Cialis (sexual)

WHAT IS CIALIS
Cialis is a prescription medication taken by mouth for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. CIALIS (pronounced see-AL-iss) was shown to improve erectile function, as compared to a placebo, up to 36 hours following dosing. In clinical studies, Cialis improved the ability to have sexual activity in some patients in 30 minutes after taking a dose.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF CIALIS?
The most common side effects with Cialis were headache and upset stomach. Backache and muscle ache were also reported, sometimes with delayed onset. Most men weren't bothered by the side effects enough to stop taking Cialis. Although a rare occurrence, men who experience an erection for more than 4 hours (priapism) should seek immediate medical attention. Discuss your medical conditions and medications with your doctor to ensure Cialis is right for you and that you are healthy enough for sexual activity.

In clinical trials, Cialis was shown to improve the ability of men with ED to have a single successful intercourse attempt as long as 36 hours after dosing. Cialis has not been studied for multiple sexual attempts per dose.

HOW SHOULD YOU TAKE CIALIS?
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 existing medical conditions or medications currently being taken. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of Cialis. If you have kidney or liver problems or you are taking certain medications, your doctor may limit your highest dose of Cialis to 10 mg and may also limit you to one tablet in 48 hours (2 days) or one tablet in 72 hours (3 days). Take one CIALIS tablet before sexual activity. Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to happen with CIALIS. CIALIS may be taken with or without meals.

Do not change your dose of CIALIS without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may lower your dose or raise your dose, depending on how your body reacts to CIALIS. Do not drink alcohol to excess when taking CIALIS (for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey). When taken in excess, alcohol can increase your chances of getting a headache or getting dizzy, increasing your heart rate, or lowering your blood pressure. If you take too much CIALIS, call your doctor or emergency room right away
Are there any drug interactions with Cialis? Talk to your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription 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: nitrates, alpha blockers [including 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®) , or erythromycin or any other medicines or treatments for ED.

WHAT CIALIS DOES NOT DO
Cure ED, increase a man's sexual desire, protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Speak to your doctor about ways to guard against sexually transmitted diseases. Or serve as a male form of birth control. CIALIS is only for men with ED. CIALIS is not for women or children. CIALIS must be used only under a doctor's care.

HOW DOES CIALIS WORK?
When a man is sexually stimulated, his body's normal physical response is to increase blood flow to his penis. This results in an erection. CIALIS helps increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow to his penis decreases, and his erection goes away.