Drug Name: Cialis/Tadalafil

Drug Uses:
It is used to treat male impotence or erectile dysfunction.

Drug Benefits:
As compared to Viagra and Levitra, the effects of Cialis last for a longer period – about 48 hours. Another advantage is the fewer adverse effects that the drug has and these pass of easily within a few hours. This could possibly be the reason why 66% of users prefer Cialis to Viagra. Cialis can be taken about thirty minutes or twelve hours prior to sex.

Since Cialis is to be taken daily at a particular time, it is more convenient as you can be ready for sex at any time. However, the dosage for the pill must be prescribed by the doctor. You can take the tablet with your food or on an empty stomach. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice is to be avoided by users of Cialis; though you can speak to the doctor about this issue.

One point to be noted is that sexual stimulation is necessary to achieve an erection. Just taking Cialis will not show direct results.

Drug Classification:
Cialis, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor type 5 works by improving the flow of blood into the penis to get an erection and maintain it.

Missed Dosage:
If you miss your Cialis dose, just take it as soon as you remember, particularly if you really plan to have sexual intercourse in the very near future. You must continue your dosage as per the prescription after that.

Storage Instructions:
Cialis has to be stored at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F). Like all other drugs, it must be protected from moisture, light and heat and kept out of children's reach.

Precautions and Advice

Patients suffering from heart problems, who have been prescribed nitrates, should not take Cialis. These medications include nitroglycerin such as Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Minitran, Deponit, Nitro-Bid or Transderm-Nitro. It also includes isosorbide dinitrate like Dilatrate-SR, Isordil and Sorbitrate as well as Isosorbide mononitrates like Imdur, ISMO and Monoket. Patients taking recreational drugs like amyl nitrates or nitrites ('poppers') are also at risk. In such cases, if Cialis is taken, it may lead to a heart attack or stroke caused due to sudden decrease in blood pressure.

You must inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart disease or heart rhythm problems
• A history of a heart attack within the past 3 months
• If you have suffered a stroke or congestive heart failure in the last 6 months
• Chest pain or Angina
• Liver disease
• Low or high blood pressure
• If you suffer from kidney disease and are on dialysis
• A blood cell disorder like sickle cell anemia, leukemia or multiple myeloma
• A bleeding disorder (hemophilia)
• Retinitis pigmentosa which is an inherited eye condition
• Stomach ulcers
• A physical deformity of the penis (Peyronie's disease)
• If you have been specifically prevented from having sex for health reasons.

Probable Side Effects

The common side effects experienced by users of Cialis are indigestion, headaches, back pain, flushing, runny or stuffy nose and muscle pain. These are not very serious issues as the problems clear up within a few hours. Muscle aches are usually experienced within twelve to twenty four hours after taking the medication.

The adverse effects of Cialis go away by themselves within 48 hours. If you do experience any unusual conditions after taking Cialis or if the symptoms refuse to go away, it is imperative to seek medical advice.