Cialis
- Sexual
What
is Cialis
Cialis is a prescription medication taken by mouth
for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in
men. CIALIS (pronounced see-AL-iss) was shown to improve
erectile function, as compared to a placebo, up to
36 hours following dosing. In clinical studies, Cialis
improved the ability to have sexual activity in some
patients in 30 minutes after taking a dose.
What
are the common side effects of Cialis?
The most common side effects with Cialis were headache
and upset stomach. Backache and muscle ache were also
reported, sometimes with delayed onset. Most men weren't
bothered by the side effects enough to stop taking
Cialis. Although a rare occurrence, men who experience
an erection for more than 4 hours (priapism) should
seek immediate medical attention. Discuss your medical
conditions and medications with your doctor to ensure
Cialis is right for you and that you are healthy enough
for sexual activity.
In clinical
trials, Cialis was shown to improve the ability of
men with ED to have a single successful intercourse
attempt as long as 36 hours after dosing. Cialis has
not been studied for multiple sexual attempts per
dose.
How
should you take Cialis?
Take Cialis exactly as your doctor prescribes. Cialis
comes in different doses (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg).
For most men, the recommended starting dose is 10
mg. Cialis should be taken no more than once a day.
Some men can only take a low dose of Cialis because
of existing medical conditions or medications currently
being taken. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that
is right for you. If you have kidney problems, your
doctor may start you on a lower dose of Cialis. If
you have kidney or liver problems or you are taking
certain medications, your doctor may limit your highest
dose of Cialis to 10 mg and may also limit you to
one tablet in 48 hours (2 days) or one tablet in 72
hours (3 days). Take one CIALIS tablet before sexual
activity. Some form of sexual stimulation is needed
for an erection to happen with CIALIS. CIALIS may
be taken with or without meals.
Do not
change your dose of CIALIS without talking to your
doctor. Your doctor may lower your dose or raise your
dose, depending on how your body reacts to CIALIS.
Do not drink alcohol to excess when taking CIALIS
(for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey).
When taken in excess, alcohol can increase your chances
of getting a headache or getting dizzy, increasing
your heart rate, or lowering your blood pressure.
If you take too much CIALIS, call your doctor or emergency
room right away
Are there any drug interactions with Cialis? Talk
to your doctor about all the medicines you take including
prescription and nonprescription 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:
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®) , or erythromycin
or any other medicines or treatments for ED.
What
Cialis does not do
Cure ED, increase a man's sexual desire, protect a
man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases,
including HIV. Speak to your doctor about ways to
guard against sexually transmitted diseases. Or serve
as a male form of birth control. CIALIS is only for
men with ED. CIALIS is not for women or children.
CIALIS must be used only under a doctor's care.
How
does Cialis work?
When a man is sexually stimulated, his body's normal
physical response is to increase blood flow to his
penis. This results in an erection. CIALIS helps increase
blood flow to the penis and may help men with ED get
and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity.
Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow
to his penis decreases, and his erection goes away.