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Cialis

Generic Name: Tadalafil (ta DAL-a-fil)
Brand names: Adcirca Cialis
Drug class: impotence agents

What is Cialis?

Cialis relaxes the muscles in the blood vessels and increases the blood flow into specific areas of the body. Cialis treats impotence (erectile dysfunction) as well as the symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy. Adcirca is another brand of tadalafil that is used for treating pulmonary arterial hypotension in both men and women. Do not take Cialis and Adcirca together unless you are told to by your doctor.

Warnings

Cialis should not be taken if you also use a nitrate medication for heart or chest problems. This includes nitroglycerin and recreational drugs like "poppers". Tadalafil can cause a serious drop in blood pressure when taken with a nitrate medication. Certain medicines can have unwanted or harmful effects when taken with Cialis. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking, including riociguat. If your erection lasts over four hours and becomes painful, or lasts too long to bear comfortably, contact a healthcare provider immediately as long erections could damage the penis. If you experience nausea, chest discomfort, or dizziness while having sex, seek medical attention immediately. If you experience a sudden loss of vision, stop taking Cialis immediately and seek emergency medical attention.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to tadalafil, then Cialis is not for you.

If you are taking this medication with:

  • Riociguat is a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
  • Nitrate (for chest pains or heart problems), such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide monnitrate. Or recreational drugs, such as amylnitrate and nitrite poppers.

Tadalafil may remain in the bloodstream for up to 2 days (or longer if you suffer from liver or kidney disease). Avoid using nitrates during this period.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Cialis will be safe for you:

  • Heart disease or heart rhythm disorders;
  • A heart attack or stroke
  • Angina (chest pain), low or high blood pressure are three indicators that indicate medical issues in an individual's system.
  • Hypertension pulmonary (except if you take tadalafil to treat this)
  • A condition known as pulmonary veno occlusive (narrowing in the veins carrying blood from the lungs into the heart);
  • Are You Suffering From Liver or Kidney Issues (Or Are on Dialysis Treatments)
  • Vision loss, or retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye condition),
  • A bleeding disorder;
  • A blood cell disorder, such as leukemia, myeloma multiplex, or sickle cell;
  • A physical deformity (such as Peyronie’s disease) or an erection that lasts more than four hours;
  • A stomach ulcer;
  • Sexual activity is unsafe due to health issues.

A small number of people who take tadalafil, Viagra, and other similar drugs have experienced sudden vision loss. These people had a high cholesterol level, diabetes, coronary heart disease, a smoking history, and/or a history of coronary artery diseases. The exact cause of the vision loss is unknown. Cialis should not harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor immediately if you are expecting or planning on becoming pregnant. Tadalafil does not pass into breast milk. It is unknown if this could have an effect on the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a possibility. Cialis cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.

Similar/related drugs

Tamsulosin, finasteride, Sildenafil, Flomax, tadalafil, prazosin, and doxazosin

How to take Cialis?

Cialis is typically taken once a day. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed or extend beyond the recommended dosage or take for longer than recommended. Cialis is taken with or without food. Break or split the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Take Cialis only once a day to treat erectile disorder, but not before sexual activity. Cialis is a drug that can be used to achieve an erection during sexual stimulation. It is not possible to get an erection by simply taking a pill. You should follow your doctor's advice. Adcirca is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypotension. Do not take Cialis if you have erectile dysfunction. Store at room temperature away from direct heat and moisture to preserve quality and freshness.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Cialis can be taken as required, so you won't have a set schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Reach out immediately if a poison occurs; for assistance call the Poison Control Hotline on 1800222-1222, or seek medical assistance immediately.

What should be avoided?

Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication. Grapefruit and grapefruit products can interact with tadalafil, causing unwanted side effects. Use grapefruit products sparingly while you are taking this medication.

Side effects of Cialis

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, If you experience nausea, chest discomfort, or dizziness while having sex, stop immediately and seek medical attention. This could be a potentially life-threatening reaction.

If you experience:

  • Feeling lightheadedness as though they could faint.
  • An erection that is painful or lasts more than 4 hours can cause damage to the penis.
  • Vision changes or sudden vision loss;
  • Ringing in your ears or sudden hearing loss are symptoms that should not be ignored.
  • Heart attack symptoms: pain in the chest or pressure, spreading to the jaw or shoulder area, nausea, and sweating.

Cialis can cause a variety of side effects.

  • Headache;
  • Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly sensation);
  • Nausea, upset stomach;
  • Stuffy nose;
  • Back pain, arm, leg, or muscle pain

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for FDA reporting of side effects call them at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your physician of any new medicines you are taking or whether any current ones need to be discontinued.

  • Medicines to treat erectile dysfunction or pulmonary arterial hypotension
  • Antibiotics or antifungal medicines;
  • Antiviral medication to treat hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS
  • Drugs to treat high blood pressure or a prostatic disorder;
  • Seizure medicine.

This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with Tadalafil. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.