When one thinks of ED (erectile dysfunction) or impotence, erection performance enhancing drugs immediately comes to mind. Cialis is considered as one of the best treatment medicines there is. Surprisingly though, not a lot of people know about its effects on prostate problems, specifically BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia,) the symptoms of which can be treated by said medicine.
The main, active ingredient for the drug is tadalafil, an inhibitor that prevents a body chemical (phosphodiesterase type 5) from destroying cyclic GMP – a chemical responsible for allowing more blood in the penis, therefore making an erection possible. It also as other inactive contents such as iron oxide, titanium dioxide, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, triacetin, hypomellose, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium lauryl sulfate.
As with any medicine, it can come with some side effects, especially if you are taking other medicine. Possible effects – though some of them very rare – may be the following:
- Dizziness or nausea during sexual intercourse.
- A change in vision, such as sudden blurriness or partial loss from one or both eyes.
- A lasting, unnatural erection. (Word of caution: Should the erection last for more than 4 hours, immediately seek medical attention to avert irreparable, long-term injury to the penis.)
- A painful erection.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Swelling of throat, face, lips, tongue.
- Numbness of extremities (arms, legs.)
- Ringing in ears.
- Heart palpitations.
- Headache.
- Temporary memory loss.
- Stomach pains, such as loose bowel movement or diarrhea.
- Muscle pains.
- Chest and/or back pains. (Chest pains, specifically during sex.)
Some people are unknowingly allergic to tadalafil, so it is strongly suggested to seek advice from your health care provider. You cannot change your medication for any condition without professional, medical advice. Take note of the following drugs which are known to have adverse effects when taken with tadalafil:
- Nitroglycerin.
- Antidepressants.
- Medicines for the management of high blood pressure.
- Antifungals.
- Drugs for treatment of prostate concerns.
- Nitrates – used for chest pains.
- HIV/AIDS medication.
- Recreational drugs.
- Some antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clarithromycin.
- Other ED treatment drugs, such as Viagra or Levitra.
There are two specific liquids tadalafil-takers must steer clear of: Alcohol (may decrease blood pressure,) and grapefruit juice (prevents a specific enzyme from breaking down the medicine, leaving one vulnerable to toxicity.)
Even with all of these, Cialis is still safe to take. So safe in fact, that in 2003, the US Food and Drug Association approved it for the treatment of ED. (The approval of BPH symptom treatment came just recently – October 2011, to be exact.)
Tadalafil can be taken as needed or daily based on the medical practitioner’s advise. It can also be taken with or without food. The daily dose for Cialis would be at 2.5 to 5mg and should always be taken at about the same time everyday. If taken as needed only, the dose can start at 10mg, maximum of 20mg an hour prior to sexual activity. It can possibly work up to 36 hours after intake.