1. What is Cialis used to treat?
Cialis is specifically approved for the treatment of men who experience difficulty having and maintaining an erection, a condition commonly referred to as impotence. This is a prevalent issue among men and can be influenced by various psychological and physiological factors.
2. How does Cialis work?
Cialis works by enhancing the effects of one of the natural chemicals that the body releases into the penis during sexual arousal, known as nitric oxide. This leads to increased blood flow into the penis, facilitating the process of achieving and maintaining an erection. The biological mechanisms involved in this process help ensure that men can engage in sexual activity more effectively when the situation calls for it.
3. How is Cialis different from the currently approved products for erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Cialis stands out from other products currently approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction because it has a longer duration of action. It can last up to 36 hours, offering a more flexible window for sexual activity. However, it's important to note that there have been no direct studies that compare the clinical efficacy and safety of Cialis with other ED treatments available on the market.
4. How do I take Cialis?
Cialis is intended for oral consumption and should be taken before anticipated sexual activity, but it is limited to no more than once daily. Patients can take Cialis with or without food, which provides convenience for those who may have dietary restrictions. It may be necessary for some patients to have their dosage adjusted based on their individual response and any potential side effects experienced.
5. Are there any side effects with Cialis?
As with any medication, Cialis may have side effects. The most commonly reported side effects during clinical trials included:
- headache
- indigestion
- back pain
- muscle pain
- flushing
- stuffy nose
Patients who experience back pain and muscle aches typically report these effects occurring 12 to 24 hours after taking Cialis, and they generally resolve on their own within 48 hours. It's also worth mentioning that a small number of patients have reported experiencing abnormal vision while using Cialis.
6. What important information should you know about Cialis?
- CIALIS can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an unsafe level if taken with any nitrate medication. This can result in dizziness, fainting, or in severe cases, a heart attack or stroke.
- It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider that you are taking Cialis. This information is essential if you ever require emergency medical assistance for a heart-related issue, as knowing when you last took Cialis could impact treatment decisions.
- After consuming a single tablet, some of the active ingredient of Cialis remains in your system for more than 48 hours. This timeframe can be extended if you have kidney or liver issues, or if you are on certain other medications that affect liver metabolism.
- Healthcare professionals should discuss with patients the potential interactions between CIALIS and blood-pressure-lowering medications such as alpha-blockers, as these combinations may enhance the hypotensive effects.
7. What should I talk to my doctor about when considering if Cialis is right for me?
Because engaging in sexual activity can increase the workload on the heart, it is important for your physician to assess your overall heart health and whether Cialis is a suitable option for you. Patients with conditions such as "left ventricular outlet obstruction" caused by valvular problems or heart muscle enlargement may experience side effects like fainting or dizziness. Cialis is not recommended for individuals with recent histories of heart attack or stroke, unstable angina, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, serious liver disease, or eye conditions affecting the retina, as these groups were not included in clinical studies. There's also the risk of priapism—a prolonged, painful erection that requires immediate medical attention—if an erection lasts longer than four hours.
8. Who should not take Cialis?
Cialis is contraindicated in individuals taking nitrate medications (like nitroglycerin tablets or patches). The combination can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, potentially resulting in fainting or even fatal outcomes.
9. Can Cialis be used with other treatments for impotence?
The safety and effectiveness of using Cialis alongside other treatments for impotence have not been thoroughly evaluated. Co-administration of Cialis with such treatments may result in an excessive drop in blood pressure, which is why it is not advised to use them in conjunction.
10. What if I am taking other drugs?
It is crucial to discuss with your healthcare provider all medications you are currently taking, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This ensures that you receive the most appropriate advice tailored to your unique circumstances. Particularly, Cialis is not recommended for individuals on any form of nitroglycerin due to the increased risk of severe hypotension.
11. How will Cialis be supplied?
Cialis will be available as oral tablets with varying strengths of 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg to accommodate different patient needs.
12. Will Cialis be prescription or OTC (over-the-counter)?
Cialis will be available only through prescription, ensuring that it is used appropriately under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
13. When will Cialis be available to pharmacies?
Once FDA approval for marketing is granted, the timing of product availability in pharmacies is ultimately at the discretion of the manufacturing company. For specific inquiries regarding availability, it is recommended that individuals reach out to their pharmacist or directly to Eli Lilly and Company for the most accurate updates.
14. How can I report a serious side effect with Cialis to FDA?
The FDA encourages anyone who is aware of a serious side effect, including consumers and healthcare professionals, to submit a MedWatch report. This can be done online, via regular mail, or via fax, using the contact information provided at the bottom of the relevant documentation.
Related Information
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