Key Facts
FDA Approval: Cialis (tadalafil) is FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and the combination of both.
Forms & Dosages: Available as oral tablets in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths.
ADHow It Works: Cialis relaxes blood vessels in the penis to improve blood flow for ED, and relaxes bladder muscles to ease urination in BPH.
Duration of Action: Cialis can remain effective for up to 36 hours, giving it the nickname “the weekend pill.”
Comparison with Viagra: Both are PDE5 inhibitors; Cialis lasts longer (up to 36 hours), while Viagra typically lasts 4–6 hours.
Mild Side Effects: Headache, flushing, muscle pain, back pain, heartburn, and stuffy nose.
Serious Side Effects: Prolonged erections (over 4 hours), vision changes, hearing loss, allergic reactions, and blood pressure changes.
Effectiveness Studies: Research shows 69.1% of men prefer Cialis over Viagra due to its longer-lasting effects.
Administration: Can be taken daily or as needed, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours before sexual activity.
Precautions: Should not be taken more than once daily and must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Cialis is a prescription medication known by its brand name. It has been approved by the FDA to address the following concerns in males:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
- Symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a prostate-related ailment that can lead to difficulties in urination.
- The combined occurrence of ED and symptoms related to BPH.
Cialis is provided in the form of oral tablets for ingestion. It is accessible in four different potencies: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
Your specific circumstances and the purpose for which Cialis is being used will determine whether you should take the medication before engaging in sexual activity or on a daily basis.
The active pharmaceutical ingredient in Cialis is tadalafil, belonging to a category of drugs referred to as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
In the context of treating ED, Cialis functions by relaxing the blood vessels leading to the penis, thereby facilitating an increased blood flow. In the case of BPH symptoms, Cialis relaxes the muscles within the bladder, leading to improved ease of urination.
What is the duration of Cialis’s effectiveness?
Cialis can remain effective for a span of up to 36 hours within your system.
For the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), your healthcare provider might recommend taking Cialis on an as-needed basis prior to engaging in sexual activity. (Refer to the “Cialis dosage” section below for further details.) In such cases, Cialis could sustain its effectiveness for up to 36 hours, aiding you in achieving and sustaining erections during that timeframe.
However, if you are prescribed Cialis daily for either benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or ED, the medication will consistently be present in your system. As a result, its efficacy will persist throughout the day.
Read Also: Bencoprim : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage
Cialis vs. Viagra
When considering medications with similar applications, such as those for erectile dysfunction, you might be interested in understanding the similarities and distinctions between Cialis and Viagra. Below, we examine the commonalities and differences between these two drugs.
Ingredients Comparison:
In terms of active drug ingredients, there is a distinction between Cialis and Viagra. Specifically:
- Cialis contains tadalafil as its active drug ingredient.
- Viagra contains sildenafil as its active drug ingredient.
Despite this disparity, both Cialis and Viagra fall under the category of medications referred to as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Uses:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval to both Cialis and Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. ED is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
Moreover, Cialis has received additional FDA approval for the treatment of the following conditions in males:
- Symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a prostate-related ailment that can lead to issues with urination.
- The combined presence of ED and symptoms linked to BPH.
Drug Forms and Administration
Both Cialis and Viagra are formulated as oral tablets for ingestion. The methods of administration and dosing patterns differ between the two:
- Cialis: It can be taken either once a day or on an as-needed basis, specifically before engaging in sexual activity.
- Viagra: Typically, it is taken only when required, specifically before sexual activity.
Side Effects and Risks:
Cialis and Viagra, both designed to address ED, can lead to comparable side effects, although there are some variations as well. The following are instances of these side effects:
Mild Side Effects: These lists include the most common mild side effects that can manifest with Cialis, Viagra, or both drugs individually:
Cialis:
- Pain in the arms or legs.
Viagra:
- Abnormal vision.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Rash.
Both Cialis and Viagra:
- Headache.
- Flushing.
- Heartburn.
- Stuffy nose.
- Back pain.
- Muscle pain.
