(Tadalafil)

Cialis is the common associated brand name for the erectile dysfunction medication Tadalafil. Commonly confused with Viagra (Sildenafil), while both treat erectile dysfunction they are not equal. Tadalafil was first released in 2003 by Glaxo Wellcome and is now owned by Eli Lilly. In fact, Eli Lilly’s Cialis is the only brand name for Tadalafil on the market. However, in recent years many compounding pharmacies have begun manufacturing generic versions, some of which are more potent than the name brand.

Cialis Functions & Traits:

Tadalafil is officially known as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5 Inhibitor) that is specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction. Cialis carries a half-life of nearly 18 hours (17.5), which increases its effectiveness tremendously over Viagra (4-5hrs) and Levitra (4-5hrs). Many often refer to Cialis as “The Weekend Pill” due to its extremely lengthy period of activity. With one single dosing, a man should find he is ready to perform at any time for up to 36 hours.

Tadalafil functions by increasing the amount of blood flow to the penis. Blood flow is what specifically promotes an erection. This is accomplished by medication relaxing the penile arteries and in turn promoting the release of nitric oxide from the nerves to the endothelial cells in the penis. When this is accomplished, it promotes the synthesis of cGMP:

• PDE5 Inhibited
• Increase in nitric oxide
• Increase in cGMP
• Stronger erections 

Important note – with a proper dose of Cialis, erections will only occur due to sexual stimulation. The necessary release of nitric oxide will not occur without sexual stimulation.

Tadalafil is also well noted for lowering blood pressure. Due to its ability to lower blood pressure, some men will take a very low daily dose of the compound for this purpose alone, and it has shown to be fairly effective. While that may seem surprising, the medication was approved in 2009 for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. More recently, the medication has also been approved for the treatment of BPH (Benign Prostate hyperplasia – enlarged prostate) but such use is only approved when accompanied by erectile dysfunction.

Side Effects:

PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis are some of the more friendly medications when it comes to side effects. Side effects of Cialis are possible but they are not common. The most worrisome side effect of Cialis is vision impairment, but the rate of such an occurrence is one in one million. Data shows that men who experience any visual disturbance almost always have some type of existing visual impairment. The most common side effects of Cialis include:

• Headache
• Nausea and/or indigestion
• Lower back pain
• Muscle soreness and/or aches
• Flushness 

These side effects normally fade in a few hours if they occur. Such problems are due to the medication’s ability to widen the blood vessels. Most men will find a slightly lower dose usually eliminates the problem with future use.

Due to its ability to lower blood pressure, Cialis should not be taken with nitrates and all nitrates should be avoided for a minimum of 48 hours post Cialis use.

Doses & Administration:

Cialis is available in daily 2.5 and 5mg tabs with original Cialis being available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tabs. You may find your local compounding facility carries Tadalafil in different concentrated doses. Depending on which form you choose will determine how it is dosed:

• Daily Cialis 2.5-5mg
• Taken once per day
• Should keep the individual primed for sexual activity at any time
• Results may vary as some men do not respond as well to a lower dose despite a greater frequency.
• Cialis 5-20mg
• May be taken anytime during the day.
• Will begin to work in some men as fast as 30 minutes, others a little longer
• Will keep the individual primed for sexual activity up to 36 hours. 

Regardless of the form, medications with nitrates must be avoided as an unsafe drop in blood pressure may occur.

For the purpose of treating BPH, 5mg Cialis will be taken once per day. For the purpose of controlling hypertension, 2.5mg per day is normally safe. However, you should consult with your doctor before considering Cialis use for BPH or hypertension control and inform them if you are taking any other medications for such purposes. Other erectile dysfunction medications should be avoided when using Cialis.