Cialis (tadalafil) Indications

Cialis is a prescription medication that is indicated for treatment of:

1. Men with erectile dysfunction (ED, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)
2. Men with signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, an enlarged prostate gland)
3. Men with both ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH)

Cialis (tadalafil) Uses and Dosage

The management of ED should be individualized and the dosage and regimen should be discussed between you and your doctor based on Cialis effectiveness and how well you tolerate it. You should take Cialis exactly as your doctor prescribes it.

Cialis as needed for ED:

• The recommended starting dose for use as needed in most patients is 10 mg taken prior to anticipated sexual activity.
• The dose may be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability.
• In most patients, the maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day.

Cialis for once daily use for ED:

• The recommended starting dose for once daily use is 2.5 mg taken at approximately the same time each day, without regard to timing of sexual activity.
• The dosage may be increased to 5 mg once daily, based on individual efficacy and tolerability.

Cialis for once daily use for BPH:

• The recommended dose for once daily use is 5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day.
• When therapy for BPH is initiated with Cialis and finasteride, the recommended dose of Cialis for once daily use is 5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day for up to 26 weeks.

Cialis for once daily use for ED and BPH:

• The recommended dose for once daily use is 5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day, without regard to timing of sexual activity.

Cialis may be taken regardless of food consumption and Cialis tablets should not be split.

Cialis (tadalafil) side effects

The most common adverse reactions associated with Cialis occurring in 2% or more of patients treated for ED or ED/BPH include:

• Headache
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Back pain
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Nasal congestion
• Flushing
• Pain in limb

It is important to understand that the list mentioned above does not cover all potential side effects of Cialis. If you encounter any side effects or have any concerns, it is crucial to reach out to your doctor for further guidance and assistance.

Cialis (tadalafil) Warnings & Precautions

Important considerations when using Cialis include:

• Sexual activity should be avoided if it is not recommended due to cardiovascular status.
• Combining Cialis with alpha-blockers, antihypertensives, or consuming large amounts of alcohol (more than 5 units) may lead to low blood pressure.
• The combination of Cialis and alpha-blockers for treatment of BPH is not recommended because the efficacy of this combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of lowering blood pressure. Caution is advised when using Cialis for erectile dysfunction (ED) if you are  taking alpha-blockers.
• If an erection lasts for more than 4 hours (known as priapism), you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you have a predisposition to priapism, use Cialis with caution.
• If a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), stop taking Cialis immediately and seek prompt medical care. Patients with a history of NAION or a “crowded” optic disc are at increased risk.
• In case of sudden decrease or loss of hearing, stop using Cialis and seek prompt medical attention.
• Before starting Cialis treatment for BPH, it is important to consider other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Dosage adjustment of Cialis may be needed if you have liver disease or kidney disease.

You should not take Cialis if you are taking any medicines called nitrates, including nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following:

• Alpha blockers (used to treat high blood pressure and prostate problems)
• Antihypertensives (used to treat high blood pressure)
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators (used to treat pulmonary hypertension)
• HIV protease inhibitors
• Oral antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole)
• Certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin, erythromycin)
• Alcohol

Consult with your healthcare provider about any additional precautions when using Cialis.

Cialis (tadalafil) Form and Strengths

Cialis is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Cialis tablet
  • 5mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg
  • 20mg

• Tadalafil tablet
  • 5mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg
  • 20mg

FAQs

How does Cialis work?

Cialis, categorized as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, helps increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to happen with Cialis.

How long does Cialis take to work?

When taken on an as-needed basis, Cialis can start working within 30 minutes, but you may have to wait up to 2 hours for it to be fully effective. The effects of Cialis can last for up to 36 hours following dosing.

Is Cialis available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Currently, Cialis is available by prescription only.

References

1. https://uspl.lilly.com/cialis/cialis.html#pi
2. https://pi.lilly.com/us/cialis-ppi.pdf
3. https://www.goodrx.com/tadalafil-cialis/how-to-take-cialis-avoid-side-effects-and-get-best-results.