Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards.
Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist)
What is Cialis? Cialis is one of the leading drugs on the market that is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The generic name for Cialis is tadalafil. Cialis competes with other similar drugs on the market like Viagra, Levitra, Staxyn, and Sendra. Cialis is an as-needed medication that is to be taken by mouth no more than once a day. Cialis should not be taken frequently, it is only to be taken as needed.
What is Cialis?
Before we dive more into the medication Cialis, let us talk a little bit more about erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, also known as sexual impotence, is a condition suffered by some adult men who either cannot get the penis firm enough for intercourse or cannot keep it firm enough for a prolonged period of time. Many men report that they have experienced sexual impotence at least once in their lives.
Around 5 percent of men around the age of 40 have experienced erectile dysfunction. By the time men reach around 70 years old around 15 percent of them have reported erectile dysfunction. If you only experience sexual impotence or erectile dysfunction here or there, there really is no need for concern, sometimes these things happen. If sexual impotence becomes an ongoing issue and starts to take a toll on your self-confidence or your partner’s satisfaction, you may want to talk to a doctor about options.
One such option that could perhaps be available to you is Cialis. Below you’ll find all the information you’ll need for navigating your Cialis options. From how the drug works, to all of the safety precautions, and what to do when the medication is no longer usable. Any questions you have about Cialis can be answered by your doctor, but this guide is a start. If you or someone you know is dealing with erectile dysfunction, Cialis may be the best medication to help improve sexual performance.
Not only can this drug help improve your physical performance, but it has been known to also improve mental performance as well. Boosting sexual confidence in me helps them become more confident in the long run.
Did you know?
Definition of the Drug Cialis Explained in a Simplified Way
Cialis works by relaxing the arteries and muscles that are inside the penis. Relaxing those arteries helps to increase the blood flow to the penis and to allow an erection to occur when stimulated. Contrary to popular belief, Cialis does not, in fact, lead to arousal in men. As mentioned earlier, you will be unable to produce an erection without the addition of sexual stimulation.
Cialis is not the “cure-all” drug for erections like so may think. It may take between 1-2 hours before the powers of Cialis kick in, so you and your partner may need to plan ahead just a tad (more information on “planning ahead” and what exactly that means for you and your partner later).
Cialis has been dubbed the “weekend pill” on many blogs about the drug, because it lasts for 36 hours and can be taken at the beginning of the weekend, and will allow for stimulated erections all weekend long. Be sure to keep track of how long your erections last. If your erections last longer than four hours or begin to feel painful, then it is time to contact your doctor or take a visit to the emergency room.
Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Cialis
Some Advantages of Cialis: Cialis lasts a lot longer than other erectile dysfunction drugs (like the ones mentioned above) on the market and can allow for spontaneous sex anytime in a 36-hour window after taking Cialis. This is what makes it one of the most popular tablet regiments out there. Cialis also tends to work faster, sometimes up to 2x faster than its competitors.
Taking any drug for erectile dysfunction can also have many positive effects on a man’s self-esteem both inside the bedroom and out. Men dealing with erectile dysfunction have reported a decline in their general self-esteem, self-image, and sense of self. Taking drugs for erectile dysfunction dramatically improves not only the man’s ability to hold an erection but their self-confidence as well.
Some Disadvantages of Cialis: Cialis, like every other medication on the market, may cause side effects to the user; however, these side effects are usually manageable and don’t cause too much worry. If you experience any severe side effects on Cialis, seek medical help immediately. Like mentioned above if you have an erection that becomes painful or lasts longer than 4 hours then it is time to seek medical attention.
One of the main disadvantages of Cialis is actually the price. Cialis is sold at a higher price point than medications such as Viagra and Levitra. But you get what you pay for, and overall Cialis users are happier than users of these other medications. Cialis is a prescription medication, and therefore requires a phone call or a visit to your doctor to procure a prescription. Cialis is also not made for folks with certain medical issues if you believe you would benefit from Cialis, make sure to talk to your doctor.
Our tip: How to buy Cialis with online prescription
Cialis Package Insert: What Information is Available to You?
