Tadalafil (Cialis)

Cialis is another type of impotence medication which works in exactly the same way as Viagra (sildenafil). It too relaxes and opens the blood vessels within the penis which increases blood supply. This allows more blood to enter the penis which causes it to become rigid and erect or an erection.

It also enables you to sustain an erection for longer.

Sexual stimulation is still needed for this to be completely effective.

Cialis dosage

Cialis is also taken as a ‘ when needed’ medication. This means that it is taken by you whenever you are planning to have sexual intercourse. Take Cialis at least 30 minutes before sex.

These tablets should only be taken once a day. They should not be taken every day on a continuous basis.

Cialis effects

A single dose of Cialis will result in an erection that will last for up to 36 hours.

Cialis caution

Cialis is to be used with caution in the following cases:

• Decreased kidney function
• Decreased liver function
• People who are taking medication for high blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Physical abnormality of the penis, e.g. scarring or Peyronie’s disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Leukaemia
• Bone cancer

If you notice a sudden loss of some or all of your sight in one or both of your eyes then stop taking Cialis. See your GP as soon as possible.

See your GP if taking Cialis causes you to have a sustained erection after 4 or more hours. This is known as priapism and can cause permanent tissue damage in the penis.

Avoid taking Cialis with grapefruit juice or alcohol as both of these can increase the risk of side effects and cause a drop in blood pressure. Taking it with alcohol can negatively impact upon sexual performance.

Cialis can cause you to feel dizzy so if you experience this after taking it then lie down until it eases. Avoid driving or doing anything which requires a high degree of concentration until you become accustomed to the medication.

Do no take Cialis more than once a day.

Cialis avoidance

Cialis must be avoided by the following:

• People with high or low blood pressure
• Women
• Teenagers under 18
• Unstable angina
• People who are prone to angina during sexual intercourse
• People with severely decreased liver or kidney function
• Uncontrolled arrhythmias
• People with mild to severe heart failure
• People who have recently experienced a stroke
• People who have recently suffered a heart attack
• People who are taking any form of nitrate medication, such as amyl nitrate ( ‘ poppers’) or glyceryl trinitrate.
• People who have experienced an eye condition called ‘ non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

Note: if you experience an allergic reaction then stop taking Cialis and consult your GP as soon as possible.

Cialis side effects

All medicines have side effects which affect people in different ways. Cialis is no different in this aspect.

Two very common side effects are headaches and indigestion.

Common side effects include:

• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Muscle pains
• Backache
• Nasal congestion

Heartburn and headache are two very common side effects whereas the others happen less frequently.

However, there are other side effects although these tend to be rare. These include:

• High blood pressure
• Tachycardia (increased heartrate)
• Drop in blood pressure (tends to occur in men who are taking high blood pressure medication such as antihypertensives)
• Red eyes/eye pain/blurred vision
• Nosebleeds
• Skin rash such as hives
• Chest pain

In very rare cases, Cialis can cause priapism, fainting, facial swelling, migraine, heart attack and stroke (or mini strokes).

But heart attacks or strokes have usually occurred in men who were already at a high risk of developing these diseases. So, they might have experienced a heart attack or stroke irrespective of taking erectile dysfunction medication such as Cialis.

Cialis and other medication

As with Viagra: it is important to mention to your GP if you are already taking any medication before you go with Cialis. This applies to all forms of medication, whether prescription, over the counter or complimentary (herbal).

This also applies if you are currently taking Cialis and want to start taking any new forms of medication.

It is important that you check with your GP beforehand to see if this is a safe combination of drugs.

Some medications react badly with others which can have serious consequences for your health. So, please check first before taking more than one type of medicine.