Cialis is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men (not women or children). ED is when a man has trouble getting or maintaining an erection. While this may happen at any age, this condition is common in older men. BPH is the result of an enlarged prostate, which causes various urinary symptoms, including needing to urinate frequently (especially at night) or urgently, the need to strain during urination, a weak or interrupted urinary stream and incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Cialis is available in pill form in various dosages ranging from 2.5mg to 20 mg. For treatment of ED, Cialis is prescribed either as an as-needed dosage of 5mg, 10 mg or 20 mg; or as a daily dosage of 2.5mg or 5mg. The 5mg dose is suitable for treatment of those who have symptoms of ED, as well as symptoms of BPH. The as-needed dosage is taken prior to intercourse. It can take effect in as little as 30 minutes and its effects may last up to 36 hours. The daily dosage affords successful intercourse in between doses, though results may vary. Neither dose rate allows for multiple attempts at intercourse per dose. In either case, Cialis should not be taken more than once a day.
Cialis is a brand name for tadalafil. Tadalafil is one of several available PDE5 inhibitors. What this means is it blocks certain enzymes that affect the smooth muscle cells lining the blood vessels supplying the erectile tissue of the penis. Since the enzymes associated with erectile tissue are also present in the retina, one rare but possible side effect is a degradation of vision. The most common side effects are headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing and stuffy or runny nose. These side effects are generally temporary. An erection that lasts for more than four hours is cause to seek immediate medical care in order to avoid long-term injury. Side effects will vary in type and degree from patient to patient.
There are several cautions associated with taking Cialis. Cialis shouldn’t be taken with certain medications or with excess alcohol consumption or with other ED medicines and treatments. For example, you shouldn’t take Cialis if you take medications known as “nitrates’, such as nitroglycerin or other similar medications prescribed for chest pain. Also, use of recreational drugs known as “poppers” (amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate) should be avoided. Use of any of these nitrates in combination with Cialis may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Patients should stop taking Cialis and seek immediate medical help if they experience signs of an allergic reaction, typified by rashes, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Although Cialis has many beneficial effects, it is not for everyone; only and the patient in consultation with a healthcare professional can decide if Cialis is an appropriate treatment. For those who live in Australia that may benefit from the drug, there are several online pharmacies that sell Cialis.
Medical Practitioner (General Practice) with postgraduate diplomas in Cape Town. My special interest is erectile dysfunction.