Highlights for Tadalafil
- Cialis is used to treat the symptoms of two conditions found in men: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Cialis is prescribed for men with one or both of these conditions.
- Cialis is a brand-name prescription drug. It’s available as an oral tablet. The generic form of this drug (tadalafil) is not available to the public.
- Cialis is not used for women and children.
- Do not take Cialis if you use any drugs called nitrates. These include amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite. These drugs may also be called “poppers.”
- Cialis does not cure ED, increase a man’s sexual desire, or serve as a male form of birth control. It also doesn’t protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
What is Tadalafil (Cialis)?
Tadalafil (Cialis) is a prescription drug. It’s available as an oral tablet.
Why it’s used
Cialis is used for the treatment of men who have both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED).
How it works
Cialis belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.
Tadalafil Side Effects
MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
These are some of the more common side effects people have when taking Cialis. These effects may be mild and go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
These side effects include:
- headache
- upset stomach
- back pain
- muscle aches
- flushing (reddish skin)
- stuffy or runny nose
- diarrhea
- swelling in your legs and ankles
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
If you have any of these serious side effects, call your doctor right away. Call 9-1-1 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Priapism
Symptoms may include
- a painful erection that won’t go away
Vision changes
Symptoms may include
- seeing a blue shade to objects
- trouble telling the difference between the colors blue and green
- a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes
Hearing loss
Symptoms may include
- a sudden loss or decrease in hearing
- ringing in the ears and dizziness
Pharmacist’s Advice
Cialis doesn’t cause drowsiness.
Mild side effects may disappear within a few days or a couple of weeks. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if they’re more severe or don’t go away.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.
Tadalafil : May Interact with Other Medications
Cialis can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug that you’re taking from working well. To help prevent interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: You can reduce your chances of drug interactions by having all of your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. That way, a pharmacist can check for possible drug interactions.
Food Interactions
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Cialis. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the levels of Cialis in your blood. This raises your risk of side effects.
Alcohol Interaction
Do not drink alcohol when taking Cialis. Both alcohol and Cialis can dilate (widen) your blood vessels. When used together, they can cause your blood pressure to drop. Your risk of low blood pressure is increased when you stand after sitting or lying down. This is called postural hypotension. Symptoms include an increase in heart rate, dizziness, and headache.
Medications That Might Interact with This Drug Angina drugs (nitrates)
If you take Cialis with nitrates, your blood pressure could suddenly drop to dangerously low levels. This could make you dizzy or cause you to faint. Nitrates include:
- nitroglycerin
- isosorbide dinitrate
- Isosorbide mononitrate
- amyl nitrite
- butyl nitrite
High blood pressure or prostate drugs (alpha-blockers)
If you take Cialis with certain alpha-blockers, your blood pressure could suddenly drop to low levels that are dangerous. This could make you dizzy or cause you to faint. Examples of these medications include:
- terazosin
- tamsulosin
- doxazosin
- prazosin
- alfuzosin
- dutasteride/tamsulosin
- silodosin
- amlodipine (calcium channel blocker)
- angiotensin II receptor blockers
- enalapril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor)
- metoprolol (beta-blocker)
Certain human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs
Taking Cialis with certain HIV drugs could increase Cialis levels in your blood. This can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting, and vision problems. In men, it can also lead to a persistent and painful erection (priapism). These drugs are protease inhibitors and include:
- Ritonavir (Norvir)
- Liponavir/ritonavir combination (Kaletra)
Oral anti fungal drugs
Certain antifungal drugs may increase levels of Cialis in your blood. This can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting, and vision problems. In men, it can also lead to a persistent and painful erection (priapism). These drugs include:
- ketoconazole
- itraconazole
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics may raise the level of Cialis in your blood. This can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting, and vision problems. In men, it can also lead to a persistent and painful erection (priapism). These drugs include:
- clarithromycin
- erythromycin
- telithromycin
Other types of antibiotics may lower the level of Cialis in your blood. This could prevent Cialis from working well. These drugs include:
- rifampin
Other erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs
These medications work in the same way as Cialis. This increases your risk of side effects. These drugs include:
- sildenafil (Viagra)
- tadalafil (Adcirca) — This is the same drug used in Cialis. Do not take both Cialis and Adcirca at the same time.
