Cialis Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Cialis Tablet is a prescription medicine containing tadalafil, used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men and to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). It works by relaxing muscles in blood vessels to increase blood flow to certain areas of the body. Cialis is taken either as needed before sexual activity or daily, and its effects can last up to 36 hours.

What is Cialis Tablet

Cialis is a prescription tablet used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It contains the active ingredient tadalafil, which relaxes muscles in blood vessels and increases blood flow to certain areas of the body. Tadalafil belongs to a drug class called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Cialis Tablet uses

• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
• Treatment of ED and BPH symptoms together

Benefits of Cialis Tablet

• Helps achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity when combined with sexual stimulation
• Can improve urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate
• Can be taken daily to allow for more spontaneous sexual activity, or as needed before sex
• Effects can last up to 36 hours, longer than some other ED medicines

How Cialis Tablet works

Cialis blocks an enzyme called PDE5. This lets the muscles and blood vessels in the penis relax, so more blood can flow in during sexual stimulation, helping to produce and maintain an erection. It only works if you are sexually aroused.

Cialis Tablet dosage

Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not break, split, or chew it. It can be taken with or without food. For as-needed use, take it at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Do not take more than one dose per day. If taken daily, take it at about the same time each day. Cialis will not cause an erection without sexual stimulation. It is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old and is not intended for use in women.

Available forms and strengths

• Film-coated tablet

Side effects of Cialis Tablet

Common

• Headache
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Nausea, upset stomach, indigestion
• Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
• Muscle pain, back pain, pain in arms or legs

Serious

• Erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism)
• Nausea, chest pain, or dizziness during sex
• Sudden vision loss or vision changes
• Ringing in the ears or sudden hearing loss
• Heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating
• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Fainting, seizures, and passing memory loss (rare)

Warnings and precautions

• Cialis is not for use in women, and it is not known if tadalafil could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 
• Tadalafil likely passes into breast milk, so you and your doctor should decide whether you will take this medicine or breastfeed, not both.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, since tadalafil can stay in your bloodstream longer if you have kidney problems. 
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before taking Cialis, as tadalafil can remain in your bloodstream longer if you have liver problems.
• Drinking alcohol with Cialis can cause side effects, including a temporary drop in blood pressure, and may affect your ability to get an erection. 
• Some men have reported dizziness while taking Cialis; check how you react to the tablets before driving or using machines.
• Do not take Cialis with nitrate medicines used for chest pain or heart problems, or with recreational drugs like poppers, as this can cause a sudden and serious drop in blood pressure.
• Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially riociguat, since combining it with Cialis can be dangerous.
• Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, since a prolonged erection can damage the penis.
• Get medical help right away if you have nausea, chest pain, or dizziness during sex.
• Stop using Cialis and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.
• Do not use Cialis if you have serious heart disease, have recently had a heart attack, have recently had a stroke, or have low or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Storage

• Store in the original package to protect from moisture
• Do not store above 30°C
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the carton and blister
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use

When to see a doctor

• Stop using Cialis and get medical help right away if you have a light-headed feeling like you might pass out.
• Seek emergency care if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, as this can permanently damage the penis.
• Stop using Cialis and contact your doctor immediately if you have vision changes or sudden vision loss.
• Stop using Cialis and get medical help if you notice ringing in your ears or sudden hearing loss.
• Get emergency help right away for heart attack symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, or sweating.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Alternatives

• Sildenafil
• Avanafil
• Mirodenafil