What is Cialis, and how does it function?
Cialis is the brand name for Tadalafil and is prescribed to men with sexual function problems like impotence or erectile dysfunction. Cialis helps you get and keep an erection and is also used to treat and relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It helps to relieve symptoms of BPH, like difficulty initiating the flow of urine, a weak stream, and the frequency and urgency to urinate, especially during the night.
Cialis is known to work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder and is known as a PDE 5 inhibitor. During sexual arousal, NO or Nitric Oxide is released from nerve terminals and endothelial cells. NO activates the production of cGMP, leads to smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum, and increases blood flow to the male genitalia.
PDE 5 is an enzyme found in these smooth muscles that selectively regulates the production and destruction of cGMP. PDE 5 inhibitors help control blood flow by increasing the amount of blood flow to the male genitalia and improving erection. You should note that Cialis is known to work along with sexual stimulation only, and it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
What are the possible side effects caused by Cialis?
The common side effects include-
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Back and muscle pain
- Flushing and stuffy nose
- Dizziness or drowsiness
The common side effects should decrease with time. It is advised that you inform your doctor if they persist or become worse with time.
The severe side effects include-
- Sudden decreased vision
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Loss of hearing
- Prolonged erection of more than 4 hours (Priapism)
The severe side effects of Cialis are unlikely, and it is advised that you call your doctor and look for immediate medical assistance if you notice them.
How long does Cialis stay in your system?
Cialis can remain effective for up to 36 hours and has a much longer half-life. The half-life of a substance is the amount of time it takes half of the active drug to leave the body. Ideally, a drug takes 5 to 6 half-lives to be entirely eliminated from the body. The half-life of Cialis is 17.5 hours meaning it will take one dose of Cialis 3 to 4 days to be completely removed from your system.
Precautions to be taken while using Cialis
- Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, and it may be worse if you have an existing heart problem. If you notice side effects like pain in the chest, jaw, or left arm, severe dizziness, and fainting, you should immediately call for medical help.
- It is advised that you inform your doctor about your medical history, especially heart problems, kidney or liver disease, high or low blood pressure, conditions like sickle cell anemia, leukemia that may increase the risk of priapism, and eye problems like retinitis pigmentosa.
- Cialis can cause dizziness and drowsiness, and it is advised that you abstain from and avoid alcohol, cannabis products, and other CNS depressants, as they can aggravate your side effects.
- Cialis is not known to be used for and by women. It is advised that you only use it if needed under the guidance of your physician.
How should you have Cialis?
Cialis is orally administered to be had once a day with or without food as directed by your doctor. Cialis will work only if you have it along with sexual stimulation. For erectile dysfunction, you can have Cialis 30 minutes before sexual activity. Cialis is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg doses.
The dosage of Cialis prescribed to you will be based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. The dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia is 5mg to be had once a day. In contrast, the dosage for erectile dysfunction is 5mg to 10mg to be had 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to sexual activity.
Other point –
Erectile dysfunction or impotence is the inability to get and keep an erection. Occasional trouble getting an erection isn’t a cause for concern, however, if it is an ongoing issue, it can lead to stress, affect relationships and cause mental distress. Difficulty getting or keeping an erection can also be related to an underlying health condition like heart disease.
ED or erectile dysfunction symptoms include persistent trouble getting or keeping an erection and reduced sexual desire. The causes of ED can be physical or psychological factors like heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, Parkinson’s disease, tobacco use, high blood pressure, depression or anxiety, and stress. In order to treat ED, doctors prescribe PDE 5 inhibitors like Cialis.