What is cialis?
Cialis is a prescription drug for treating erectile dysfunction, produced by Eli Lilly. The active ingredient Tadalafil is characterized by its particularly long duration of action of up to 36 hours – therefore the popular name "weekend pill".
Since its approval in 2003, Cialis has established itself as a leading alternative to Viagra. Especially men who value spontaneity and do not wish to take immediately before sexual intercourse appreciate this drug.
**Cialis is also approved for daily intake in low dosage (5 mg). Thus, sexual activity is possible at any time without prior tablet intake.
Since the patent procedure, the active substance Tadalafil has also been available as a more favourable generic substance which has the same effect.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Tadalafil
Cialis contains the active ingredient tadalafil, which belongs to the group of PDE-5-inhibitors. The mode of action corresponds to the principle of other medicines of this class, with a decisive difference: the duration of action.
The mechanism in detail: In sexual excitation, nitrogen monoxide is released in the penis. This activates an enzyme that produces the messenger substance cGMP. cGMP ensures a relaxation of the vascular muscle in the penis – more blood can flow in and an erection arises.
The enzyme PDE-5 normally removes cGMP and ends erection. Cialis inhibits PDE-5 and thus extends the effect of cGMP. Erection can be created more easily and can be maintained longer.
**Why does Cialis look so long? * * Tadalafil has a half-life of about 17 hours – that means, after this time, half of the active ingredient is still active. Sildenafil (Viagra) is only about 4 hours. Therefore, the effect of Cialis lasts up to 36 hours.
** Also Cialis only works in sexual stimulation – it does not generate automatic erection.
Who is it suitable for?
Cialis is ideal for men who:
**Maximum flexibility
- Do not want to plan taking immediately before sex
- Appreciate spontaneousity in love life
- Do not want to put yourself under time pressure
Family sexually active are:
- Couples with active sex life benefit from daily 5-mg dose
- The level of action remains constant, sex is possible at any time
Psychical factors want to take into account:
- The pressure of "taking at the push of a button" is eliminated
- Less power pressure due to long working time
- More natural experience of sexuality
Also suffer from benign prostate enlargement:
- Cialis is also approved for this indication
- A drug can treat both complaints
Older men:
- Also in men over 65 well effective and compatible
- No routine dose adjustment required
Available Dosages
**For demand therapy:* *
- 10 mg – Recommended initial dose to take before sexual intercourse
For daily intake:
- 5 mg – once a day, about at the same time
**What variant is suitable for whom? * *
*Bedarfstherapie (10/20 mg):*
- With occasional sexual activity (less than 2x per week)
- If the flexibility of the long working life is to be used
- For men who don't want to take a medicine daily
*Additional intake (5 mg):*
- With frequent sexual activity (more than 2x per week)
- If complete spontaneity is desired
- Concurrent treatment of prostate pain
**The maximum dose is 20 mg per day. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
How to Take
**Bedarfstherapie (10 mg or 20 mg):* *
- Take at least 30 minutes before scheduled intercourse
- The effect can last up to 36 hours
- Sexual activity is possible at any time during this period
- Take water with a glass
**Common intake (5 mg):* *
- Take about the same time every day
- Regardless of planned sexual activity
- After a few days a stable effective level is reached
- Spontaneous sex is then possible at any time
Ingestion with food: Cialis can be taken with or without food. In contrast to some other potentiometers, a meal – including a rich in fat – does not have a relevant influence on action or strength.
Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption is acceptable. Larger amounts of alcohol can affect erection ability and increase side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure.
Contraindications
**Absolute contraindications – Cialis must not be taken at:* *
Nitrat therapy: If you are taking nitrates (nitroglycerol, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate) or amyl nitrite (Poppers). The combination can cause a life-threatening blood pressure drop.
Heavy heart disease:
- Heart attack in the last 90 days
- unstable angina pectoris
- Heart failure NYHA stage II to IV
- Uncontrolled heart rhythm disorders
- stroke in the last 6 months
More contraindications:
- Low blood pressure (under 90/50 mmHg)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (over 170/100 mmHg)
- Heavy liver failure
- genetic retinal diseases
- Recent vision loss due to NAION
- hypersensitivity to Tadalafil
**Relative contraindications – special care with:* *
- Anatomical penis changes
- Diseases with increased priapism risk
- Simultaneous alpha blocker therapy
- Medium-heavy kidney failure
Possible Side Effects
**Very common (more than 10%):* *
- Headaches
Acid (1-10%):
- Face redness (Flush)
- Blocked nose
- Back pain
- muscle pain
- Pain in arms and legs
- Digestive disorders, heartburn
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Squeeze
- Hidden vision
- Eye pain
- Heart turf
- Skin rash
speciality at Cialis: Back and muscle pain occur more frequently in Cialis than in other PDE-5-inhibitors. They are typically light to moderate and disappear within 48 hours.
**If a doctor should be consulted immediately:* *
- Painful erection over more than 4 hours (priapism)
- Sudden visual loss in one or both eyes
- Sudden hearing loss
- chest pain during or after sexual activity
Interactions
Absolute contraindicated:
- Nitrate and NO donors: Combination strictly prohibited due to risk of severe blood pressure drop
Important interactions:
- Alpha blocker: Simultaneous intake can increase blood pressure-lowering effect. Cialis should be started in the lowest dose with already running alpha blocker therapy.
- Starke CYP3A4 inhibitor (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir): Increase the Tadalafil concentration considerably. The dose should be limited to a maximum of 10 mg within 72 hours.
- CYP3A4 inductors (Rifampicin, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine): Can reduce the effectiveness of Cialis. Possibly higher dose required.
- Other PDE-5 inhibitors: No combination with Viagra, Levitra or Spedra.
- Antihypertensive: Can increase blood pressure-lowering effect.
- Alcohol: Can additionally lower blood pressure and boost dizziness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is cialis right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.