Before we review the safety profile of Cialis/Tadalafil it is worth exploring what the medication is for and how it works.
- Cialis contains the approved active ingredient known as Tadalafil with a proven history of safety and efficiency.
- This type of medicine is known as a phosphodiesterase type 5-inhibitor. It is used to help men with difficulty in having and maintaining an erection which is commonly known as impotence.
- It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. Cialis/Tadalafil works by preventing the action of a chemical in the body called phosphodiesterase type 5.
- Cialis/Tadalafil exerts its action by enhancing the effects of one of the chemicals the body normally released into the penis during sexual arousal. This allows an increase in blood flow to the penis. An erection is a result of the increase in blood flow into certain internal areas of the penis.
- Cialis/Tadalafil do not lead to sexual arousal and therefore should be used with caution, and only under medical supervision.
- Tadalafil was also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged, causing problems with urination.
- Cialis/Tadalafil is different from other approved products for ED in that it remains in the body longer for more than two days. The active ingredient can remain longer if there are problems with kidneys or liver or in combination with certain other medications.
- Cialis/tadalafil is taken orally with or without food prior to sexual activity, with a maximum dose of once daily.
What are the Side Effects?
All medicines carry a degree of risk as well as side effects. Cialis/Tadalafil is no exception. These can affect different individuals in different ways and not everyone experiences all or any of the side effects.
The most common side effects that may be experienced following consumption of Cialis/Tadalafil include:
- A headache
- Indigestion
- Back pain
- Muscle aches
- Flushed skin
- Stuffy or a runny nose
Individuals that experience back pain and muscle aches usually feel the symptoms 12 to 24 hours after taking Cialis/Tadalafil. However, these symptoms tend to subside unaided within 48 hours. A small number of individuals have also reported abnormal vision.
The Saftey of Cialis/Tadalafil
Sexual activity can add a workload on the heart and therefore it is important that the individual is open about their general health especially the heart and circulation during the medical questionnaire in order to ensure that Cialis/Tadalafil is the best option to be prescribed
Individuals with a condition known as “left ventricular outlet obstruction” from valvular problems or heart muscle enlargement may get side effects such as fainting or light-headedness. Caution is also be applied for those with recent heart attacks or stroke, heart pains (angina), heart failure, uncontrolled blood pressure or uncontrolled irregular heartbeats, severe liver disease, and retinal eye problems as this medication may not be recommended. Cialis/Tadalafil can cause the blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if it is taken with any nitrate medication. Men using nitrates in any form or are undergoing treatment for pulmonary hypertension should not take Cialis.
It is always important that an accurate documentation of the medical questionnaire is given, listing all of the medications (prescription and over-the-counter) in order to receive the best advice and safe treatment option.
Cialis & Tadalafil (As Needed)
£16.98 – £260.00
Cialis works in a similar way to Viagra and is quicker acting and lasts longer. It can be taken when needed, 30 minutes before intercourse.
Description
About Cialis
At least one in ten men has trouble getting an erection at some time. Cialis helps men to get and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated and/or excited. The medicine relaxes the blood vessels in the penis which results in more blood flowing to the penis. It reduces the action of the natural chemical in your body that makes erections go away.
How to take it?
You should take Cialis at least 30 minutes before intercourse. Cialis remains effective for 36 hours, meaning it will be easier to keep and maintain an erection when you are sexually excited. It doesn’t matter if you take this medicine with or without food; food has no impact on its effectiveness.
This medicine will only work when you’re sexually excited. You won’t get an erection just by taking Cialis.
What dose should I take?
The recommended starting dose for Cialis is 10mg tablets. If this dose is not effective you can try 20mg tablets. A maximum of one tablet should be taken in 24 hours, however it’s not recommended to take either the 10mg or 20mg tablet every day.
For patients who anticipate sexual activity at least twice weekly, the 5mg “daily” Cialis dose is more appropriate.
Patient Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment. The Patient Information leaflets can be found here for 10mg and 20mg dosages.
