
Taking Tadalafil(Cialis) with certain other medications, especially with:
- Amyl nitrite
- Miconazole
- Delavirdine
- Boceprevir
- Riociguat
- Voriconazole
- Ceritinib
- Lonafarnib
- Isosorbide Mononitrate
- Other medicines used to treat ED are Vardenafil, Sildenafil, etc.
Note: Cialis(Tadalafil) with Nitrates(for chest pain(angina)) can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.
So, if you are already taking Nitrates, please inform your doctor before you get a prescription for Cialis or any other PDE5 Inhibitor.
Cialis interactions with diseases
These medical conditions may interact with Tadalafil and might be unsafe.
Please be careful while using Cialis under this condition, and use it only when considered safe.
- Cardiovascular disease
- Severe liver disease
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure problem
- Pulmonary venous occlusive disease
- Priapism(painful or prolonged erection)
- Active stomach ulcer
- Bleeding disorders
- Deformed penis
- Blood cell problems: sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, and multiple myeloma
- Recently had a heart attack or stroke
Cialis's interaction with foods and beverages
Cialis(Tadalafil) may interact with certain foods and drinks like grapefruit and alcohol.
Grapefruit juice can increase tadalafil levels in your bloodstream by inhibiting the enzyme (CYP3A4) that breaks it down.
Learn more about the effects of mixing Cialis and grapefruit.
On the other hand, drinking alcohol while using Cialis may increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure and might impair the ability to get an erection.
Can women take Cialis?
No, Cialis is not approved for use in females by the FDA, and there are other options available to treat low sex drives in women.
For female sexual issues, Bremelanotide(Vyleesi) is an injectable medicine that acts on the brain to increase sexual desire.
Another medicine that doctors prescribe to treat low sex drive in females is Flibanserin(Addyi).
In case you are a female and dealing with sexual problems, it would be best to discuss with a doctor to get the best possible treatment for you.
Where to buy Cialis?
You can buy Cialis from a local pharmacy store or buy it online.
When choosing an online platform, our licensed pharmacy is the best place.
Here, you can get all the different strengths of generic Cialis, which is quite affordable compared to brand-name drugs.
You may require a prescription to shop for it, and once you order your medicine, it will soon reach you safely within the given time frame.
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Yes, Generic Cialis is available on the market and is relatively cheaper than the brand medicine. You can choose generic Cialis from any trusted and reputable pharmacy.
Mixing Viagra and Cialis might cause unwanted effects. Both belong to the class of PDE5 inhibitors, and you should never use these drugs together. Learn more about mixing Viagra and Cialis.
If Cialis is not working, you can switch to other ED pills like Viagra(Sildenafil) or Levitra(Vardenafil). You can also consult a doctor; they may adjust your dosage or prescribe different alternatives.
No, using Cialis with medicines to treat high blood pressure can be unsafe. The interactions among these drugs can result in a sudden decrease in blood pressure, which can be dangerous.
Cialis and Viagra aren’t stronger than one another; they work differently and have different ranges of lasting periods. Cialis lasts longer, while Viagra may act slightly faster. The better option depends on your needs and sexual activity frequency.
Cialis helps men with erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. It also treats symptoms of an enlarged prostate, like difficulty urinating and frequent urges.
Viagra typically works within 30 minutes but may be slowed by heavy meals. While Cialis starts working in 16–45 minutes and isn’t affected by food.
Cialis can help you achieve and maintain an erection for up to 36 hours after taking it, but sexual stimulation is still needed for it to work.
Cialis reaches peak levels in the body about 2 to 3 hours after taking it. It’s most effective when taken at least 2 hours before sexual activity.