Cialis Information

The following Cialis frequently asked question section is for informational purposes only. The information has been compiled from a variety of resources in order to give the reader an overview of the use and various effects of the medication. This information does not represent a definitive guide to the use of Cialis nor is the information intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.

What is Cialis?

Cialis represents a new class of medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors. These medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).

Why is Cialis sometimes referred to as tadalafil?

Tadalafil is the generic name for Cialis. The generic name represents the medications nonproprietary or chemical name, whereas, the brand name is the name a pharmaceutical give to a medication for marketing purposes.

What is the appropriate dose of Cialis?

During clinical testing Cialis was administered in 10mg or 20mg doses.

What are the results of the clinical trials concerning the percentage of men who had improved erections while taking Cialis?

The Phase III study examined the safety and efficacy of "on-demand" Cialis treatment in 196 men suffering from mild-to-severe ED(1). Men in the study were randomized to receive up to 20 mg of Cialis or placebo over a 12-week period. Men were free to take their study medication without restrictions on food or alcohol consumption and to have sex with their partners at the time of their choosing after each dose.

Results showed that 85 percent of men taking Cialis 20 mg reported significantly improved erections compared with baseline. In addition, 78 percent of intercourse attempts recorded by all men on Cialis 20 mg were successful. Importantly, 63 percent of men with ED treated with Cialis 20 mg achieved an erectile function score experts consider "normal" for healthy men as measured by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

On the 10 mg dose, 92 percent of men reported improved erections, and 70 percent of intercourse attempts were successful. Forty-two percent of men taking the 10 mg dose achieved IIEF scores in the normal range. Fifty-four percent of patients on placebo in the study reported improved erections, while 43 percent of their attempts were successful. Twenty percent of men taking placebo attained IIEF scores in the "normal" range.

In this study, side effects were mild to moderate, and their incidence diminished with continued treatment. The most commonly reported side effects were backache, muscle ache and upset stomach. There were no clinically significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiograms or laboratory tests attributable to treatment with Cialis.

How long does it take to notice the effect of Cialis once I take the medication?

During clinical studies most men were able to achieve an erection within thirty minutes of taking Cialis.

How long does the effect of Cialis last?

Clinical studies have shown the effects of Cialis can last from 24 to 36 hours. This enables men to put the spontaneity back in thier love life.

Please note: following climax the erection will return to the normal flacid state. Cialis, following the recovery phase, can enable men to achieve an another erection up to 24 to 36 hours.

How does Cialis work?

In technical terms Cialis exerts its action by effecting two enzymes, Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) that play important roles in erectile function. Sexual stimulation triggers the local release of nitric oxide (NO) from nerves and endothelial cells in the penis. NO stimulates an enzyme that catalyzes formation of cGMP from the nucleotide guanosine 5-triphospate (GTP) in the penile blood vessels and corpus cavernosum walls.

The cGMP causes vasodilation of arteries, allowing the influx of blood into the corpus cavernosum. Increased blood flow into the penis causes the erectile tissue to expand. When the erectile tissue has expanded sufficiently, the veins draining the corpus cavernosum become compressed. This decreases the outflow of blood from the penis, and the blood remains in the corpus cavernosum to keep the penis erect.The enzyme PDE5 eventually causes degradation of the cGMP, and the erection ends.

Are there any side effects with Cialis?

Most of the reported side effects during clinical testing were mild to moderate, and their incidence diminished with continued treatment. The most commonly reported side effects were myalgia (muscle pain), headache and upset stomach. There were no clinically significant changes in heart rate, electrocardiograms, blood pressure or laboratory tests attributable to treatment with Cialis.The severities of these Cialis side effects were minimized with lower doses of Cialis.

How much time must surpass before Cialis is effective?

Cialis is rapidly absorbed. Most patients in clinical trial reported that Cialis produced positive effects within thirty minutes.

What happens if there is no sexual stimulation following the ingestion of Cialis?

Cialis is naturally eliminated from your body in a few hours.

What are the precautions/warnings concerning Cialis?

Individuals should not exceed the recommended dose of Cialis or take Cialis for longer than prescribed without first consulting with your physician. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Cialis . The medication is contraindicated in individuals with known allergies or hypersensitivity to the medication or any of the components. The medication should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the medications ingredients is noted. Inform your physician of your complete medical history especially if you have any conditions of the penis (fibrosis/scaring, history of painful/prolonged erection [priapism], abnormal curvature of the penis, [Peyronie's disease] etc.), cardiovascular complications (heart attack, congestive heart failure, unstable angina [chest pain], arrhythmia [an abnormal heartbeat rhythm] uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension, history of postural hypotension, stroke, transient ischemic attacks [TIAs], etc), blood disorders (sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, bleeding disorders, etc.), cancer (leukemia, myeloma, prostate, etc), kidney or liver disease, stomach ulcers, eye complications (retinitis pigmentosis). Men who are taking medicines that contain nitrates (Nitroglycerin) of any kind must not use Cialis.

Inform your physician of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially any of the following medications, Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, HIV Protease Inhibitors (e.g., Ritonavir, Indinavir), Alpha-blockers (e.g. Hytrin (terazosin HCl), Cardura (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress (prazosin HCl) or Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCl). Nifedipine or other high blood pressure medicines.

Men who are taking medicines that contain nitrates (Nitroglycerin) of any kind must not use Cialis. Patients should not take Cialis even if you only take nitroglycerin medication occasionally (combining Cialis with nitrates can result in a dangerously low blood pressure that can result in a heart attack, stroke or even death). Nitrate medications often have nitro or isosorbide in their names. Nitrates are also found in recreational. Do not start, stop or change the dose of any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval.

Can I use Cialis with other medications?

Yes, it is generally safe to use Cialis while on other medications, however some medicines may potentate the effects of Cialis. Individuals should always consult with their healthcare provider prior to taking any medication. Note Cialis does have one absolute contraindication; individuals who are taking medication-containing nitrates (even intermittently) should not take Cialis.

Why is Cialis absolutely contraindicated in individuals who are currently taking medications containing nitrates?

Inform your physician of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially any of the following medications, Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, HIV Protease Inhibitors (e.g., Ritonavir, Indinavir), Alpha-blockers (e.g. Hytrin (terazosin HCl), Cardura (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress (prazosin HCl) or Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCl). Nifedipine or other high blood pressure medicines. Do not start, stop or change the dose of any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval.

Men who are taking medicines that contain nitrates (Nitroglycerin) of any kind must not use Cialis. Patients should not take Cialis even if you only take nitroglycerin medication occasionally (combining Cialis with nitrates can result in a dangerously low blood pressure that can result in a heart attack, stroke or even death). Nitrate medications often have nitro or isosorbide in their names. Nitrates are also found in recreational drugs.

Can I get Cialis over the counter?

No, Cialis should only be taken by prescription from a licensed physician. Regulations do not permit Cialis to be taken without prescription. Secondary to the advent of the internet individuals may now order Cialis online simply by completing an online medical questionnaire. Subsequently, a licensed physician will review your medical history and patient profile. If approved for a Cialis prescription, your order shipped discreetly to your home or office in 1-2 business days. (order Cialis online now).

Should I use Cialis if I have not had sexual intercourse in a long time?

Sexual activity can cause a strain on the cardiovascular system. If you have not had any physical activity or if you have any pre-existing medical conditions you should consult with your local physician prior to using the medication.

These pages are only a summary. If you have further questions or would like more information about Cialis, consult you personal physician or pharmacist.