Cialis – An ED Wonder Drug

About Cialis

Cialis (Tadalafil) is a prescription medicine that is taken orally and helps in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Erectile dysfunction is the inability of a person to achieve erection even when he is sexually excited, or when he can get an erection but cannot sustain it to achieve satisfaction. Cialis, in such cases, is known to help men with erectile dysfunction get and keep an erection on being sexually excited. Cialis, not to be used by women and children, must be used by men only under a doctor's care.

Although, Cialis can do a lot for erectile dysfunction, it cannot:

·        Cure erectile dysfunction permanently

·        Increase a man’s sexual desire to achieve an erection

·        Protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV

·        Serve as a male form of the birth control pill

Erectile dysfunction (Male Impotence)

In a state of arousal, nerve signals are sent from the brain and around the penis, which source the release of the chemicals that help relax the muscles in the penis. Normally, these muscles are in a contracted state so that the blood flow into the penis is impeded. When the muscles relax, large amounts of blood enter the penis, causing an erection. Similarly, an erection is reversed when another chemical (known as phosphodiesterase type 5 [PDE5]) breaks down the chemicals that caused the muscles to relax in the first place. This causes the muscles in the penis to constrict again as blood leaves the penis.

Erectile dysfunction is either the total inability to achieve erection, inconsistently or for brief periods. Since an erection requires a precise sequence of events, ED can occur when any of the events is disrupted. The sequence includes nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, and area around the penis, and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa.

Treatments proceed from least to most invasive. Making healthy lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and increasing physical activity may help regain sexual function. Cutting back on any drugs with harmful side effects like drugs for high blood pressure is considered next. Psychotherapy and behavior modifications are used if indicated, followed by oral or locally injected drugs, vacuum devices, and surgically implanted devices. In rare cases, surgery involving veins or arteries may be considered.

Cialis for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Cialis (tadalafil) is a medication that has been approved for the treatment of ED. ED is the repeated inability of an individual to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Cialis, because of its longer lasting quality, treats erectile dysfunction effectively. The medication works by allowing the arteries in the penis to open wider so more blood can flow into the penis, resulting in an improved erection.

Cialis works by blocking PDE5, the chemical that reverses an erection. When the chemical PDE5 is blocked, more of the chemicals responsible for the erection remain, the arteries in the penis open wider so that more blood can flow into the penis and the muscles in the penis do not constrict. This allows blood to stay in the penis longer, which allows the penis to be erect until the satisfactory completion of the sexual activity. Cialis starts to work within 30 minutes of ingesting the drug and can work up to 36 hours afterwards. Because, Cialis has no effect on the chemicals that cause an erection (it simply keeps them in the penis longer), it does not work without stimulation.

Sexual stimulation helps in the release of chemicals in to the penis that helps cause the erection. As these chemicals are released only when a person is aroused, Cialis plays no part in the release of these chemicals but only keeps the chemicals in the penis longer.

Cialis Dosages

Cialis is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and is known to work by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection in presence of sexual stimulation.

Cialis must be taken exactly as it has been prescribed. Doses should not be increased at will because taking the medication in larger doses will not make it more effective but cause potential dangerous side effects. Cialis medication should not be taken for longer than it has been recommended for use by a medical practitioner. Cialis retains its potency in all conditions and can therefore be taken with or without food.

The recommended starting dose of Cialis is 10mg prior to sexual activity and the maximum recommended dose can be 20mg, depending on the age, any untoward medical conditions, or medications currently taken, among others.

Cialis can be taken either just before sexual activity or as a daily dosing regimen at a lower dose, regardless of when the sexual activity is planned for. But, under no condition, should Cialis be taken more than once a day. 24 hours must be allowed to pass between doses. If the Cialis medication is taken as a daily dosing regimen, it should be taken at the same time each day. If one is faced with an erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, then immediate medical intervention must be sought because a prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.

Cialis Side Effects

Most people tolerate Cialis well. When side effects do occur, they are usually minor. A few common Cialis side effects include:

·        Headache

·        Facial flushing

·        Indigestion, known as dyspepsia

·        Back pain

·        Nasal congestion

·        Muscle pain (known as myalgia)

·        Pain in the arms or legs

Some of the rare possible Cialis side effects include but are not limited to:

·        Angina

·        High blood pressure (hypertension)

·        Dry mouth

·        Insomnia

·        A spinning sensation (vertigo)

·        Unexplained rash

·        Blurred vision

·        Other vision problems, such as seeing a blue tinge to objects or difficulty telling the difference between blue and green

·        A sudden decrease in or loss of hearing

·        Migraines

·        Prolonged erection lasting longer than four hours

·        Painful erection lasting more than six hours (priapism)

In extremely rare cases, there have also been serious problems occurring in the heart, brain, or blood vessels. These include:

·        Heart attack

·        Sudden death

·        Chest pain

·        Heart palpitations

·        Stroke

Cialis Precautions

While, Cialis is by and large a safe drug, it does have its share of precautions in place that need to be followed by every individual seeking to use this ED drug. Cialis should not be taken by men who:

·        Are on "nitrates" medications

·        Use recreational drugs called "poppers", like amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate

·        Have been told by their healthcare professional not to participate in sexual activity because of health problems

Cialis, like other drugs, has been found to cause a sudden unsafe drop in blood pressure if it is taken with certain other medicines such as nitrates and alpha-blockers, as well as, recreational drugs that contain nitrates called "poppers". Sudden drop in blood pressure may cause dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or stroke that can be life threatening.

Cialis can cause unhealthy reactions with certain medications. Therefore, it is essential to tell your healthcare professional about all the medications you take – including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.  Before using Cialis, tell your healthcare professional if you have:

·        Had heart problems

·        Low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled

·        Had a stroke

·        Liver problems

·        Kidney problems or require dialysis

·        Ever had severe vision loss

·        Retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease

·        Stomach ulcers

·        A bleeding problem

·        A deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease

·        Had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours

·        Blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia

A prescription for medications like "alpha blockers" (alpha blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure)