Cialis is an over the counter medication used to treat erectile dysfunction as well as benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is one of few brand names for tadalafil. Cialis works by relaxing the penis muscles to increase blood flow in that area.
Before taking Cialis, let your healthcare provider if you are allergic to the medication or have any health conditions such as heart disease, have had a heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure recently, have high or low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, any type of blood cell disorders such as sickle cell, leukemia, or multiple myeloma, a bleeding disorder, stomach ulcer, retinitis pigmentosa, penis deformity, or have been told not to participate in sexual intercourse due to health reasons.
Cialis should only be taken once a day. It also should be swallowed whole rather than the pill being broken or split in half. If taking Cialis as needed to treat erectile dysfunction, start off with 10 mg for the first dose, then anywhere from 5 to 20 mg per dose thereafter, depending on tolerability and efficacy. If taking once a day to treat erectile dysfunction, begin with an initial dose of 2.5 mg, then 2.5 to 5 mg for each dose afterwards depending on efficacy and tolerability. For benign prostatic hyperplasia, Cialis should be taken in dosage forms of 5 mg per day.
If taking Cialis while pregnant, it doesn’t harm unborn children. It is not known whether or not Cialis can harm nursing children or if it passes through breast milk.
Should you miss a dose of Cialis while using it as needed, there is no need to worry about taking the missed dose unless it is actually needed. If taking Cialis daily, take the missed dose as soon as possible once you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose.
While taking Cialis, avoid drinking alcohol as it may cause side effects. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also cause unwanted side effects as it can interact with Cialis’s active ingredient, tadalafil. Avoid medications such as alprostadil or yohimbine, which are also used to treat erectile dysfunction, unless approved by your healthcare provider to take beforehand.
If taking nitrate medications such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide dinitrate to treat chest pain or heart problems, do not take Cialis with those types of medications, as taking the two drugs together can cause a sudden decrease in blood pressure. Do not take Cialis if you are taking any other medication that treats pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as riociguat, or if you are allergic to Cialis.
Other medications that may possibly interact with Cialis include antibiotics, antifungal medications, seizure medications, medications used to treat hepatitis C or HIV and AIDS, or medications used to treat high blood pressure or prostate disorders. If you are taking any of the previously mentioned medications, let your healthcare provider know before taking Cialis.
Common side effects of using Cialis include headache, diarrhea, sinus pain, sore throat and muscle pain. More serious side effects include ringing of the ears, sudden hearing loss, irregular heartbeat, hand, ankle, or foot swelling, shortness of breath, seizures, or feeling of lightheadedness.
Should you experience some of the more serious side effects after taking Cialis, or if you experience painful erection or erection that lasts over 4 hours, vision changes or sudden vision loss, heart attack symptoms such as chest pain or chest pressure, pain that spreads to the jaw or shoulder, nausea, or sweating, or symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, face, lip, tongue, or throat swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If ever you feel you have overdosed on Cialis, seek medical attention immediately.
Please note that while Cialis is meant to help with erectile dysfunction, it is not a medication that helps with birth control nor does it protect one from getting any sexually transmitted diseases.
Cialis can be bought online without a prescription through several Australian websites such as www.edonlinestores.net. Cialis can be purchased from these retailers in dosage forms of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg. It can also be purchased in quantities ranging from as low as 10 pills to as high as 360 pills.
Cialis should be stored at room temperature and away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
I am General practitioner (GP) in Melbourne since 2006.