Introduction
Cialis® is a type of medication known as a PDE5 inhibitor that is used to treat erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It comes in several different doses and can be taken either as-needed or daily for erectile dysfunction.
For erectile dysfunction, Cialis® should be taken at least 30-60 minutes before sex and its effects last 24–36 hours. Some people report that Cialis® works best when taken at least 2 hours before sex.
Serious side effects include an erection lasting more than 4 hours, sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, and sudden hearing decrease or loss. If these occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about your medical conditions and your medications before taking Cialis®. Do not take Cialis® if you are allergic to its ingredients or if you are already taking nitrates (such as nitroglycerin), street drugs called “poppers” (such as amyl nitrate, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrate), or guanylate cyclase stimulators (such as riociguat).
What is Cialis®?
Cialis® is a drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It comes in four doses, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Cialis® can be taken as needed in any of the four doses. The 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses are also approved for daily use for ED.
Cialis® in the 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses is also FDA-approved for men suffering from urinary symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with or without ED. Physicians on the Roman platform do not currently treat BPH.
If you feel you need Cialis® for the treatment of BPH, please seek in-person care. For as needed dosing, the 10 mg dose is the most commonly used dose, although some people may benefit from higher or lower doses.
Cialis® is part of a “family” of medicines used to treat ED called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i). Other drugs in this family include Viagra® (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil).
All of these drugs have the same mechanism of action, but there are subtle differences that may lead the doctor or nurse practitioner to recommend one drug over the other based on your treatment goals.
How does Cialis® work?
In order to understand how Cialis® works to treat ED, it’s important to first understand the basics of how erections work. Erotic stimulation (by physical touch, erotic thoughts, smells, etc.) causes the local tissues to release nitric oxide (NO), which increases the amount of a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
cGMP causes the muscles on the sides of the penis, the corpora cavernosa, to relax allowing blood to rush into the penis. At the same time veins that drain blood from the penis get compressed causing the increased blood to be trapped in the penis causing an erection.
An enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 breaks down cGMP leading the penis to return to its flaccid state. PDE5i, like Cialis®, block this enzyme leading to higher levels of cGMP and improving the ability to obtain and maintain an erection.
Cialis® vs. Viagra®
Cialis® and Viagra® are each brand name medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. While they both start working within about an hour, Viagra® remains effective for about 4 hours, while Cialis® can remain effective for as long as 24-36 hours.
Keep in mind that these medications do not automatically induce erections—you need to be aroused for them to work—so the amount of time they remain in your system just reflects the window during which they make it easier to get an erection.
While Viagra® is only taken on an as-needed basis and requires some planning ahead, certain strengths of Cialis® can be prescribed as a daily medication, which means you don’t need to plan as carefully.
How should I take Cialis®?
Cialis® should be taken at least 30–60 minutes before sex. Cialis® is a long acting drug and will stay active in your body for up to 36 hours, which is sometimes why it’s nicknamed “the weekend pill.” Some people have better results when they take Cialis® at least 2 hours before sex. Cialis® absorption is not affected by food and can be taken with or without food.
1. Take at least 30–60 minutes before sex.
2. Some people have better results when they take Cialis® at least 2 hours before sex.
3. Cialis® is a long acting drug and will stay active in your body for up to 36 hours.
4. Cialis® absorption is not affected by food and can be taken with or without food.
Common side effects of Cialis®
Cialis® rarely causes side effects, and when it does, side effects are typically mild. These can include flushing and sweating, headaches, nausea, indigestion or diarrhea, runny nose or congestion, muscle aches, and back pain.
Clinical Trial Results
FDA approval of Cialis was based on 2 U.S. and 5 international randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials. In total, Cialis has been evaluated in over 4,000 subjects. The primary outcome measures were the Erectile Function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Questions 2 and 3 from Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP).
The IIEF is a 4-week recall questionnaire administered at the end of a treatment-free baseline period and at follow-up visits after enrollment. The IIEF EF domain has a 30-point total score, where higher scores reflect better erectile function. SEP is a diary in which subjects recorded each sexual attempt made during the study.
Results of the 2 U.S. trials demonstrated meaningful and statistically significant improvements in all efficacy variables, with positive effects being maintained over time. The trial enrolled 402 subjects, with an average age of 59 years, experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). Cialis doses ranged from 2.5 to 20 mg, once daily as needed.
Results of the 5 international studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all 3 primary efficacy variables. Treatment effects did not diminish over time. In addition, data showed patient-reported improvement in erections across subjects with ED of all degrees of severity while taking Cialis, compared to placebo.
The efficacy and safety studies enrolled 1112 subjects, with a mean age of 59. The trials included subjects with ED and with multiple conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Can I get a Cialis® prescription online?
Yes. Chinn Urology connects you with a US-licensed healthcare professional online who will review your information and prescribe Cialis® if it is right for you. Keep in mind that Cialis® is not available without a prescription in the United States and therefore, websites offering “over-the-counter” Cialis® without a prescription are likely not reliable or trustworthy sources for this medication.
