Uses

Cialis is known as a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor and works by increasing circulation to parts of the body such as the penis and lungs. It is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and benign prostate hyperplasia.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water. Cialis can be taken with or without food.

Take this medication exactly as directed, do not take it more often than directed. Do not take more than once per day.

This medication will begin to be effective about 30 minutes after taking it. It can remain active within the body for up to 36 hours after taking it.

Important Information

Contact a healthcare provider if you get an erection that lasts more than 4 hours or feels painful. This is very important in order to decrease the chance of possible permanent damage to your body.

If you experience nausea, dizziness, chest pain or arm pain when you begin sexual activity, do not continue the sexual activity and contact a healthcare provider.

It is important not to drink excessive amounts of alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not consume more than 4-5 alcoholic beverages at once. This is because of possible effects on your blood pressure, heart rate, along with risk of headaches and dizziness.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Blood or bleeding conditions, history of allergic reactions, strokes, liver or kidney disease, stomach bleeding conditions, sickle cell anemia, low or high blood pressure, heart conditions, a history or priapisms (prolonged or painful erections), Peyronie’s Disease, deformations of the penis. pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, changes in vision or hearing, seizures, prolonged or painful erection, changes in heartbeat(increased or irregular heartbeat), chest pain,  red, blistering, loosening or peeling skin.

Other Side Effects

Indigestion, back pain, flushing, dizziness, headache, muscle aches, nausea, runny nose.

Adult Dose

Erectile Dysfunction (AS NEEDED DOSING): 5-20 mg by mouth prior to sexual activity.

Erectile Dysfunction (ONCE DAILY DOSING): 2.5-5 mg by mouth once daily.

Pulmonary Hypertension: 40 mg by mouth once daily.

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: 5 mg by mouth once daily.

Sources

1. Padma-Nathan H, McMurray JG, Pullman WE, et al. On-demand IC351 (Cialis) enhances erectile function in patients with erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res 2001;13:2-9.

2. Adcirca (tadalafil) [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Lilly ICOS, LLC; 2015.

3. Adcira(TM) oral tablets, tadalafil oral tablets[package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2009.