Cialis (Tadalafil)

Common use

Brand Cialis was developed by the pharmaceutical company LILLY and contains Tadalafil as its main component. Cialis is an effective, reversible, selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) specific to cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When sexual stimulation causes local release of nitric oxide, inhibition of PDE 5 by Cialis leads to an increase in cGMP levels in the cavernous body of the penis. It results in the relaxation of arterial smooth muscles and blood flow to the tissues of the penis, causing erections. Cialis has no effect when sexual stimulation is absent. Cialis improves erection and allows achieving successful sexual intercourse. The drug acts for 36 hours. If sexual arousal is present, the effect appears even after 16 minutes after the medication was taken.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dose of Cialis is 20 mg. It should be taken at least 16 minutes before sexual activity. The effect persists for 36 hours. Take Cialis once daily and do not exceed the recommended dose.

Precautions

It is preferable not to use Cialis with grapefruit juice, alcoholic beverages, or tobacco. If you smoke tobacco and take Cialis concomitantly, this may lead to a condition called NAION (sudden optic nerve-related vision loss). Inform your doctor before taking Cialis if you have an abnormal penis, including curved penis and birth defects of the penis, or if you have had coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, angina, heart attack or heart failure, hypo- or hypertension, bleeding, stomach ulcers, diabetes, hyperlipidemia (excess of lipids in the blood), sickle-cell anemia, or liver or kidney failure in history.

Contraindications

Cialis is contraindicated in patients who are using any form of organic nitrate, either regularly and/or intermittently, as it can potentiate the hypotensive effect of nitrates.

Possible side effects

Most usual side effects of Cialis include facial flushing (reddening), headaches, stomach upset, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, and nausea. In more rare cases, low blood pressure, blurred vision, changes in color vision, and abnormal ejaculation may occur. Prolonged erections or priapism (painful erections lasting more than 6 hours) are also possible. If your erection lasts longer than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help as it may permanently damage your penis. Aggravation of heart problems in patients with pre-existing heart disease using Cialis was reported.

Drug interactions

Co-administration with medications containing organic nitrates may cause severe hypotension, which is dangerous in some cases. Avoid taking Cialis with medications such as Erythrityl Tetranitrate, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Isosorbide Mononitrate, Nitroglycerin, and Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate. Levels and toxicity of Cialis are increased by erythromycin, ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), indinavir (Crixivan), and ritonavir (Norvir). Inform your doctor if you are taking Atazanavir, Bunazosin, Clarithromycin, Doxazosin, Erythromycin, Indinavir, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Moxisylyte, Nefazodone, Nelfinavir, Phenoxybenzamine, Phentolamine, Prazosin, Saquinavir, Telithromycin, Terazosin, Trimazosin, and Urapidil as your Cialis dose may require correction.

Missed dose

Missed dose is not applicable if Cialis is taken for treatment of erectile dysfunction as it is used when needed.

Overdose

Overdose of Cialis causes symptoms described as side effects. Seek immediate medical help if you believe you have taken too much of this medication.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture, sunlight, kids, and pets in a tight container.