Tadalafil (Cialis) is a medicine used for ED treatment. It works by improving the blood circulation to the penile area and letting your body respond to sexual stimulus in a natural way. It is also used for BPH treatment as well.
History
This drug was first discovered in 1994. A group of scientists discovered that the drug they were testing (Sildenafil Citrate) was causing strong erections in male patients. Originally, this medication was intended for heart patients, so you can consider this discovery somewhat accidental as well.
This medication first burst onto the scene in November of 2003 when it was finally approved by the FDA. Tadalafil became the 3rd anti-ED medication. Since there were two more well-known and popular brands at the time, this drug was floundering in the beginning. Levitra and Viagra have enjoyed a 5+ years duopoly and Tadalafil’s future looked leak right from the get-go. However, thanks to its effectiveness and relative safeness, its popularity soared during the span of the very first year.
Precautions
Before you commit to any sort of treatment, you must talk to your MD first. Your physician needs to figure out if the therapy is a right fit for you. You must not take Cialis if you:
- Have a history of cardiovascular issues, including arrhythmia, angina and congestive heart failure.
- Have previous/underlying issues with your kidneys and/or liver.
- Suffer from hypertension or hypotension.
- Are struggling with proper hydration.
- Have issues with your penis, including Peyronie’s diseases, phimosis, and angulation.
- Have ever had issues with prolonged/painful erections.
- Have blood diseases, including sickle cell disease.
- Have issues with your eyes.
- Have bleeding disorders.
- Have active gastric ulcers.
- The above list is not 100% comprehensive. Best-case scenario: you undergo a complete medical evaluation before you commit to this medication. Never take Cialis if your physician told you not to.
How to Take This Medication
First and foremost, you must always refer to the info offered by your MD and all info specified on the prescription label. In case you have any further questions, don’tt hesitate to talk to your physician or druggist.
You must take this medication by mouth. You must not take this medication more than once in the span of 24 hours. Your starting dosage will depend on your age, previous medical history, and overall well-being, more information on that later.
When it comes to the BPH treatment, this medication is usually taken once a day. There are many other BPH treatments that might interact with Cialis, so make sure you provide your healthcare specialist with a comprehensive list of all the drugs you are currently taking.
There are two ways of taking this medication in order to cure ED. Your physician will have to decide which method works best for you based on a great variety of different factors. The 1st method is usually referred to as “as needed” – you just take a pill about thirty mins. before you engage in sexual activity. The 2nd available therapy method requires you to take this pill every single day until the treatment is complete.
Dosage
Let’s split the dosage information based on the intended effect. There are two ways of treating erectile dysfunction:
1. As needed
Usually, the beginner dose is 10 milligrams, taken about thirty mins. before the scheduled sexual activity. Your MD may alter the dosage based on your body’s response to the treatment, it can either be upped to 20 milligrams or lowered to 5 milligrams. This drug’s beneficial effects may last up to thirty-six hours.
2. One pill per day
Usually, the starting dosage is 2.5 milligrams. You should try to take this medication at approximately the same time every 24 hours, food timing is unimportant. This dosage may be ultimately upped to 5 milligrams if you don’t show any progress.
This medication is also used for BPH treatment and the suggested starting dosage usually is 5 milligrams in the span of 24 hours.
Recent data shows that people prefer the one-pill-per-day method, because it removes the need to schedule sexual contact, therefore, reducing stress/pressure levels.
Side-Effects
For clarity, these unwanted responses are split into different categories and their probabilities are specified (based on extensive research data).
- Cardiovascular system: rare (>0,1% of cases) – irregular heartbeat, pyknosphygmia, pressure drop, pressure increase. Ultra-rare (>0,01 of cases) – myocardial infarction, instable angina.
- Nervous system: frequent (>10% of cases) – headache. Common (>1% of cases) – vertigo. Rare (>0,1% of cases) – fainting, hemicephalalgia, transitory ischaemic attacks, stroke.
- Eyesight: rare (>0,1% of cases) – blurry vision. Ultra-rare (>0,01 of cases) – optic neuropathy, retinal vein occlusion.
- Respiratory issues: rare (>0,1% of cases) – nasal bleeding.
- Digestive system: common (>1% of cases) – stomachache. Rare (>0,1% of cases) – gastro-oesophageal reflux.
- Skin/subcutaneous tissue issues: rare (>0,1% of cases) – rash, hives, hyperhidrosis. Ultra-rare (>0,01 of cases) – exfoliative dermatitis, Baader’s dermatostomatitis.
- General issues: rare (>0,1% of cases) – chest pain. Ultra-rare (>0,01 of cases) – swollen face.
- Immune system: rare (>0,1% of cases) – hypersensitivity.
- Reproductive system: ultra-rare (>0,01 of cases) – prolonged/painful erections.
The above list is not 100% complete. You must always consult your MD if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms or something out of the ordinary.
Overdose
If you take an incorrect dose or if you take more than you were prescribed, you are at a higher risk of a Tadalafil overdose. There are some early signs of Tadalafil overdose, including fainting, severe headaches, vomiting, flushing, flashes of red, issues with the eyesight (blurry vision) and troubled breathing.
If you suspected you have overdosed, you must immediately contact your nearest healthcare center or just call 911. You will require urgent medical attention.
