Cialis (Tadalafil) Tablets for Treating Erectile Dysfunction: What You Need to Know
Cialis, also known as tadalafil, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and increasing blood flow to specific parts of the body. It is available in tablet form with four different strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. By relaxing the blood vessels leading to the penis, Cialis allows for increased blood flow, aiding in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Usage and Precautions
It is important to take Cialis as prescribed by your doctor, typically once per day. Never exceed the recommended dosage or take it for a longer period than advised. The tablet can be taken with or without food, but should be swallowed whole without breaking, opening, or splitting it.
There is a possibility that tadalafil may remain in your bloodstream for up to two days or longer if you have kidney or liver disease. During this time, it is crucial to avoid taking any nitrate medications. Additionally, do not use Cialis if you are already using a nitrate drug for heart problems or chest pain, such as isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, or recreational drugs like amyl nitrate. It is also important to avoid using Cialis if you are taking riociguat for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
In order to ensure the safety of Cialis for your specific situation, inform your doctor if you have ever experienced any of the following conditions:
- Pulmonary hypertension
- A heart attack or stroke
- Liver or kidney disease
- Vision loss or retinitis pigmentosa
- A bleeding disorder
- A stomach ulcer
- Angina
- High or low blood pressure
- Heart disease or heart rhythm problems
Some patients taking Cialis have reported sudden loss of vision, but it is unclear whether this is directly caused by the medication or related to pre-existing health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, a history of smoking, or being around 50 years old.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Cialis may include nausea, stomach upset, flushing, stuffy nose, muscle pain, headache, back pain, and pain in the arms or legs. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately:
- An erection lasting longer than 4 hours or is painful
- Sudden loss of vision or changes in vision
- Symptoms of a heart attack such as chest pain or pressure, nausea, pain spreading to the shoulder or jaw, and sweating
If you have signs of an allergic reaction to Cialis, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or hives, seek emergency medical help.
Pros and Cons of Cialis
Pros:
- Lasts longer than Sildenafil (Viagra)
- First-choice medicine for treating erectile dysfunction
- Can be taken as needed or on a daily basis for those who require more regular use
Cons:
- Should not be used if you have recently taken nitrates like Imdur, Isordil, or Nitroglycerin (Nitro-BID, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat)
- Not recommended if you have experienced heart failure or a heart stroke in the past 6 months, or a heart attack in the past 3 months
- Older individuals (over 65) may experience more side effects and should use Cialis with proper medical care
Cialis may interact with certain supplements or medications. Therefore, it is important to inform your pharmacist or doctor about all the medicines you are currently using and your overall health condition.