- vardenafil (Levitra)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) drugs
These medications work the same way as Cialis. This increases your risk of side effects. These drugs include:
-
- sildenafil (Revatio)
- tadalafil (Adcirca) — This is the same drug used in Cialis. Do not take both Cialis and Adcirca at the same time.
Stomach acid drugs
These medications may keep your body from absorbing Cialis well. They include:
- magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide
- nizatidine
- ranitidine
- ramotidine
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.
Cialis Warnings
People with heart disease
Sexual activity creates a risk for your heart. Using Cialis may increase that risk. Do not use Cialis if you have a heart condition and your doctor has advised against sexual activity.
People at risk of prolonged erections
Cialis may cause priapism. This condition causes a painful, prolonged erection. It is a medical emergency. Talk to your doctor before using Cialis if you have a condition that puts you at higher risk of priapism. These conditions include:
- Blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, and leukemia
- A curved or deformed penis, or Peyronie’s disease
People with vision problems
Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare genetic eye disease. Cialis hasn’t been studied in people with this condition and its use is not recommended. Tell your doctor if you have ever had severe vision loss, including a condition called NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy). If you have had NAION and take Cialis, you may be at increased risk for having NAION again.
People with kidney disease or on dialysis
Your body may not be able to get rid of Cialis correctly. This means the drug would stay in your body longer and raise your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose, have you take it less often, or not prescribe it at all.
People with liver problems
Your body may not process Cialis correctly. This means the drug would stay in your body longer and raise your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose, have you take it less often, or not prescribe it at all.
People with bleeding disorders or peptic ulcers
Cialis has not been studied in people with these conditions. Using Cialis may cause or worsen bleeding or ulcers. If you do take Cialis, your doctor may monitor you more closely.
Pregnant women
Cialis is a pregnancy category B drug. That means two things:
- Studies of the drug in pregnant animals have not shown risk to the fetus.
- There aren’t enough studies done in pregnant women to show the drug poses a risk to the fetus.
Cialis is for use in men only. This drug should not be used in women. This includes women who are pregnant.
Women who are breastfeeding
Cialis should not be used in women. This includes women who are breastfeeding.
For seniors
If you are aged 65 years and older, your body may process this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose so that Cialis doesn’t build up too much in your body. High levels of the drug in your body can be dangerous.
For children
People younger than 18 years should not use Cialis. It is not known if Cialis is safe and effective in children.
Allergies
Cialis can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- rash
- hives
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- swelling of your lips, throat, or tongue
Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could cause death.
Check Also: Careprost Eye Drops — the Ultimate guide about Eyelash Growth
How to Take Tadalafil (Dosage)
All possible dosages may not be included here. Your doctor will tell you what dosage is right for you. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:
- your age
- the condition being treated
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
What Are You Taking This Medication For?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Adult Dosage (ages 18-64 years)
The recommended dose is one 5-mg tablet per day. Take it at about the same time each day. Don’t take Cialis more than once per day.
If you are taking Cialis with finasteride (another drug used to treat BPH), your Cialis dose will be 5 mg once daily for up to 26 weeks.
Child Dosage (ages 0-17 years)
This medication has not been studied in children. It should not be used in children under the age of 18 years.
Senior Dosage (ages 65 years and older)
Your body processes this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose to keep the drug from building up too much in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be dangerous.
Special Considerations
Kidney disease
- Your body gets rid of Cialis partly through your kidneys. If your kidneys aren’t working well, more of the drug may stay in your body longer. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may decide to lower your dose, have you take it less often, or not prescribe it at all for you. This depends on how severe your kidney disease is and whether you are on dialysis.
