Introduction
The drug Tadalafil, also known as Cialis, is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is classified under phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which help relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessels in the penis. This facilitates increased blood flow, ultimately resulting in an erection.
Cialis is available in tablet form, ranging from 2.5mg to 20mg. It is taken orally, typically 30 minutes before sexual activity, and its effects can last for up to 36 hours.
Like all medications, Cialis can cause side effects, including headache, flushing, upset stomach, back pain and muscle aches. Rarely, it can also cause more serious side effects, such as sudden hearing loss and vision changes.
Consult your doctor before taking Cialis, especially if you have a history of heart problems, stroke or low blood pressure. It should not be taken with certain medications, such as nitrates, and should not be used by individuals with severe liver or kidney disease.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Cialis (Tadalafil) varies depending on the individual's condition and needs. It is essential to follow a healthcare provider's advice and not exceed the recommended dosage. Here are some general guidelines for the recommended dosages for different conditions:
1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): The recommended dose for BPH is 5 mg once a day. It may take up to 4-5 days for the full effect to be seen.
2. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The recommended dose for pulmonary arterial hypertension is 40 mg once daily. This should be taken at the same time each day.
How to take Cialis
The recommended dosage of Cialis can vary depending on several factors, such as the patient's age, health conditions, and the severity of their symptoms. Here is some information on how to take Cialis:
1. Always follow your doctor's instructions: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage for your specific needs. It is essential to follow their instructions carefully, as taking too much or too little can be harmful.
2. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit can interfere with the way Cialis is absorbed by the body and increase the risk of side effects. It is best to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Cialis.
3. Take up to one dose in 24 hours: Exceeding the prescribed dosage of a medication can raise the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects and may not enhance the drug's efficacy.
Uses of Cialis
FDA approved uses
The FDA has approved Cialis (Tadalafil) for the treatment of the following conditions:
1. Erectile dysfunction (ED): Cialis has received approval for treating ED, a condition where a man cannot achieve or sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The medication works by promoting blood flow to the penis, enabling a man to obtain and retain an erection.
2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Cialis is a medication that is approved to treat the symptoms of BPH, a condition where the prostate gland enlarges non-cancerously. By relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, it can alleviate symptoms like frequent urination and difficulty urinating.
3. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Cialis has been authorized to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a form of hypertension that affects the blood vessels in the lungs and heart.
Common side effects of Cialis
Cialis (Tadalafil) is generally considered safe for most people, but like any medication, it can have side effects. Some of the common side effects of Cialis include:
1. Headache
2. Back pain
3. Muscle aches
4. Flushing (reddening and warming of the skin)
5. Indigestion or upset stomach
7. Vision changes, such as blurred vision or a blue tint to the vision
8. Dizziness
These side effects are usually mild to moderate and go away within a few hours or days. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.
When to seek medical attention
Although Cialis is generally well-tolerated by most individuals, there are certain situations where it is necessary to seek medical attention if you encounter any adverse reactions to the drug. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately:
1. Chest pain or discomfort
2. Shortness of breath
3. Severe dizziness or fainting
4. Prolonged erection lasting longer than 4 hours
5. Vision loss or changes in vision
6. Ringing in the ears or sudden hearing loss
Interactions
Cialis (Tadalafil) can interact with certain drugs, affecting how the medication works and increasing the risk of side effects. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider of all your medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins. Some of the drugs that may interact with Cialis include:
1. Nitrates: Nitrate medications, such as nitroglycerin, are used to treat chest pain and heart disease. Taking Cialis with nitrates can cause a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
2. Alpha-blockers: Alpha-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and enlarged prostate. Taking Cialis with alpha-blockers can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
3. Other medications for erectile dysfunction: Taking Cialis with other medicines for erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra or Levitra, can increase the risk of side effects.
4. HIV medications: Some HIV medications can interact with Cialis and increase the risk of side effects.
5. Other medications: Certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, prostate problems, and other medical conditions can interact with Cialis.
Food interactions
Cialis (Tadalafil) can be taken with or without food, and food does not affect its effectiveness. However, avoiding consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Cialis is recommended, as it can increase the amount of the drug in your body and lead to potential side effects.
Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol while taking Cialis can increase the risk of experiencing specific side effects, such as dizziness and headache. It is recommended to limit alcohol consumption while taking Cialis. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about potential food interactions.
Conclusion
The drug Tadalafil (Cialis) can interact with other medications, including nitrates, alpha-blockers and HIV medications. Taking Cialis with nitrates or alpha-blockers can cause a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure, and taking it with other medications for erectile dysfunction can increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins, before taking Cialis.
