Cialis

The active ingredient in Cialis is tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 is a protein that breaks down molecules responsible for erections. By blocking PDE5, tadalafil helps achieve erections by relaxing penile muscles and increasing blood flow. Cialis treats erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, facilitating erections. While its mechanism for treating BPH symptoms isn't fully understood, researchers believe tadalafil may relax muscles in the prostate—a small gland in the groin area.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Cialis. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Cialis:

• Cialis can be taken every day or as needed. However, you should not take it more than once per day.
• Follow all directions on your prescription label carefully.
• Do not change your dose or take it for longer than recommended.
• Cialis can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break or split it.
• For erectile dysfunction, take Cialis just before sexual activity, but no more than once per day.

The most common side effects of Cialis include:

• Headache.
• Stuffy nose.
• Indigestion.
• Stomach upset.
• Back pain.
• Muscle pain.
• Dizziness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Cialis. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Loss of vision and other vision changes.
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing.
• Prolonged erections (lasting over 4 hours).
• Chest pain.
• Allergic reaction with symptoms such as swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips, hives, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Blistering or peeling of skin.
• Low blood pressure.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Cialis. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Cialis, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Heart disease, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
• Angina (chest pain).
• High or low blood pressure.
• Pulmonary hypertension (unless taking tadalafil for this condition).
• Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (narrowing of the veins carrying blood from the lungs to the heart).
• Liver or kidney disease (including if on dialysis).
• Vision loss or retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye condition).
• Bleeding disorders.
• Blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia.
• High cholesterol.
• Physical deformity of the penis (e.g., Peyronie's disease).
• Stomach ulcers.
• Any health problems that make sexual activity unsafe.

Boxed Warning

• Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis. Do not take any more doses of tadalafil or similar medications such as sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra) until you talk to your doctor.

• If you are taking Riociguat (to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension) or any form of organic nitrate, you should not take Cialis.
• Do not take Cialis for erectile dysfunction (ED) if you are taking Adcirca for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• Avoid this medication if you are allergic to tadalafil or any of the inactive ingredients in the tablet.

• When taking Cialis for erectile dysfunction (ED), take the medication 30 minutes before sexual activity. However, it may take 1-2 hours for the full effects to manifest. If as-needed dosing isn't effective, consult your healthcare provider about switching to a lower daily dose of Cialis. Daily use may allow for more spontaneity, as you won't need to time the dose before sexual activity.
• For those taking Cialis to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you'll typically notice symptom improvement within 1 to 2 weeks of starting the medication.

When Cialis is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Medications for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• Antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin) or antifungal medications (fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole).
• Oral azole antifungals and ritonavir (Norvir) can increase the risk of side effects like headaches, flushing, and vision changes.
• Antiviral medications for hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS.
• Consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Nitrate medications for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and some recreational drugs known as "poppers" containing amyl or butyl nitrite (combining tadalafil with nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure).
• Medications for high blood pressure or prostate disorders.
• Seizure medications.
• Alpha blockers such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, dutasteride, prazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin.

Oral tablets with the following strengths are available:

• 2.5 mg.
• 5 mg.
• 10 mg.
• 20 mg.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Protect it from freezing. Keep out of children's reach.

Eli Lilly and Company is the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Cialis.

Brand-name Cialis is available as a lower-cost generic.

Do not stop taking this medicine without first consulting with your doctor.

Cialis is not approved for use in females so there is no information on whether it would harm your unborn baby.

Cialis is not approved for use in females and there is no information on whether it is found in breast milk.