Cialis

Cialis contains tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. Tadalafil works by relaxing the smooth muscle within the blood vessels of the penis, allowing increased blood flow in response to sexual stimulation. It does not produce an erection on its own; arousal is still required.

What sets Cialis apart from other ED treatments is its extended duration of action. A single dose can remain effective for up to 36 hours, earning it the widely used nickname "the weekend pill." This longer window allows for greater spontaneity compared to shorter-acting alternatives. Cialis is also available in a low daily dose for men who prefer continuous readiness without having to plan around a tablet.

How to Take Cialis

For on-demand use, take one 10 mg tablet at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Swallow the tablet whole with water. It can be taken with or without food. Your prescriber may adjust the dose to 20 mg if 10 mg does not provide sufficient effect, or reduce it to 5 mg if side effects are troublesome.

For daily use, take one 2.5 mg or 5 mg tablet at the same time each day, regardless of when sexual activity is anticipated. Do not take more than one dose in any 24-hour period. If you forget a daily dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if your next dose is due soon.

Cialis is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. The recommended starting dose for on-demand use is 10 mg, adjusted based on response and tolerability. For daily use, 2.5 mg is the usual starting point, which may be increased to 5 mg. Men with kidney or liver impairment, or those taking certain other medications, may require a lower dose. Never exceed one tablet per day regardless of strength.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects of Cialis are mild and tend to diminish with continued use. Commonly reported effects include:

• Headache
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Back pain
• Muscle aches (usually in the legs)
• Flushing
• Nasal congestion or a runny nose

These typically resolve within a few hours. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), a sudden loss or decrease in vision, or a sudden reduction in hearing. These rare events require urgent treatment to prevent permanent damage.

Cialis must not be taken alongside nitrate medications (such as glyceryl trinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate) or recreational nitrates (commonly known as "poppers"), as the combination can cause a dangerous and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Inform your prescriber about all medications you take, including alpha-blockers for prostate conditions, antihypertensives, and antifungal or antibiotic treatments that may affect how tadalafil is metabolised. Excessive alcohol consumption while taking Cialis increases the likelihood of dizziness and low blood pressure and should be avoided.

Cialis should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to tadalafil or any of the tablet's excipients. It is contraindicated in patients taking nitrates or nitric oxide donors, those with severe hepatic impairment, individuals who have suffered a stroke or heart attack within the past 90 days, and patients with uncontrolled low or high blood pressure. Men for whom sexual activity is medically inadvisable due to cardiovascular status should not use this medication.