Cialis was approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction around the same time that Levitra was. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects millions of men across the United States. Generally, it encompasses a variety of conditions in which an erection cannot be maintained long enough for sexual activity. Although the causes of erectile dysfunction are numerous, Cialis is designed to help men suffering from a specific form of this physical ailment.
How Cialis Works
Although psychological reasons can play a part in erectile dysfunction, close to 80 percent of cases are based on a physical problem. Although these problems are typically associated with increased age, they can occur at almost any stage in a man's life. Some of these conditions include diabetes, heart and circulation problems, nerve disease, trauma, drugs or alcohol or even certain types of surgery.
Cialis works by relaxing certain muscles that allow for increased blood flow to the penis. Taking the drug does not cause an erection in of itself, but rather allows a man to sustain one for an extended period of time. Cialis should not be taken more than once every two days and should never be taken in combination with nitrate drugs, for risk of a severe drop in blood pressure.
Cialis has a longer life than either Viagra or Levitra. One tablet is meant to last upwards of 36 hours and is effective in as little as 30 minutes. This does not mean that someone taking the pill will have an erection for that entire period. Instead they will be able to maintain one if they are sexually stimulated during a 36 hour window. Obviously, the larger the window, the more freedom an individual feels over their sexuality.
Directions
Take one Cialis tablet by mouth before sexual activity. In some patients, the ability to have sexual activity was improved at 30 minutes after taking Cialis. The ability to have sexual activity was improved up to 36 hours after taking Cialis. You and your doctor should consider this in deciding when you should take Cialis prior to sexual activity. Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to happen. Cialis may be taken with or without meals.
Patient information
The most common side effects with Cialis are headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. These side effects usually go away after a few hours. Patients who get back pain and muscle aches usually get it 12 to 24 hours after taking Cialis. Back pain and muscle aches usually go away by themselves within 48 hours. Call your doctor if you get a side effect that bothers you or one that will not go away.
Precautions
Before taking Cialis, tell your doctor about all your medical problems, including if you have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack; 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 retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) 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 or have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Cialis and other medicines may affect each other. Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping any medicines. Especially tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines including nitrates; alpha blockers (including Hytrin®(terazosin HCl), Flomax®(tamsulosin HCl), Cardura®(doxazosin mesylate), Minipress®(prazosin HCl) or Uroxatral®(alfuzosin HCl); ritonavir (Norvir® or indinavir (Crixivan®; ketoconazole or itraconazole (such as Nizoral® or Sporanox®; erythromycin; or other medicines or treatments for ED.
Cialis was approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction around the same time that Levitra was. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects millions of men across the United States. Generally, it encompasses a variety of conditions in which an erection cannot be maintained long enough for sexual activity. Although the causes of erectile dysfunction are numerous, Cialis is designed to help men suffering from a specific form of this physical ailment.