Men's Health - Cialis
Generic Name: tadalafil (tah DAL a fil)
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What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? |
| Erectile Dysfunction, also known as impotency, is when a man can no longer sustain an erection suitable for sexual activity. ED occurs when the chemical reactions necessary to sustain an erection no longer happen properly. |
How does Cialis work? |
Cialis opens the blood vessels within the penis allowing for an erection when the appropriate sexual stimulation is applied. Cialis causes erections only during sexual excitement. It does not work in the absence of arousal. Keep CIALIS and all medicines out of the reach of children. This medication should only be taken by the patient for whom it was prescribed. Store CIALIS at room temperature between 59° and 86°F (15° and 30°C). |
How should Cialis be taken? |
| Before taking any new prescription or nonprescription medication, your doctor or primary healthcare provider should always be contacted. Cialis is an oral medication that should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before a man wishes to participate in sexual activity. Alcohol can inhibit the effects of Cialis and it may take longer than normal to receive the benefits of Cialis if moderate of heavy quantities have been imbibed. |
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Before Using |
Before taking CIALIS, tell your doctor about all your medical problems, including if you: have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack, have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled , have had a stroke , have liver problems, have kidney problems or require dialysis, have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease, have stomach ulcers, have a bleeding problem, have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease, have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours or have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to have sexual activity. |
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Directions
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| Take CIALIS exactly as your doctor prescribes. CIALIS comes in different doses (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg). For most men, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg. CIALIS should be taken no more than once a day. Some men can only take a low dose of CIALIS because of medical conditions or medicines they take. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you. |
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Cautions |

Before taking CIALIS, tell your doctor about all your medical problems, including if you: have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack, have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled , have had a stroke , have liver problems, have kidney problems or require dialysis, have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease, have stomach ulcers, have a bleeding problem, have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease , have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours or have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to have sexual activity.
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Side Effects |
The most common side effects with CIALIS are headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. These side effects usually go away after a few hours. Patients who get back pain and muscle aches usually get it 12 to 24 hours after taking CIALIS. Back pain and muscle aches usually go away by themselves within 48 hours. Call your doctor if you get a side effect that bothers you or one that will not go away. |
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Possible Food and Drug interactions |
| Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. CIALIS and other medicines may affect each other. Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping any medicines. Especially tell your doctor if you take any of the following: medicines called nitrates , medicines called alpha blockers. These include: Hytrin ® (terazosin HCl), Flomax ® (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura® (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress® (prazosin HCl) or Uroxatral ® (alfuzosin HCl), ritonavir (Norvir ®) or indinavir (Crixivan®) , ketoconazole or itraconazole (such as Nizoral ® or Sporanox®), erythromycin and other medicines or treatments for ED. |
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Recommended Dosage |
| CIALIS comes in different doses (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg). For most men, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg. CIALIS should be taken no more than once a day. Some men can only take a low dose of CIALIS because of medical conditions or medicines they take. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you. |
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If you take too much |
No overdose of Cialis has been reported. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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