The package insert you’ll receive with your prescription of Cialis comes with all of the information you will need while taking the medication. Keep the informational insert as long as you are using Cialis. Included are sections describing what Cialis is and what it’s used for, the information you need to know prior to Cialis consumption, how to take Cialis, the possible side effects, how to store it at home, and many more important things to keep in mind. The Cialis information leaflet will also give you essential contact information if a problem were to arise while you are on the drug.
Here is a list of some of the important things to note from your package insert:
- Cialis is only to be taken by adult men; it is not approved for consumption by men under the age of 18. Serious side effects, or even death, may occur for those who take Cialis under the age of 18. Cialis will not help you if you do not have erectile dysfunction, and will not cause stimulation without actually being stimulated by yourself or by your partner.
- How to take Cialis: swallow the tablets whole with an 8oz glass of water. Cialis may be taken with or without food; it is your choice. Only take the dosage given to you by your doctor. The dosages will vary depending on many different factors, such as weight, age, desired results, other medications you may already be taking, and any preexisting medical conditions you may have.
There are many reasons for you NOT to take Cialis, here is a list of some of them:
- Do not take if you are allergic to tadalafil, or any of the other ingredients found in Cialis
- Do not take if you currently have or have had blood pressure regulation issues
- Do not take if you currently have or have had severe heart problems or have recently had a heart attack in the last three months, or have had a stroke in the last six months
- Do not take if you have or have had kidney or liver problems, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia, or other cancers.
Possible side effects of Cialis
- The most common side effects reported by Cialis users were: facial flushing, congestion, indigestion, headache, muscle aches, or pain in your back, arms, or legs
- If any of the following occur, stop taking Cialis and seek medical attention right away: a painful erection, allergic reactions, priapism (an erection lasting more than 4 hours), sudden loss of vision, or chest pain
Cialis Shelf Life at a Glance
The shelf life of Cialis, and similar medications have been debated for some time. At your local pharmacy, Cialis can stay on the shelves for up to a year. Once you pop open your Cialis at home, it needs to be consumed right away. While Cialis does usually start to decay after a year, there are a few different factors that can change the time frame.
Depending on who manufacturers your Cialis, you may see some different expiration dates. Different pharmacies handle and store their medications in different ways. These differences may also affect the expiration dates. You should always care for your medications recommended by your doctor in order to get the most out of it.
Cialis Expired: What to Do?
Cialis is not to be taken after the expiration date indicated on the box (EXP). The expiration date stated refers to the last day of the expiration month. Contact your pharmacist with information on how to dispose of unused tablets of Cialis properly. Taking expired medication for erectile dysfunction is not advised. Once Cialis expires, it starts to decay chemically and becomes less effective. While expired erectile dysfunction medication isn’t toxic, it doesn’t work at its full strength.
Article Sources
- Questions and Answers for Cialis (tadalafil). In: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. URL: https://www.fda.gov/
- Parker-Pope, Tara (August 28, 2009). “The Cost of Treating Erectile Dysfunction“. New York Times.
- CIALIS- tadalafil tablet, film coated. Eli Lilly and Company. URL: https://uspl.lilly.com/
- A Study of Tadalafil and Sildenafil in Men With Erectile Dysfunction in China. Information provided by (Responsible Party): Eli Lilly and Company. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01352507
- Porst, Hartmut et al. Efficacy of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction at 24 and 36 hours after dosing: a randomized controlled trial. In: Urology Volume 62, 07/2003. Elsevier Inc.
- Brock, Gerald et al. Efficacy and Safety of Tadalafil for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Results of Integrated Analyses. In: The Journal of Urology Volume 168, 10/2002. Elsevier Inc.
- Eli Lilly and Company Limited (2017). Cialis 20mg film-coated tablets. EMC. [online] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7430.pdf [accessed 20th July, 2020].
- Moncada, I., Bethencourt, F, R and Lledó-García et al., (2014). Effects of Tadalafil Once Daily or On Demand Versus Placebo on Time to Recovery of Erectile Function in Patients After Bilateral Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy. World J Urol: 33, pp 1031-1038.