Other possible effects
In rare instances, taking Cialis/Tadalafil may lead to a painful erection. If an erectile-related pain is experienced, or a persistent erection lasting more than four hours in length occurs, users should immediately to seek medical advice. Erections lasting greater than four hours can pose dangerous health risks.
Caution should be applied when taken with alcohol as it may cause a drop in blood pressure that may make the individual feel dizzy. In addition, alcohol consumption can negatively impact on sexual performance. It is also advisable to avoid drinking grapefruit juice whilst taking this medication as grapefruit juice may increase the level of this medicine in the blood which in turn increases the risks of side effects.
Cialis/Tadalafil may cause dizziness and therefore caution when attempting to drive or operate machinery. It is vital that the patient information leaflet that is provided with the medication is read. Tinnitus like symptoms have also been reported but more studies are needed to establish an association.
Cialis/Tadalafil is licensed to be used by men only and therefore this medication is not prescribed for women and should not be used by women. Cialis/Tadalafil is formulated in a tablet containing lactose therefore, those who have a hereditary predisposition to galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not be taking the medication. It is also not recommended for those with severely compromised kidney or kidney failure.
Possible Drug Interactions
Some medications can interact with Cialis or Tadalafil either by reducing or increasing its effects. It is vital that full information is provided when requesting the medication in order to ensure safe and effective prescribing.
Medicines that may reduce the breakdown of Cialis/Tadalafil by the liver and thereby increase the risk of side effects include:
- Antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
- Antifungal medication such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
- HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir and saquinavir
However, there are medical ions that speed up the breakdown of Cialis/Tadalafil resulting in a decreased effect of the drug. It is important to ensure that the information is given during the medical questionnaire in order to provide safe and effective prescribing.
Medications that can reduce the effects include:
- Carbamazepine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Rifampicin
For those individuals taking Theophylline, there may be a small increase in heart rate. Although this may not likely to be significant, it is vital that this information is provided during the medical questionnaire to ensure safe and effective prescribing.
Some medications used to reduce blood pressure such as those known as alpha-blockers may cause an additive effect when given with Cialis/Tadalafil which in turn will cause a marked decrease in blood pressure. It is important to ensure that the information is given during the medical questionnaire in order to provide safe and effective prescribing.
It is also worth disclosing information regarding the use of antacids or conditions relating to stomach ulcers.
In Conclusion
- The safety and efficiency of Cialis/Tadalafil has been established for many years.
- Various studies have demonstrated that when taken at the correct dose of once a day and at an appropriate dosing interval, Cialis or Tadalafil is safe and well tolerated. These findings support the long-term use of Cialis/Tadalafil in the clinical management of erectile dysfunction.
- It is important that patients read the information leaflet provided with the medication.
- Complete transparency is needed when completing the questionnaire regarding medications and conditions in order to provide a complete care, safe and effective solution as patient safety is paramount.
References:
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. (2013). European Urology, [online] 63(5), pp.902-912. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0302283813000249 [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].
- Fda.gov. (2017). Questions and Answers for Cialis (tadalafil). [online] Available at: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm118692.htm [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].
- Montorsi F, e. (2017). Long-term safety and tolerability of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15036680 [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].
- Netdoctor. (2013). Cialis (tadalafil). [online] Available at: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/sexual-health/a8425/cialis-tadalafil/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].
- tadalafil, G. and Cialis, B. (2017). Cialis (Tadalafil): Side Effects, Interactions, Warning, Dosage & Uses. [online] RxList. Available at: https://www.rxlist.com/cialis-drug.htm [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].
- (Tadalafil), S. (2017). Side effects of Cialis (Tadalafil) – Cialrx.com. [online] CialRx.com. Available at: https://cialrx.com/side-effects-cialis-tadalafil [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].
Assured Pharmacy is not liable for the currency or accuracy of the information contained in this blog post. For specific information about your personal medical condition, please contact our doctors or pharmacists for advice on [email protected].
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