What is Cialis?
Cialis (tadalafil) relaxes muscles of the blood vessels and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body. Cialis is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. For ED, Cialis relaxes the blood vessels leading to the penis so that more blood can flow into it. For BPH symptoms, Cialis relaxes muscles in your bladder, allowing you to urinate more easily.
Cialis comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s available in four strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg. Depending on your situation and what condition Cialis is treating, you’ll take the drug either before sexual activity or once a day.
What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Cialis?
Before using Cialis, you should tell your healthcare professional if you have or had heart problems, have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled, have had a stroke, have liver problems, have kidney problems or require dialysis, have ever had severe vision loss, have retinitis pigmentosa (a rare genetic eye disease), have stomach ulcers, have a bleeding problem, have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie’s disease, have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours, have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia, or take medicines called “alpha blockers.”
The Cialis dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Cialis to treat
- your age
- other medical conditions you may have
- how often you’re taking Cialis
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
If you have certain conditions, such as kidney or liver problems, your doctor may have you start with a low dose of Cialis. This is done so that the medication doesn’t affect your other conditions.
Does Cialis Make You Bigger?
No, ignore the Cialis before and after photos you see online, Cialis will not make your penis physically bigger than its regular size even if you take a higher dose. The drug is not a penis enlargement medication but a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). For optimum results, Cialis is taken at least 2 hours after eating, and one hour before you plan to have sex. The effects may last for up to 36 hours after you take it. If taken on a full stomach, Cialis will still work, but there may be a delay in the onset of action. It is also important to avoid citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, after taking a pill, as a chemical found in the fruit can affect the absorption of medication.
If you have erectile dysfunction and normally find it difficult to get a complete erection, Cialis might cause your erection to feel bigger than normal. However, it will not make your penis physically larger than its regular size even if you take a higher dose. When taken in excess, Cialis may produce adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, reproductive system, pulmonary hypertension, retinal dysfunction etc. Due to overdose, the person can get heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats and death may also occur in rare cases.
Are there any serious health risks associated with Cialis?
Patients can experience a sudden loss of blood pressure after taking Cialis. This is especially common among patients who take Cialis along with nitrates. Patients suffering from a loss of blood pressure may feel dizzy, faint, or suffer a stroke or heart attack.
What are the side effects associated with Cialis?
Cialis can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Cialis. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
For more information on the possible side effects of Cialis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Cialis, you can do so through MedWatch.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects of Cialis can include:
- headache
- heartburn
- back pain
- muscle pain
- stuffy nose
- flushing (warmth and redness in your skin)
- pain in your arms or legs
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Cialis. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or see Cialis’s Patient Package Insert.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Cialis aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- Changes in hearing. Symptoms can include:
o trouble hearing
o hearing loss
o ringing in your ears
o dizziness
Other serious side effects include:
- allergic reaction
- changes in blood pressure
- loss of vision
- prolonged erection (an erection that lasts more than 4 hours)
What should I tell my healthcare professional if I already take Cialis?
You should tell all your healthcare professionals that you take Cialis. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important for your healthcare professionals to know when you last took Cialis.
Can other medicines or food affect Cialis?
Cialis and certain other medicines can interact with each other. It’s important that you tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take – including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking Cialis?
If you or a loved one has experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while taking Cialis, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also want to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Cialis use. Also Read: Does Viagra Make You Bigger?
