Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
Tadalafil is a drug that’s used for the treatment of problems relating to the male sexual function, such as erectile dysfunction and impotence. It works by enhancing sexual stimulation and increasing the flow of blood in the penile region to help the patient achieve an erection.
In some cases, the Tadalafil is prescribed for the treatment of enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The drug can help to relieve the symptoms of this condition, such as helping the patient to urinate easily and improving the flow of urine. It can also help to relieve the need to urinate urgently or frequently, which is very helpful at night.
When used for the treatment of enlarged prostate, tadalafil works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bladder and prostate. But it should be noted that this drug wouldn’t protect individuals from sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and Hepatitis B. Therefore, when taking this drug, patients must still exercise safety by wearing latex condoms. For more information about the safety of using this drug, consult your doctor.
How Does Tadalafil Work?
Tadalafil is classified as PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors. All drugs belonging in this class work in the same way and can treat similar conditions. Just like Tadalafil, they can help to relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate.
The PDE5 inhibitors can help to improve the symptoms of BPH. When it comes to treating symptoms of erectile dysfunction, tadalafil works by increasing the flow of blood into the penis. As a result, the patient will be able to achieve an erection. But take note that tadalafil will only work when you are sexually aroused. For the treatment of PAH, Tadalafil works by improving the patient’s ability to exercise by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs, which increases blood flow as a result.
How to Use It?
Tadalafil is being sold in the form of a tablet and must be taken orally. It can be consumed with or without food. When using Tadalafil to treat ED, the doctor’s advice must be followed and make sure you take note of some of the guidelines stated in the label. There are two recommended ways to take tadalafil, daily or as needed. It is best to consult with your doctor for the dosing schedule that’s safe for you.
Sometimes, Tadalafil is only taken as needed, which is usually about 30 min before the sexual activity. It must not be taken more than once within 24 hours. Your doctor is the best person who can advise you on the best time to take tadalafil. There are also cases where Tadalafil is taken once daily without the need to consider the timing of sexual activity. When taken daily, you can choose to have sex at any time in between the doses. If you want to take tadalafil regularly, you should take it at about the same time each day.
For patients who are suffering from certain health conditions, you should check with your doctor first to ensure that the drug is safe for you to take. Your doctor might advise you to take tadalafil less often and will recommend a lower dosage. Make sure you follow the directions stated on the prescription label. If certain things are not clear to you, ask your doctor or pharmacist about it. To ensure safety, you should follow the exact directions for taking tadalafil. For it to be effective, you should not take more or less of it.
For those who are taking tadalafil for the treatment of BPH or PAH, you should heed your doctor’s advice. Take tadalafil once in a day and don’t divide the tablet to take them as separate doses. When using the drug for the treatment of ED, your doctor will most likely ask you to begin with an average dose and decrease or increase it at a later time depending on how your body will respond to the drug. If the drug isn’t working for you or if you found yourself suffering from harsh side effects, inform your doctor about it.
For patients who are taking tadalafil for PAH, take note that tadalafil will only control the symptoms of PAH but it will not cure it entirely. You should continue taking tadalafil even if you have already felt better. Don’t stop taking it unless your doctor tells you so.
Side Effects
Cialis may trigger mild or serious side effects. But these side effects don’t apply to everyone. Check with the doctor or pharmacist for the possible side effects of Cialis. They can offer tips on how to deal with these side effects, especially those that are bothersome. Here are some of the reported side effects of Cialis.
Prolonged Erection
In some rare cases, you could experience a prolonged erection that could last for more than four hours when taking Cialis. However, it was not reported on how many people have experienced a prolonged erection during the clinical trials. If this side effect will persist, it could lead to a condition known as priapism, a painful erection that could last for more than 4 hours. This must be treated as a medical emergency since it can lead to the permanent damage of the penis and the patient may not be able to achieve an erection at all.
If after using Cialis, your erection lasted for more than 4 hours, then you should immediately go to the hospital and see a doctor. A prolonged erection requires immediate treatment to prevent any long-term damage.
Vision Loss
Cialis could lead to a loss of vision but this happens very rarely. It could affect either one eye or both eyes. During the clinical trials, it was not exactly determined how many people had lost their vision. Also, it was not identified if Cialis was the main cause of the loss of vision or if other factors have come into play.
If you notice changes in your vision after taking Cialis, you should immediately inform your doctor about this. They will try to determine the main reason behind the change of vision and will recommend ways on how to treat it.
Heartburn
Heartburn is another known side effect of Cialis. Clinical trials have shown the following result:
• 1 – 10 percent of people who took Cialis had heartburn
• Only 0.2 – 2 percent who took the placebo had heartburn
If after taking Cialis, you find yourself suffering from heartburn that’s truly bothersome, you should immediately inform your doctor about this. Your doctor will recommend ways on how this side effect can be treated.
