General Health Tips

Cialis is used to treat male impotence, that is, difficulty having and maintaining an erection.

Normally, during sexual arousal the body releases a number of chemicals into the penis. Cialis enhances the effects of one of these chemicals which leads to an increase of blood flow into the penis. An erection appears as a result of this increase within certain internal areas of the penis.

The main difference is that Cialis stays in the body longer. Still, there were no actual studies that directly examined the difference between the clinical efficacy and safety of Cialis and other products.

Cialis is an oral drug taken not more than once a day before sexual activity. It may be taken either with or without food. Still, the dose of strength and maximum frequency of use are rather particular, patients should consult with their health providers to decide on them.

When taken with any nitrate medication or with any alpha-blocker medication other than FLOMAX (tamsulosin) 0.4 mg daily Cialis can cause the drop of blood pressure to an unsafe level. In this case patients can get dizzy, faint or even can get a heart attack or stroke.
The patient’s healthcare provider should be informed that the patient takes Cialis since in case of emergency medical care for a heart problem, the health care provider will need to know when the patient last took Cialis.
 
When one takes a single tablet, some active ingredients of Cialis remain in his body for more than 2 days. In case the patients have some problems with their kidneys and liver, or they take some other medications, the active ingredient can remain longer.

Considering if Cialis is right for the patient the doctor should become well informed about the patient’s heart’s general condition (this is explained by the fact that sexual activity can increase the work of the heart). Patients suffering from “left ventricular outlet obstruction” due to valvular problems or heart muscle enlargement might experience such side effects as fainting or light-headedness. It should be noted here that Cialis is not recommended for patients with angina, recent heart attacks or stroke, heart failure, uncontrolled blood pressure or irregular heart beats, severe liver disease and retinal eyes problems as patients with these problems were not studied with Cialis. There might appear rare occurrences of priapism or painful, prolonged erections – this serious condition requires immediate medical treatment. If erection lasts longer than four hours patients should consult with their health providers to find the necessary treatment.

Patients taking nitrates or any alpha blocker other than FLOMAX 0.4mg daily should not take Cialis as the combination of these medications could lead to low blood pressure and fainting or even death in some patients.

As the safety and effectiveness of Cialis used with other treatments for impotence has not been studied, the combination of treatments is not recommended. The latter can cause additional lowering of blood pressure.

If the patient takes any medication he should inform his health practitioner about it. Patients taking any form of nitroglycerin and most alpha-blockers, other than FLOMAX, should not use Cialis as the combination of these medications may lower blood pressure to an unsafe level.

Cialis are oral tablets in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg strengths.

Patients will be able to get Cialis by prescription only.

FDA is not responsible for the product availability for marketing after the product was approved. It is the company marketing the product who takes the decision of availability. Further information you will get with your pharmacist or Eli Lilly and Company directly.

Patients are welcome to report serious side effects with Cialis to FDA through a MedWatch report.