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What is Cialis? Cialis is a potency-enhancing drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. The active ingredient in Cialis is tadalafil, which belongs to the group of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors). It acts directly on the blood supply to the penis: During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) is released. NO then stimulates an enzyme that leads to increased production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
The task of the cGMP is to relax the smooth muscles and allow an increased flow of blood into the penis ( Erection). The enzyme phosphodiesterase then breaks down the cGMP and consequently causes the penis to relax. The Cialis effect is to stop this degradation, allowing for more blood flow to the cavernous bodies and a stronger erection. However, a prerequisite is a sexual stimulation – without this, the drug does not work. Cialis is a very reliable sexual enhancer and is characterized by its long duration of action.
Compared to other active ingredients in this group, the Cialis active ingredient has a significantly longer half-life. The effect can last up to 36 hours. The Cialis duration of action thus allows spontaneous sexuality.
The sexual enhancer Cialis is mainly used in men with medically diagnosed erectile dysfunction. This occurs when the erection is not sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. The drug requires a prescription and is only available in pharmacies with a prescription.
The Cialis effect is also used to treat the benign prostate syndrome. In addition, the active ingredient in the drug improves blood circulation in the lungs and could thus lead to improved performance during physical activity.
If you take Cialis as needed, be sure to give yourself plenty of time (since it takes up to 1 to 2 hours to kick in). If you don’t do this, you won’t be able to go fast after taking it.
If the current dosage isn’t working, a lower dose taken daily might be more effective. If you like to be more spontaneous, this might be better for you. To maintain stability, be sure to take your medication at the same time each day.
You should never take more than one dose of this medication per day.
Like any drug, Cialis can cause side effects. Muscle and body aches, headaches, facial flushing or indigestion can often occur. Occasionally, dizziness and abdominal pain , penile bleeding, palpitations, tachycardia, high and low blood pressure and ringing in the ears occur. Very rarely, the Cialis effects cause fainting, seizures, temporary memory loss, eyelid swelling, hives , sudden hearing loss, or deafness .
If side effects occur suddenly, a doctor must be consulted immediately, who will decide individually whether the drug should be discontinued or the dosage adjusted.
The active substance in Cialis is very selective compared to other PDE-5 inhibitors, which means that it acts almost exclusively on the PDE-5 enzyme. The active ingredient has practically no effect on related enzymes such as PDE-6 (regulates processes in the retina of the eye). Color vision problems can occur with less selective PDE-5 inhibitors, but this is not the case with the use of Cialis.
High-fat foods
Avoid fatty foods or large meals before taking Cialis and before sexual activity. High-fat foods can make it difficult to work Cialis properly. It may also take longer to work.
Nitrates and other medications
The following medications can interact with Cialis, making it less effective:
- nitrates
- antiseizure medications
- HIV medications
certain antibiotics
- oral antifungal medications
- high blood pressure medications
In order to avoid any possible interactions, be sure to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about how you should take all of your medications.
You should stay away from Cialis if you take chest pain (angina) and blood pressure medications that fall under nitrate or alpha-blocker drugs. If you combine these substances, your blood pressure could lower to a dangerously low level.
Alcoholic drinks
Use caution with alcohol consumption when taking Cialis. Excessive alcohol consumption can impede your sexual arousal. Excessive low blood pressure can cause headaches, dizziness, and fainting.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
Do not eat grapefruit while taking Cialis. The fruit can elevate the drug’s levels in your blood, leading to more severe side effects.
Source List:
- Evans J, et al. (2015). A comparison of the available phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A focus on avanafil. dovepress.com/a-comparison-of-the-available-phosphodieshysterase-5-inhibitors-in-the-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-PPA
- Gong B, et al. (2017). Direct comparison of tadalafil with sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. DOI:
10.1007/s11255-017-1644-5 - Questions and Answers for Cialis (tadalafil) | FDA
- PDE5 Inhibitors & Your Brain | Cognitive Vitality
Isabel D White
Isabel led the Royal Marsden Hospital (London) psychosexual therapy service until 2019. She works in partnership with individuals & couples to explore physical, emotional & relationship factors that contribute to sexual difficulties after cancer. These include: low desire, erection, arousal or orgasmic difficulties, sexual pain & sexual avoidance. She adopts an integrative approach to personalized therapy using psychosexual therapy (sensate focus framework), biomedical management (erectile dysfunction medication & devices, menopause & vaginal health strategies, sexual aids) & psychoeducation.