Serious Side Effects:
The following examples are instances of serious side effects that can occur when taking Cialis or Viagra individually:
- Prolonged erection (an erection that lasts over 4 hours).
- Loss of vision.
- Changes in hearing, such as difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears.
- Allergic reactions.
- Changes in blood pressure.
It’s essential to remain aware of these potential side effects and promptly consult a medical professional if they occur while using Cialis or Viagra.
Effectiveness:
Cialis and Viagra serve distinct FDA-approved purposes, yet both are utilized to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Clinical studies have directly compared the efficacy of Cialis and Viagra in addressing ED.
Results of One Study:
In this study, males were categorized into groups taking Cialis either once daily or as needed, and those taking Viagra as needed. The outcomes indicated:
- Males in the Cialis group experienced more notable improvement in their confidence compared to those in the Viagra group.
- The Cialis group demonstrated lesser concern regarding the duration of their erections in comparison to the Viagra group. This discrepancy is attributed to Cialis’s longer duration of action.
Results from Another Study:
Another study involved males taking Cialis as needed or Viagra as needed for a duration of 4 weeks. Following this, they switched to the alternative medication for another 4 weeks. The males then determined their preferred medication. The study found:
- 69.1% of males preferred Cialis, while 30.9% favored Viagra. This preference was often linked to Cialis’s extended duration of action within the body.
- The research evaluated how effectively the drugs treated ED, gauged by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a survey assessing erectile function. Higher IIEF scores indicated improved erectile function and betterment of ED symptoms. Self-esteem and relationship quality scores were similar in both groups.
Improvement in IIEF Scores:
- Males originally taking Cialis witnessed an average IIEF score enhancement of approximately 12.03 points.
- Males originally taking Viagra observed an average IIEF score improvement of around 11.86 points.
These findings underline the effectiveness of both Cialis and Viagra in treating ED. The preference for one over the other often hinges on factors such as duration of action and personal experience.
Cialis Side Effects:
Cialis usage may result in either mild or serious side effects. Below are some essential side effects that could manifest while using Cialis. Please be aware that these lists are not exhaustive and there might be additional side effects not included here.
To gain more insight into the potential side effects of Cialis, it’s advisable to have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist. They can offer guidance on managing any troublesome side effects you might experience.
Mild Side Effects of Cialis:
Cialis might lead to mild side effects, which could encompass:
- Headache.
- Heartburn.
- Back pain.
- Muscle pain.
- Stuffy nose.
- Flushing.
- Pain in your arms or legs.
Typically, these mild side effects tend to subside within a short span, typically a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they intensify or persist, it’s recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.
How to Take Cialis:
Adhering to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions is crucial when taking Cialis.
Form and Administration: Cialis is available as an oral tablet meant for swallowing.
Timing: The frequency and timing of Cialis intake will be determined by your doctor. It can be taken once a day or on an as-needed basis, specifically before engaging in sexual activity. If you’re uncertain about the appropriate usage frequency for Cialis taken as needed, discuss this with your doctor. It’s important to note that Cialis should never be taken more than once within a 24-hour period.
Optimal Timing: The timing of taking Cialis varies depending on whether it’s taken daily or as needed:
- For daily use, ensure you take it around the same time each day.
- If you’re taking Cialis as needed, you might be wondering how long before sexual activity you should take it. The ideal time is approximately 2 hours prior to engaging in sex. This is because, on average, it takes about 2 hours for the drug to reach its peak concentration in your body, yielding the best effects. However, some individuals might experience improved erectile function as early as 30 minutes after taking the drug.
To avoid missing a once-daily dose, consider setting a reminder on your phone or utilizing a medication timer to help you stay on track.
Always adhere to your doctor’s instructions and recommendations for the proper use of Cialis to ensure its safe and effective use
Authoritative References
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) – Tadalafil (Cialis) Information
Mayo Clinic – Cialis (Oral Route)
National Library of Medicine (NIH) – Tadalafil Drug Information
Cleveland Clinic – ED Medications: Viagra vs. Cialis
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