Cialis
WHAT IS CIALIS
Cialis is a prescription medication taken by mouth for the treatment of
erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. CIALIS (pronounced see-AL-iss) was
shown to improve erectile function, as compared to a placebo, up to 36
hours following dosing. In clinical studies, Cialis improved the
ability to have sexual activity in some patients in 30 minutes after
taking a dose.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF
CIALIS?
The most common side effects with Cialis were headache and upset
stomach. Backache and muscle ache were also reported, sometimes with
delayed onset. Most men weren't bothered by the side effects enough to
stop taking Cialis. Although a rare occurrence, men who experience an
erection for more than 4 hours (priapism) should seek immediate medical
attention. Discuss your medical conditions and medications with your
doctor to ensure Cialis is right for you and that you are healthy
enough for sexual activity.
In clinical trials, Cialis was shown to
improve the ability of men with ED to have a single successful
intercourse attempt as long as 36 hours after dosing. Cialis has not
been studied for multiple sexual attempts per dose.
HOW SHOULD YOU TAKE CIALIS?
Take Cialis exactly as your doctor prescribes. Cialis comes in
different doses (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg). For most men, the recommended
starting dose is 10 mg. Cialis should be taken no more than once a day.
Some men can only take a low dose of Cialis because of existing medical
conditions or medications currently being taken. Your doctor will
prescribe the dose that is right for you. If you have kidney problems,
your doctor may start you on a lower dose of Cialis. If you have kidney
or liver problems or you are taking certain medications, your doctor
may limit your highest dose of Cialis to 10 mg and may also limit you
to one tablet in 48 hours (2 days) or one tablet in 72 hours (3 days).
Take one CIALIS tablet before sexual activity. Some form of sexual
stimulation is needed for an erection to happen with CIALIS. CIALIS may
be taken with or without meals.
Do not change your dose of CIALIS without
talking to your doctor. Your doctor may lower your dose or raise your
dose, depending on how your body reacts to CIALIS. Do not drink alcohol
to excess when taking CIALIS (for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots
of whiskey). When taken in excess, alcohol can increase your chances of
getting a headache or getting dizzy, increasing your heart rate, or
lowering your blood pressure. If you take too much CIALIS, call your
doctor or emergency room right away
Are there any drug interactions with Cialis? Talk to your doctor about
all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription
medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. CIALIS and other medicines
may affect each other. Always check with your doctor before starting or
stopping any medicines. Especially tell your doctor if you take any of
the following: nitrates, alpha blockers [including Hytrin® (terazosin
HCl), Flomax® (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura® (doxazosin mesylate),
Minipress® (prazosin HCl) or Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl)], ritonavir (Norvir®)
or indinavir (Crixivan®), ketoconazole or itraconazole (such as Nizoral®
or Sporanox®) , or erythromycin or any other medicines or treatments
for ED.
WHAT CIALIS DOES NOT DO
Cure ED, increase a man's sexual desire, protect a man or his
partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Speak to
your doctor about ways to guard against sexually transmitted diseases.
Or serve as a male form of birth control. CIALIS is only for men with
ED. CIALIS is not for women or children. CIALIS must be used only under
a doctor's care.
HOW DOES CIALIS WORK?
When a man is sexually stimulated, his body's normal physical
response is to increase blood flow to his penis. This results in an
erection. CIALIS helps increase blood flow to the penis and may help
men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity.
Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow to his penis
decreases, and his erection goes away.
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