Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)

Description

What is tadalafil (Cialis)?

Tadalafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, also called impotence) and problems with urination caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). It is sometimes known by its generic name tadalafil, and sometimes known by its trade name, Cialis. There are also other brands of this medicine available.

How does tadalafil work?

Tadalafil works by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow more easily into the penis. If you have erectile dysfunction, this can make it easier to get an erection. If you have BPH, this can improve your urinary symptoms.

Tadalafil doesn’t cause erections on its own — sexual stimulation is still needed.

Tadalafil does not:

• cure erectile dysfunction (ED)
• increase your sexual desire
• protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• serve as contraception

How do I take tadalafil?

If you plan to use tadalafil, you should take it 30 to 60 minutes before planned sexual activity. An erection is possible for up to 36 hours after taking it — meaning the ability to have an erection may last this long, but the actual erections will only last for a normal period of time.

It can also be taken as a daily low dose pill. Your doctor may recommend the daily pill if you have erectile dysfunction and expect to engage in sexual activity more than twice a week. If you take tadalafil for BPH, you will need to take tadalafil daily to experience an improvement in your urinary symptoms.

You should not take any more than one tadalafil tablet in 24 hours. You shouldn’t take it together with other ED medicines.

Does tadalafil have side effects?

The most common side effects of tadalafil include:

• headache
• indigestion or heartburn
• back pain
• muscle aches
• flushed skin
• stuffy or runny nose

These side effects usually go away after a few hours.

Very occasionally, tadalafil can cause a painful erection or an erection that won’t go away (priapism).

If you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, you should go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Prolonged erections can be dangerous.

Who shouldn’t take tadalafil?

Tadalafil may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, including people who have had a stroke, have coronary heart disease or retinitis pigmentosa (an eye disease).

It can also interact with many medicines, particularly nitrates (used in some types of heart disease) and blood pressure medicines. If you take nitrates in any form, or are on treatment for pulmonary hypertension, you should not take tadalafil.

If you are thinking about using tadalafil please discuss it with your doctor.