Manufacturer:
Eli Lilly
Pharmaceutical name:
Tadalafil
Cialis helps to relax muscles and enhances blood circulation to specific regions of the body. It is prescribed for treating erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men.
Avoid taking Cialis if you are allergic to Tadalafil, or if you are using any nitrate medications for chest pain or heart conditions, such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate, or recreational drugs like amyl nitrate or nitrite. Combining Cialis with a nitrate medication can lead to a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure.
If you feel dizzy or nauseous during sexual activity, or experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, cease activity and contact your doctor immediately. This could indicate a serious side effect from the medication.
Do not exceed a single dose of Cialis within a 24-hour period. If your erection is painful or lasts more than 4 hours, reach out to your doctor or seek emergency medical help. An extended erection (priapism) can lead to penile damage.
Cialis may reduce blood flow to the optic nerve, potentially resulting in sudden vision loss. This has been reported in a small group of Cialis users, many of whom had underlying issues such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or pre-existing eye conditions, particularly among smokers or individuals older than 50. It remains unclear if Cialis is directly responsible for such vision loss.
If you have any of the following conditions, you might require a dosage adjustment of Cialis or specific monitoring: heart disease or arrhythmias; recent heart attack (within the last 90 days); recent stroke or congestive heart failure (within the last 6 months); angina (chest pain); hypertensive or hypotensive conditions; liver disease; kidney problems (or if on dialysis); blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia; bleeding disorders such as hemophilia; stomach ulcers; retinitis pigmentosa (a hereditary eye condition); physical deformities of the penis (like Peyronie's disease); or if advised against sexual intercourse for health reasons.
FDA pregnancy category B. Cialis is not anticipated to be harmful to an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant while on treatment. It is unclear whether tadalafil is excreted in breast milk or if it could affect a breastfeeding infant. Do not take this medication without consulting your doctor if you are nursing.
Possible side effects include headaches, hearing impairment, blurred or color-distorted vision and/or light sensitivity, acid reflux, flushing, and nasal congestion.