Cialis is the brand name for the drug Tadanafil, which belongs to a drug class known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors).
Cialis is a versatile drug with a few different applications, it is a prescription drug that primarily treats erectile dysfunction (ED), but it’s also commonly prescribed to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Cialis is considered to be one of the most effective medications available to treat Erectile dysfunction along with Viagra. Cialis usually comes in tablet form and four different strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Dosing varies depending on a patient’s tolerability and condition severity.
Tadalafil in Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Tadalafil once-daily is FDA-approved for ED, for sale in 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg strengths. The price of the 5 mg and 2.5 mg are often similar, so some people score and split the pill.
Penile erection during sexual stimulation is caused by increased penile blood flow resulting from the relaxation of penile arteries and the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum. This response is mediated by the release of nitric oxide (NO) from nerve terminals and endothelial cells, which stimulates the synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (more commonly known as cyclic GMP or cGMP) in smooth muscle cells. cGMP relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow to the corpus cavernosum.
The inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enhances erectile function by increasing the amount of cGMP. Tadalafil (as well as Sildenafil [Viagra] and Vardenafil [Levitra]) inhibits PDE5. However, because sexual stimulation is required to initiate the local penile release of nitric oxide, tadalafil’s inhibition of PDE5 will have no effect without direct sexual stimulation of the penis.
How does Cialis work?
Just like viagra, Cialis is only effective when a man is sexually aroused. Phosphodiesterase type 5 is an enzyme that controls blood flow in blood vessels around the penis, lungs, and other areas. Cialis blocks this enzyme as it belongs to the class of PDE-5 inhibitors and allows for more blood flow to the area, making it easier to get an erection during sexual activity.
Cialis will not treat other sexual problems like low libido or premature ejaculation. Nor does it make erections larger, prevent sexually transmitted diseases, or improve sexual stamina. Cialis is only helpful in treating Erectile dysfunction in men.
Cialis works relatively quickly but not as fast as Viagra. Cialis works by dilating blood vessels. The best efficacy is observed when blood vessels are responsive to the medication. Patients with low testosterone have poorly-responsive blood vessels that may not respond well to the effect of Cialis.
Cialis can slightly lower blood pressure. This is not a problem for most men, but Cialis’ effect on blood pressure is exaggerated if the Cialis is taken with a nitrate drug. Nitrates are one of the treatments doctors prescribe for angina. If you take Cialis when you are also taking nitrates, the combined effect of the Cialis and the nitrates can lower your blood pressure to such an extent that it could prove fatal. Never take Cialis when taking nitrates.
How to take Cialis effectively?
Cialis usually takes around 15 minutes to 2 hours to take its effect so it is advised to take Cialis 2 hours before the sexual activity to capitalize its full effect and to ensure that you have given the medication enough time to get into your system.
Cialis can be taken in 2 ways i.e You can be prescribed Cialis daily and your doctor may prescribe that you take Cialis as needed only before sexual activity. These two different ways to take Cialis may change when exactly you want to take your dose. For once daily Cialis, you want to take your dose every day at just about the same time each day for the best results.
When to avoid Cialis?
Men who have had a history of stroke or heart attack need to be more careful with the use of Cialis. Also anyone with a history of one or more of the following medical conditions should inform their doctor before taking Cialis:
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Liver or kidney problems
- Stomach ulcers
- Peyronie’s disease
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Sickle cell anemia or multiple myeloma
Factors affecting Cialis
Cialis combined with medications for high blood pressure can cause dangerously low blood pressure. Never take Cialis if you take nitroglycerin or another nitrate medication for angina or blood pressure. These include:
- Nitroglycerin sprays, tablets, or patches
- Isosorbide mononitrate
- Isosorbide dinitrate
When to See a Doctor
In case if you are feeling any of the below conditions then you need to immediately need to contact a doctor as these can be dangerous side effects of Cialis
- Sore throat
- Respiratory infections
- Cough
- Diarrhea
Potential side effects of Cialis
Potential side effects of Cialis include:
- Flushing
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Heartburn
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
Conclusion
Cialis is an effective medication that works well in treating Erectile dysfunction in men but one needs to understand more about it as it lasts longer in the body compared to other medication for Erectile dysfunction. Knowing when you should take your medication, how it works, how much to take, and what to expect from your medication is key to getting the most out of Cialis.
Because you need a prescription for ordering Tadalafil, up until recently this required an in-person visit to the doctor. It is now so much easier. If you feel uncomfortable about the visiting doctor, you can try the free consultation provided by “The ED Clinic”.“The ED Clinic” offers a variety of medication and simple on-line intake. Get your erectile dysfunction issue in front of some of the best physicians in the field from the comfort of your own home.