Interactions
There are some medicines that may disrupt the pill’s intended impact. They also might increase your risks of unwanted secondary responses. Here are some of the pills that interact with Cialis:
- Nitrates, i.e. drugs used for angina treatment, namely nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate.
- Riociguat (trade name Adempas).
- Alkyl nitrites (“poppers”), i.e. drugs containing amyl, butyl or isobutyl nitrite.
- Alpha-blockers, namely prazosin, indoramin, doxazosin, terazosin, alfuzosin, tamsulosin.
- Antifungal agents, namely ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, telithromycin, clarithromycin, saquinavir, nefazodone, erythromycin, diltiazem, fluconazole, verapamil, cimetidine, ranitidine, roxithromycin, fluvoxamine, among many others.
- Antibacterials, namely ketolide, azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, roxithromycin, and cethromycin.
- HIV/AIDS treatments, namely amprenavir, atazanavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, efavirenz and nevirapine.
- Hep C medications, namely ribavirin, and telaprevir.
- Rifampicin, also known as rifampin.
Drugs that help to improve the efficiency of the Cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, including Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR.
Other anti-ED medications.
This list of possible interactions is not 100% exhaustive. You need to write down the list of all the medications you are currently using (including OTC meds, prescription pills and herbals) and hand it to your MD.
Food Interactions
You’re strongly suggested to avoid both grapefruit itself and grapefruit-based products, including grapefruit juice. This medication’s impact may be severely slowed by the aforementioned fruit. You might end up with a disappointing outcome, thanks to grapefruit. It is one of the most severe food interactions when it comes to the Cialis treatment.
You must also avoid foods with high fat content. These types of foods slow down the process and that in and of itself may disrupt your schedule and treatment cycle while also increasing the risk of adverse responses. Avoid fat-heavy foods at all costs while taking this specific medication.
Alcohol Interactions
Tadalafil does interact with liquor. There are many studies and user testimonies suggesting that this interaction is not so bad if you only drink a moderate amount of liquor. While that may be true, you are strongly suggested to avoid alcohol altogether. Liquor can slow down the drug, it can cause a severe BP drop which then leads to lightheadedness, dizziness and possible fainting.
Granted, if you are 100% sure of your overall well-being and ability to drink in moderation, you can drink a few glasses. Alcohol helps people relax and it could be beneficial when it comes to anti-ED treatment.
How to Increase This Drug’s Effectiveness
Although it is entirely possible to completely eradicate ED via the means of this drug alone, you can make several lifestyle adjustments that both increase this drug’s effectiveness and improve your chances of complete and total recovery. They include:
- Quitting smoking;
- Losing weight;
- Maintaining a healthy diet;
- Overcoming a sedentary lifestyle;
- Curbing your liquor intake;
- Reducing your stress levels.
These changes are not as simple, but even if you take a few steps towards the right direction, you will be able to see the results right away. There’s no substitute for healthier living, you might solve the initial cause of your erectile dysfunction by improving your overall quality of life.
Miscellaneous Information
- This medicine usually is produced containing 2,5, 5, 20 and 40 mg. of Tadalafil in it.
- This drug’s impact on your performance may last up to thirty-six hrs.
- This medication was not intended for use in women.
- This pill can make you lightheaded, so you cannot drive or operate heavy machinery. Never engage in any activities that require constant alertness.
- In order for this drug to work, sexual stimulation is required.
- It’s unknown whether or not this medication crosses into breast milk.This drug has a half-life of approximately seventeen hrs., compared to five-four hours half-life of its alternatives.
I’m a fairly health 52-year-old guy. Recently, I ended 20+ plus years of toxic marriage. Getting back into the dating game was not easy. I dated one fine lady for 2+ weeks without having sex. When push came to shove, I had severe performance anxiety which lead to even more problems down the road. It wasn’t easy talking to my MD about this, but he suggested Cialis and it worked wonders for me. Now I’m like a walking, talking hard-on. I’m gonna go all out tomorrow, so wish my luck guys.
Yeah, that’s my real name. Ed with ED. I took 20 mg. tablet of Cialis after I got a sample from my Dr. After about an hour I had a solid enough erection. To my surprise, I lasted much longer than usual, and my orgasm was somewhat stronger. Had morning wood 8 full hours later, in the morning. There are some minor side-effects though, I had mild facial flushing and back pain. However, I think it is completely worth it, because, you know – I can feel like a normal guy once again. Now I’m No-ED Ed.
Greetings from Pakistan! I’m 45 years old and I’m tall and slim and not fat. I have was married for 20 years in succession, I have eight kids – four daughters and four sons. I have problem with both Erectyle Disfunction and Premature Ejaculation. My doctor suggested the Cialis drug and I took the drug. I have purchased it on the worldwide internet web. My doctor was right, now I have stronger erections and do not feel any side-effects. It brings smiles to my face when I think I can perform exactly as before.
Was having minor issues with keeping my erections. My doctor suggested Cialis. I was kind of apprehensive at first, because my other friend took it once and started bleeding from his flippin’ eyes like a post-modernist martyr painting. I did some digging and convinced myself the guy just took the wrong dose and I’m gonna be a-okay. Believe it or not, that’s exactly what happened – my erections are awesome, and I feel awesome, as well. All hail Cialis, one of the best anti-ED drugs on the market!