Cialis (active ingredient Tadalafil) is one of a group of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Cialis inhibits PDE-5, which results in dilation of pulmonary arteries, relaxation of the penile smooth muscle, and increased blood flow to the corpus cavernosum. Cialis is known for treating erectile dysfunction and improving sexual wellness, but it also provides muscle-building benefits. Read on to learn more about this treatment.
Uses
Cialis is used as a treatment for:
Erectile Dysfunction
This is a condition where a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection stiff enough for normal sexual intercourse.
The increased blood flow to the penis resolves this problem temporarily. It is important to note that Cialis will not cure erectile dysfunction, nor will it improve libido. Also, note that Cialis will only work with sexual stimulation.
*Cialis will not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Normal precautions should be taken in that regard.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It occurs most commonly in older men and causes discomfort in the urinary system.
The symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty to start or stop urinating, weak urination, or inability to empty the bladder.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
PAH is a rare condition that causes high blood pressure in the arteries feeding the lungs. This is usually due to hardened, narrowed, or blocked arteries.
Symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Untreated, the conditions will get worse over time.
The dilation of the arteries with the Cialis treatment reduces the pressure and relieves the symptoms.
Muscle Building & Testosterone
The vasodilatory effects of Cialis are not restricted to the penis. There is evidence of Cialis offering benefits for those looking to build lean muscle and improve workout performance. The adequate blood flow ensures optimal delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients while removing toxins and enabling muscle power.
Vigorous workouts can put your body under stress by causing muscle cell damage. Studies have shown that Cialis reduces the levels of proinflammatory cytokines like Interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-17and autoreactive T-lymphocytes, reducing inflammation.
Tadalafil, found in Cialis, may help increase testosterone levels by 30%. Testosterone increases lean muscle mass, another great benefit for males on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Dosage
Cialis is available in tablet form to be taken orally. Available strengths are 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
The recommended dosage for Cialis will vary depending on the condition and the patient being treated. Factors that will affect the specific dosage are:
- The patient’s age
- The condition being treated and severity thereof
- Other medical conditions and medications
- The patient’s reaction to initial doses
Common dosages are:
Erectile Dysfunction – A single dose of 10 mg or 20 mg, taken at least 30 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Dosage would usually be commenced at 10 mg and may subsequently be increased to 20 mg depending on the patient’s response. The single-dose remains effective for up to 36 hours.
A daily dose of 2.5 mg or 5 mg. This dosage option allows for spontaneous sexual activity. As with the single doses, the dosage would likely start at 2.5 mg and be increased to 5 mg if necessary. In isolated cases, the doctor may prescribe a daily dose of 10 mg.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – A single daily dose of 5 mg.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) – A single daily dose of 40 mg.
General Dosage Guidelines and Precautions
- Do not take Cialis without consulting a doctor.
- Take Cialis only as directed by your doctor.
- Do not change the dosage.
- Do not take additional doses.
- Take daily doses at approximately the same time every day.
- Daily doses should not be split. Take the entire dose at one time.
- Cialis may be taken with or without food.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due in a few hours, you can skip the missed dose and continue as usual with the next dose. Do not take a double dose. This could have serious consequences.
- For PAH treatment, if you missed a dose and remember after more than eight hours, skip it and continue the next day.
- Advise your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems as these conditions affect the rate at which your body eliminates the drug. The dosage may need to be reduced to avoid the accumulation of the active ingredient.
- Advise your doctor if you are using an alpha-blocker medication or any medication for high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, BPH, or PAH.
- Cialis should not be taken by patients who are using any substances containing nitrates. This may cause a precipitous reduction in blood pressure.
- Cialis should not be taken by patients with a recent history of heart attacks, heart failure, or stroke.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. This may cause rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness, or headache.
- Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice as this affects the absorption of tadalafil.
Side Effects
Potentially serious side effects:
- Priapism. This term refers to an erection lasting for hours or more. This requires urgent attention to avoid the risk of permanent damage to the penis.
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden reduction or loss of hearing. Dizziness and ringing of the ears may occur simultaneously.
Common minor side effects:
Side effects may occur initially that should disappear within a few days. If side effects persist or become more severe, you should consult a doctor.
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Pain in the back, arm, or jaw
- Flushing
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Changes in color vision
- Increased, decreased, or irregular heart rate
- Nasal congestion
- Diarrhea
Numerous other minor side effects have been reported. The incidence of these side effects is not known. It is also not conclusively known whether these side effects are directly associated with the use of Cialis.
Should you experience any side effects while taking Cialis, you should consult a doctor as a matter of course.
Cialis vs. Viagra
Similarities
- Cialis and Viagra (active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate) are both phosphodiesterase-5-enzyme (PDE5) inhibitors.
- Both are indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- Both are effective within 30 to 60 minutes after prophylaxis.
Differences
- Viagra is active for four to five hours. In contrast, Cialis is active for up to 36 hours.
- Cialis is also indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Cialis may cause pain in the limbs. No such side effect has been reported in the case of Viagra.
- Cialis may be taken, at a lower strength, as a daily dose providing the option of spontaneous sexual activity. Viagra is available only as a when-needed treatment.
How to Buy Cialis (Tadalafil)
Cialis is only available by prescription because it’s not for everyone. Certain health conditions and other medications can make it unsafe to take Cialis. To start a Tadalafil treatment, you must speak to your doctor or a qualified telemedicine provider such as EVOLVE. Once your blood pressure and overall health are checked, a licensed physician will help you find the best dosage to meet your lifestyle needs.
At EVOLVE, we offer the following dosages to our patients:
- 20mg Cialis Tablets
- 20mg Cialis Troche
Learn more about troche medications here.
Checking Your Testosterone Levels
Are you ready to optimize your sexual performance? EVOLVE offers some of the best male hormone lab tests. Our team of qualified physicians will review your lab results and check your important markers such as:
- Total and Free Testosterone
- Estradiol
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHGB)
- TSH, Free T3, and Free T4
- IGF-1
- and more
Getting your blood tested is an essential part of any testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) plan. Contact Patient Care @EVOLVE to schedule your Full Male Hormone Panel today!
