Cialis
Information
The
following Cialis frequently asked question section is for informational
purposes only. The information has been compiled from a variety
of resources in order to give the reader an overview of the use
and various effects of the medication. This information does not
represent a definitive guide to the use of Cialis nor is the information
intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
What
is Cialis?
Why
is Cialis sometimes referred to as tadalafil?
What
is the appropriate dose of Cialis?
What
are the results of the clinical trials concerning the percentage
of men who had improved erections while taking Cialis?
How
long does it take to notice the effect of Cialis once I take the
medication?
How
long does the effect of Cialis last?
How
does Cialis work?
Are there any side effects with Cialis ?
How
much time must surpass before Cialis is effective?
What
happens if there is no sexual stimulation following the ingestion
of Cialis?
What
are the precautions/warnings concerning Cialis?
Can
I use Cialis with other medications?
Why
is Cialis absolutely contraindicated in individualswho are currently
taking medications containing nitrates?
Can
I get Cialis over the counter?
Should I use Cialis if I have not had sexual intercourse in a
long time?
What is Cialis?
Cialis represents a new class of medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors.
These medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
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Why is Cialis sometimes referred to as tadalafil?
Tadalafil is the generic name for Cialis. The generic name represents
the medications nonproprietary or chemical name, whereas, the
brand name is the name a pharmaceutical give to a medication for
marketing purposes.
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What is the appropriate
dose of Cialis?
During clinical testing Cialis was administered in 10mg or 20mg
doses.
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What are the results of the clinical trials
concerning the percentage of men who had improved erections while
taking Cialis?
The Phase III study examined the safety and efficacy of "on-demand"
Cialis treatment in 196 men suffering from mild-to-severe ED(1).
Men in the study were randomized to receive up to 20 mg of Cialis
or placebo over a 12-week period. Men were free to take their
study medication without restrictions on food or alcohol consumption
and to have sex with their partners at the time of their choosing
after each dose.
Results showed
that 85 percent of men taking Cialis 20 mg reported significantly
improved erections compared with baseline. In addition, 78 percent
of intercourse attempts recorded by all men on Cialis 20 mg were
successful. Importantly, 63 percent of men with ED treated with
Cialis 20 mg achieved an erectile function score experts consider
"normal" for healthy men as measured by the International
Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).
On the 10
mg dose, 92 percent of men reported improved erections, and 70
percent of intercourse attempts were successful. Forty-two percent
of men taking the 10 mg dose achieved IIEF scores in the normal
range. Fifty-four percent of patients on placebo in the study
reported improved erections, while 43 percent of their attempts
were successful. Twenty percent of men taking placebo attained
IIEF scores in the "normal" range.
In this study,
side effects were mild to moderate, and their incidence diminished
with continued treatment. The most commonly reported side effects
were backache, muscle ache and upset stomach. There were no clinically
significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiograms
or laboratory tests attributable to treatment with Cialis.
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How long does it take to notice the effect
of Cialis once I take the medication?
During clinical studies most men were able to achieve an erection
within thirty minutes of taking Cialis.
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How long does the effect of Cialis
last?
Clinical studies have shown the effects of Cialis can last from
24 to 36 hours. This enables men to put the spontaneity back in
thier love life.
Please
note: following climax the erection will return to the normal
flacid state. Cialis, following the recovery phase, can enable
men to achieve an another erection up to 24 to 36 hours.
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How does Cialis work?
In technical terms Cialis exerts its action by effecting two enzymes,
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and phosphodiesterase type
5 (PDE5) that play important roles in erectile function. Sexual
stimulation triggers the local release of nitric oxide (NO) from
nerves and endothelial cells in the penis. NO stimulates an enzyme
that catalyzes formation of cGMP from the nucleotide guanosine
5-triphospate (GTP) in the penile blood vessels and corpus cavernosum
walls.
The cGMP causes
vasodilation of arteries, allowing the influx of blood into the
corpus cavernosum. Increased blood flow into the penis causes
the erectile tissue to expand. When the erectile tissue has expanded
sufficiently, the veins draining the corpus cavernosum become
compressed. This decreases the outflow of blood from the penis,
and the blood remains in the corpus cavernosum to keep the penis
erect.
The enzyme
PDE5 eventually causes degradation of the cGMP, and the erection
ends.
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Are there any side effects with Cialis?
