Information on Cialis

Pronounced: see-AL-iss
Generic name: tadalafil

Cialis has been shown to be effective in men over the age of 18 years who have erectile dysfunction, including men with diabetes or who have undergone prostatectomy.

Who should not take Cialis?

Do not take Cialis if you...

• take any medicines called nitrates. Nitrates are commonly used to treat angina. Angina is a symptom of heart disease and can cause pain in your chest, jaw, or down your arm. Medicines called nitrates include nitroglycerin that is found in tablets, sprays, ointments, pastes, or patches. Nitrates can also be found in other medicines such as isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate. Some recreational drugs called "poppers" also contain nitrates, such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate. Do not use Cialis if you are using these drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if any of your medicines are nitrates.
• take medicines called "alpha blockers", other than Flomax® 0.4 mg daily. Alpha blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure. If Cialis is taken with alpha blockers other than Flomax® 0.4 mg daily, your blood pressure could suddenly drop to an unsafe level. You could get dizzy and faint.
• you have been told by your healthcare provider to not have sexual activity because of health problems. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from a heart attack or heart disease.
• are allergic to Cialis or any of its ingredients. The active ingredient in Cialis is called tadalafil.

What should you discuss with your doctor before taking Cialis?

Before taking Cialis, tell your doctor about all your medical problems, including if you:

• have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to have sexual activity.
• have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled
• have had a stroke
• have liver problems
• have kidney problems or require dialysis
• have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease
• have stomach ulcers
• have a bleeding problem
• have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease
• have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours
• have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia

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 medical conditions or medicines they take. 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. In some patients, the ability to have sexual activity was improved at 30 minutes after taking Cialis when compared to a sugar pill. The ability to have sexual activity was improved up to 36 hours after taking Cialis when compared to a sugar pill. You and your doctor should consider this in deciding when you should take Cialis prior to 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.