Liver disease
- Cialis is processed by your liver. If your liver is not working well, more of the drug may stay in your body longer. This raises your risk of side effects.Your doctor may decide to lower your dose of Cialis, have you take it less often, or not prescribe it at all for you. This depends on how severe your liver disease is.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Adult Dosage (ages 18-64 years)
Cialis can be used either as-needed or taken once a day. Don’t take Cialis more than once per day.
For as-needed use
- The typical starting dose is 10 mg. Your doctor may increase your dose to 20 mg or decrease it to 5 mg. This depends on how Cialis is working for you and how well your body reacts to it.
- Take one Cialis tablet before you expect to have sexual activity. You may have sexual activity 30 minutes after taking Cialis, and up to 36 hours afterward.
For once-daily use
- The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg. Your doctor may increase your dose to 5 mg, depending on how well Cialis is working for you and how well your body reacts to it.
- Take one Cialis tablet every day. Take it at about the same time each day. You may try to have sexual activity at any time between doses.
Child Dosage (ages 0-17 years)
This medication has not been studied in children. It should not be used in children under the age of 18 years.
Senior Dosage (ages 65 years and older)
Your body processes this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose to keep the drug from building up too much in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be dangerous.
Special Considerations
Kidney disease
- Your body gets rid of Cialis partly through your kidneys. If your kidneys aren’t working well, more of the drug may stay in your body longer. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may decide to lower your dose, have you take it less often, or not prescribe it at all for you. This depends on how severe your kidney disease is and whether you are on dialysis.
Liver disease
- Cialis is processed by your liver. If your liver is not working well, more of the drug may stay in your body longer. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may decide to lower your dose of Cialis, have you take it less often, or not prescribe it at all for you. This depends on how severe your liver disease is.
Check Also: Different option for Getting longer eyelashes
Erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia, or (ED/BPH)
Adult Dosage (ages 18-64 years)
- Take one 5-mg tablet every day, at about the same time each day. Don’t take Cialis more than once per day.
- You may try to have sexual activity at any time between doses. You need to be sexually aroused or stimulated for Cialis to help you have an erection.
Child Dosage (ages 0-17 years)
This medication has not been studied in children. It should not be used in children under the age of 18 years.
Senior Dosage (ages 65 years and older)
Your body processes this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose to keep the drug from building up too much in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be dangerous.
Special Considerations
Kidney disease
- Your body gets rid of Cialis partly through your kidneys. If your kidneys aren’t working well, more of the drug may stay in your body longer. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may decide to lower your dose, have you take it less often, or not prescribe it at all for you. This depends on how severe your kidney disease is and whether you are on dialysis.
Liver disease
- Cialis is processed by your liver. If your liver is not working well, more of the drug may stay in your body longer. This raises your risk of side effects.Your doctor may decide to lower your dose of Cialis, have you take it less often, or not prescribe it at all for you. This depends on how severe your liver disease is.
Disclaimer
Pharmacist’s Advice
If You Stop or Don’t Take It on Schedule
If you are taking Cialis for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), your BPH symptoms may not improve. These may include trouble starting to urinate, straining while trying to urinate, and a weak urine flow. They may also include frequent urges to urinate.
If you are taking Cialis for erectile dysfunction (ED), you may not be able to get and keep an erection during sexual activity.
If You Take Too Much
You will be at an increased risk of side effects. If you think you’ve taken too much Cialis, call your doctor or call 9-1-1 right away.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
Take it when you remember, but do not take more than one dose per day. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could cause dangerous side effects.
How to Tell If the Drug Is Working
Your BPH symptoms may improve. These may include trouble starting to urinate, straining while trying to urinate, and a weak urine flow. They may also include frequent urges to urinate.
If you are taking Cialis for ED, you may be able to get and keep an erection during sexual activity.
Cialis is a long-term drug.