Back Pain
Back pain is another side effect found in patients taking Cialis. During clinical trials, depending upon the type of condition that’s being treated, back pain has been reported in the following:
• 2 – 6 percent of people who took the Cialis
• 1 – 3 percent of people who took the placebo
Back pain is usually felt within 12 to 24 hours of taking Cialis. But the pain usually goes away after a couple of days. If you suffer from back pain after taking Cialis, inform your doctor about this.
High Blood Pressure
Even though it’s rare, but high blood pressure can also happen in some patients taking Cialis. However, the side effect was only reported in patients who took the drug once a day for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. During the trial, the following has been found:
• About 1 – 3 percent of people who took the drug had high blood pressure
• None of those who took the placebo had encountered high blood pressure
If after taking Cialis you encountered high blood pressure, along with chest pain and headaches, inform your doctor about it. Your doctor can figure out what’s causing your high blood pressure and will recommend ways on how to treat it.
Low Blood Pressure
Clinical trials have looked at the blood pressure of people who are taking placebo and Cialis. Those who are part of the Cialis group have experienced a decrease in their blood pressure to an average of 1.6/0.8 mm Hg. The blood pressure can also decrease if you’re taking the drug along with some other medications that can help to lower the blood pressure level.
Below are the most common symptoms of a blood pressure decrease.
• Blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Fainting
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms when taking Cialis, it is best to inform your doctor immediately.
Avoiding Side Effects
To avoid the harsh side effects of Cialis, you should follow the exact directions from your doctor. The drug must only be taken once a day and at about the same time each day. It is also best to take the drug only as needed. While you’re taking Cialis, avoid taking other medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, unless your doctor asks you. Also, avoid taking more than one tablet of Cialis in a day.
Alcohol must also be avoided while taking Cialis because the drug could trigger harsh effects when mixed with alcohol. Make sure you inform your pharmacist or doctor if you’re also taking other medications. They can help to determine if the drug will react negatively with Cialis. If you have any concerns or questions about the drug, you should also ask them about it.
FAQs
Below are some of the most common questions that patients have about Cialis.
• Is Cialis safe for women?
No, Cialis is not approved for use by women. But there are other treatment options for women who have a low sex drive. One of these is the Bremelanotide, an injectable medication that will target a specific area of the brain to improve the sexual experience. The drug belongs to a class of drugs known as the PT-141. Women who have problems with a low sex drive should talk to their doctor before taking any kind of medication.
• Does Cialis actually work?
The FDA has approved Cialis for the treatment of Cialis so it’s totally safe to use. Before the FDA approves the drug, it has undergone the necessary testing for effectiveness and safety. Clinical trials also show that Cialis is safe and effective for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
But Cialis may not be safe for some people especially those who have heart conditions, including those with an irregular heartbeat. It’s also not safe for those who are also taking some other medications, such as nitrates. Before you get started with taking Cialis, make sure you inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions and if you’re taking certain medications that could interfere with the drug. Your doctor can decide if Cialis is safe for you to take.
• Does Cialis help maintain erection after ejaculation?
No, after you ejaculate, you will likely lose your erection even when you taking Cialis. That’s because, after an ejaculation, your sexual excitement will diminish. Thus, you’re most likely to lose your erection, whether or not you are using Cialis. You need to be sexually stimulated again before you can get an erection.
However, Cialis will remain effective for up to 36 hours from taking your first dose. Thus, the drug can still help you in getting an erection again.
• How long does Cialis stay inside my system?
Cialis will remain in your system for more than two days after taking the first dose.
If you only use the drug as needed, it can still increase your ability to achieve and maintain an erection two days after taking the drug.
• Can Cialis treat ED even after prostate surgery?
Yes, Cialis can be used for treating ED after the patient undergoes prostate surgery. A clinical trial done in those with ED and have gone through a surgery for having their prostate removed have shown that the drug has helped treat the erectile dysfunction in these patients.
• Can Cialis increase the size of a penis?
No, Cialis will not help increase the size of a penis. But it can help to improve the flow of blood in the area. So, if the penis cannot achieve a full erection before taking the drug, it will appear bigger after taking Cialis. Even though Cialis will not change the penis size, the drug can help boost an erection.
• How long does Cialis last?
Cialis will remain effective for up to 36 hours while in your body. To treat ED, your doctor will ask you to take Cialis only when needed, usually before having sex. In this situation, Cialis will keep working for up to 36 hours and will help the patient to maintain erections within that time.
But for those who will take Cialis every day for the treatment of BPH or ED, the medication will always remain in your body. Therefore, it continues to work throughout the entire day.
