Cialis (Tadalafil)

Short Summary:

The active ingredient of Cialis is tadalafil, which falls under the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. It is available in the form of oral tablets, available in 2.5, 5, 10 and 20mg strengths. Usually, you will be advised to take one Cialis 10mg tablet before sexual activity. Depending on your response to the drug, the dosage can be decreased to 5mg or increased to 20mg. You should not take more than one Cialis tablet in 24 hours, as serious side effects such as penis damage may occur. The drug works by relaxing muscles and increasing the flow of blood to your penis during sexual stimulation. In this way, penis erection is achieved and maintained, just enough for the sexual activity to take place.

Cialis is not to be used by patients suffering from certain medical conditions including heart disease, a heart rhythm problem, liver or kidney disease, a blood cell disorder, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorder, retinitis pigmentosa, Peyronie’s disease, angina, or low or high blood pressure. Also inform your doctor beforehand if you recently had a heart attack or stroke or if you are on dialysis.

Do not drink alcohol, as it may increase side effects of the drug. Cialis may also interact adversely with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Also do not take this drug if you are already using anti-seizure medications, HIV/ AIDS drugs, blood pressure or heart medicines, barbiturates, antidepressants, antifungals, antibiotics or drugs for the treatment of prostate disorder or high blood pressure. Also inform your doctor at once if you become nauseated or dizzy during sex, or if you develop numbness, tingling or pain in the arms, chest, jaw or neck, as these may be signs of a serious side effect of the drug.

Headache, memory problems, back pain, muscle pain, diarrhea, stomach upset, stuffy nose, throat soreness, sneezing, redness or warmth in the neck, chest or face can commonly occur in patients using Cialis. However, inform your doctor at once if any of these worsen or persist, or if you develop any other side effects of the drug. Serious side effects include vision loss or vision changes, ringing in the ears, sudden hearing loss, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, swelling in the feet or hands, lightheadedness or fainting. Notify your doctor at once if your erection lasts for more than 4 hours, as prolonged erection may lead to serious conditions such as penis damage.