Cialis

Generic name: Tadalafil

What is Cialis?

Cialis is a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Cialis may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited.

What is the most important information I should know about Cialis?

Cialis can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with some other medicines. You could get dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke.

Cialis does not cure ED, increase a man's sexual desire, serve as a male form of birth control, or protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this medication. Cialis may cause dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cialis with caution.

Do not drink large amounts of alcohol (5 drinks or more) while you take this medicine. Doing so may increase your risk of dizziness, headache, fast heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

Cialis may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

Cialis may uncommonly cause mild, temporary vision changes such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and blue/green color tint to vision. Contact your doctor if vision changes persist or are severe.

Stop sexual activity and get medical help right away if you get symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sex. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from a heart attack or heart disease.

Cialis is only for men over the age of 18 who have ED, including men with diabetes or who have undergone prostatectomy. Cialis is not for women or children.

Cialis must be used only under a healthcare provider's care.

Who should not take Cialis?

Do not use Cialis if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Also, do not take this drug if you are taking nitrates, which are commonly used to treat angina (a symptom of heart disease). Cialis is not for those who have had a heart attack within the past 90 days or who had a stroke within the past 6 months. Cialis is not recommended for men who have been told to abstain from sex. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from a heart attack or heart disease. Cialis is not for women or children.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Cialis?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Cialis. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart problems, high or low blood pressure, had a heart attack, had a stroke, are taking nitrates, have liver or kidney problems, eye disease, severe vision loss, stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, a deformed penis, or blood problems.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

For use as needed

Adults: The usual starting dose of Cialis is 10 milligrams (mg) daily. Increase to 20 mg or decrease to 5 mg daily is based on efficacy and tolerability.

For once-daily use

Adults: The usual dose is 2.5 mg taken once daily without regard to timing of sexual activity. This dose may be increased to 5 mg based upon efficacy and tolerability.

How should I take Cialis?

For use as needed: Take Cialis at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, as directed by your doctor. Cialis may work for up to 36 hours after you take it.

For daily use: Take Cialis regularly at about the same time each day.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how you should take Cialis.

What should I avoid while taking Cialis?

Do not drink heavily; excess alcohol can increase your chances of getting a headache or getting dizzy, increasing your heart rate, or lowering your blood pressure.

Cialis may cause dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cialis with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this medication.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Cialis?

If Cialis is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Cialis with the following: erythromycin, grapefruit juice, HIV protease inhibitors, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nitrates, and rifampin.

What are the possible side effects of Cialis?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: back pain, flushing, dizziness, stomach upset, headache, indigestion, muscle aches, stuffy or runny nose

Can I receive Cialis if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Cialis is not for women or children.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Cialis?

If you are taking Cialis as needed and you miss a dose but you still intend to engage in sexual activity, take it as soon as you remember. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor.

If you are taking Cialis daily and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Cialis?

Store Cialis at room temperature. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cialis out of the reach of children.