Most of the reported side effects during clinical testing were
mild to moderate, and their incidence diminished with continued
treatment. The most commonly reported side effects were myalgia
(muscle pain), headache and upset stomach. There were no clinically
significant changes in heart rate, electrocardiograms, blood pressure
or laboratory tests attributable to treatment with Cialis.The
severities of these Cialis side effects were minimized with lower
doses of Cialis.
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How much time must surpass before Cialis
is effective?
Cialis is rapidly absorbed. Most patients in clinical trial reported
that Cialis produced positive effects within thirty minutes.
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What happens if there is no sexual stimulation
following the ingestion of Cialis?
Cialis is naturally eliminated from your body in a few hours.
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What are the precautions/warnings concerning
Cialis?
Individuals should not exceed the recommended dose of Cialis or
take Cialis for longer than prescribed without first consulting
with your physician. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments
while you are using Cialis . The medication is contraindicated
in individuals with known allergies or hypersensitivity to the
medication or any of the components. The medication should be
discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the medications ingredients
is noted. Inform your physician of your complete medical history
especially if you have any conditions of the penis (fibrosis/scaring,
history of painful/prolonged erection [priapism], abnormal curvature
of the penis, [Peyronie's disease] etc.), cardiovascular complications
(heart attack, congestive heart failure, unstable angina [chest
pain], arrhythmia [an abnormal heartbeat rhythm] uncontrolled
hypertension or hypotension, history of postural hypotension,
stroke, transient ischemic attacks [TIAs], etc), blood disorders
(sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, bleeding disorders, etc.), cancer
(leukemia, myeloma, prostate, etc), kidney or liver disease, stomach
ulcers, eye complications (retinitis pigmentosis). Men who are
taking medicines that contain nitrates (Nitroglycerin) of any
kind must not use Cialis.
Inform your
physician of all nonprescription and prescription medication you
may use, especially any of the following medications, Ketoconazole,
Erythromycin, HIV Protease Inhibitors (e.g., Ritonavir, Indinavir),
Alpha-blockers (e.g. Hytrin (terazosin HCl), Cardura (doxazosin
mesylate), Minipress (prazosin HCl) or Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCl).
Nifedipine or other high blood pressure medicines.
Men who are
taking medicines that contain nitrates (Nitroglycerin) of any
kind must not use Cialis. Patients should not take Cialis even
if you only take nitroglycerin medication occasionally (combining
Cialis with nitrates can result in a dangerously low blood pressure
that can result in a heart attack, stroke or even death). Nitrate
medications often have nitro or isosorbide in their names. Nitrates
are also found in recreational. Do not start, stop or change the
dose of any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval.
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Can I use Cialis with other medications?
Yes, it is generally safe to use Cialis while on other medications,
however some medicines may potentate the effects of Cialis. Individuals
should always consult with their healthcare provider prior to
taking any medication. Note Cialis does have one absolute contraindication;
individuals who are taking medication-containing nitrates (even
intermittently) should not take Cialis.
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Why is Cialis absolutely contraindicated
in individuals who are currently taking medications containing
nitrates?
Inform your physician of
all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially
any of the following medications, Ketoconazole, Erythromycin,
HIV Protease Inhibitors (e.g., Ritonavir, Indinavir), Alpha-blockers
(e.g. Hytrin (terazosin HCl), Cardura (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress
(prazosin HCl) or Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCl). Nifedipine or other
high blood pressure medicines. Do not start, stop or change the
dose of any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval.
Men
who are taking medicines that contain nitrates (Nitroglycerin)
of any kind must not use Cialis. Patients should not take Cialis
even if you only take nitroglycerin medication occasionally (combining
Cialis with nitrates can result in a dangerously low blood pressure
that can result in a heart attack, stroke or even death). Nitrate
medications often have nitro or isosorbide in their names. Nitrates
are also found in recreational drugs.
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Can I get Cialis over the counter?
No, Cialis should only be taken by prescription from a licensed
physician. Regulations do not permit Cialis to be taken without
prescription. Secondary to the advent of the internet individuals
may now order Cialis online simply by completing an online medical
questionnaire. Subsequently, a licensed physician will review
your medical history and patient profile. If approved for a Cialis
prescription, your order shipped discreetly to your home or office
in 1-2 business days. (order
Cialis online now).
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Should I use Cialis if I have not had sexual
intercourse in a long time?
Sexual activity can cause a strain on the cardiovascular system.
If you have not had any physical activity or if you have any pre-existing
medical conditions you should consult with your local physician
prior to using the medication.
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These pages are only a summary. If you have further questions
or would like more information about Cialis, consult you personal
physician or pharmacist.
