A Complete Guide About Cialis

Manoj Kumar - B.Pharmacy

Published : Jun 02, 2024

Cialis is among the most popular Erectile dysfunction medicines available in the market. If you are looking for ED treatment, then you might come across this little yellow pill that has long-lasting effects. The use of Cialis helps a man achieve hard erections and boost their sexual responses.

If branded Cialis seems expensive, you can find Generic versions that contain Tadalafil, the prime ingredient of Cialis. Here, you can find more information about Cialis, how it works, how to use it, and the common side effects and interactions.

What is Cialis?

Cialis is an Erectile dysfunction(ED) medicine that helps a man improve erectile function. During ED, a man is unable to get or keep an erection enough for sexual penetration. Cialis contains Tadalafil as its active ingredient, a PDE5 Inhibitor medication that poses vasodilatory effects. Tadalafil also helps to treat conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate problem. During BPH, a man faces urinary symptoms as the enlarged prostate around the bladder causes difficulty and unpleasant symptoms.

Eli Lilly is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures Cialis(Tadalafil), which comes in yellow pills. The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approved Cialis in 2003 for the treatment of ED and later approved it for BPH symptoms in 2011.

Tadalafil(Cialis) is also used to treat conditions like Pulmonary arterial hypertension, but it is marketed under the brand name Adcirca.

Cialis has the advantage of long-lasting effects: They last for 36 hours, which is high compared to other ED pills. It requires a prescription for use, and it would be best to take it only in advised strengths. It can be used on a need-basis and in daily dosing as per your medical needs.

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 poses the same effects on the muscles of the bladder and prostate. It poses relaxation and prevents and treats the urinary symptoms associated with BPH.

How fast does Cialis work?

Cialis starts working within 30 minutes of its intake. However, its onset of action may vary and also depends 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 also prescribes Cialis for 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, and one must use it only when advised by a healthcare professional. Take this ED pill as instructed by a doctor, usually 30 minutes before involving 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 in the form of a tablet, swallow it with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet while intake, and do not take it with alcohol. You can take Cialis on an empty stomach or after your meal.

Cialis dosage information:

Cialis is available in different dosage strengths, for example, 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.

The FDA has approved 2 ways of dosing for Cialis, as needed 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 for 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

• Prolonged erection(erection lasting more than 4 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 and 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 that your doctor gives when prescribing Cialis. To manage side effects, consult a doctor, and if any of the impact effects turn severe, contact a doctor immediately.

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. Disclose your medical history with your healthcare provider and even inform them 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 like 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 are some medical conditions that may interact with Tadalafil and might be unsafe. Be cautious 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 anemia, leukemia, 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. The use of grapefruit juice can decrease the effectiveness of Tadalafil when used together. 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 a doctor to get the best possible treatment for you.

Where to buy Cialis?

You can buy Cialis from a local pharmacy store or shop 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 in price 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 in the given time frame.

Faqs related to Cialis:

Is there a generic Cialis available?

Yes, Generic Cialis is available on the market, and it's relatively cheaper than the brand medicine. You can choose generic Cialis from any trusted and reputable pharmacy.

Can you mix Viagra with Cialis?

No mixing Viagra and Cialis might cause unwanted effects. Both belong to the class of PDE5 inhibitors, and you should never use these drugs together.

What to do if Cialis is not working?

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 you different alternatives.

Is Cialis safe with blood pressure medications?

No, using Cialis with medicines used 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.