Cialis (Tadalafil)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Cialis Used For?
Cialis is a medication that helps men with erectile dysfunction and urinary issues related to an enlarged prostate.
Primary Uses
Cialis is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
How It Works
Cialis works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, improving blood flow and helping achieve an erection when sexually stimulated. It also relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder, alleviating urinary symptoms.
Good to know: Cialis is not addictive.
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How to Take Cialis
Follow your doctor's instructions on how to take Cialis for the best results.
Dosage Instructions
For erectile dysfunction, Cialis can be taken as needed (10 mg or 20 mg) before sexual activity or as a daily dose (5 mg). For urinary symptoms, take 5 mg daily.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose of the daily regimen, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Important: Do not take Cialis more than once a day.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- flushing
- nausea
- back pain
- muscle pain
- dizziness
- indigestion
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- chest pain
- prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours
- sudden decrease or loss of hearing
- seizures
- vision changes
Impulse Control Issues
No specific information on impulse control issues was mentioned.
Important Warnings
There are specific conditions and medications that may make Cialis unsafe for you.
Who Should Not Take Cialis
Do not take Cialis if you are allergic to tadalafil or any of its ingredients, are using nitrates for heart conditions, or have certain heart or blood vessel problems.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have liver or kidney issues, heart problems, or a history of vision loss.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Cialis is not intended for use by women.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients may be at higher risk for side effects.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications can interact with Cialis, affecting its efficacy.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may affect how Cialis works.
- nitrates (e.g., glyceryl trinitrate)
- guanylate cyclase stimulators (e.g., riociguat)
- some antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin, erythromycin)
- seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbitone)
- fungal infection treatments (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, saquinavir)
- hypertension medications (e.g., metoprolol, irbesartan)
- alpha-blockers (e.g., prazosin, doxazosin)
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride)
- warfarin
- other PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil)
- grapefruit juice
- large amounts of alcohol
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating machinery while taking Cialis.
Alcohol
Avoid excessive drinking as it may affect your ability to achieve an erection.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Cialis affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No specific information on temperature regulation was mentioned.
Storage
Store Cialis below 25°C in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or local poison control center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cialis can start working as early as 16 minutes after taking it, but it's recommended to allow 1 hour the first time.
Cialis can be taken with or without food.
No, Cialis is not addictive.
Consult your doctor before stopping Cialis, as they can provide guidance based on your situation.
You can drink alcohol, but avoid excessive amounts as it may affect your ability to get an erection.
Elderly patients should discuss their health with a doctor, as they may be at higher risk for side effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.