Description

Cialis (tadalafil)

Cialis (tadalafil) is a prescription drug in the PDE-5 inhibitor class, used primarily for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to improve urinary symptoms, and also for pulmonary arterial hypertension , working by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow, offering effects for up to 36 hours, but requires caution with nitrates and can cause headaches or indigestion.

Uses

- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Helps achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Relieves urinary symptoms like difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and dribbling.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): (Under the brand name Adcirca) to improve exercise ability.

How it works (Mechanism)

Belongs to a class of drugs called Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors.
Increases blood flow to the penis for ED and relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder for BPH.

Dosing & Duration

As Needed (ED): Taken before sexual activity; effective for up to 36 hours.
Once Daily (ED/BPH): Taken daily around the same time, regardless of sexual activity.
Start with: Often 10 mg for as-needed ED, 2.5 mg daily for BPH, adjusted by a doctor.

Side Effects & Warnings

Common Side Effects: Headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle pain, flushing.
Serious Interactions: Do NOT take with nitrates (for heart conditions) due to risk of severe blood pressure drop.
Other Precautions: Use with caution if you have cardiovascular issues, liver/kidney problems, or take blood pressure medications.

Key takeaway

Cialis (tadalafil) is effective for ED and BPH, offers long-lasting effects, but must be prescribed by a doctor who can determine the right dose and check for interactions.

How long does Cialis last?

Cialis can work for up to 36 hours in your body.

To treat erectile dysfunction (ED), your doctor may have you take Cialis only as needed before sexual activity. (See the “Cialis dosage” section below to learn more.) In this case, Cialis may keep working for up to 36 hours in helping you have and maintain erections during that time.

However, if you take Cialis each day for either benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or ED, you’ll consistently have medication in your system. Therefore, it will continue to work throughout the day.