What CIALIS is and what it is used for
CIALIS is a treatment for adult men with erectile dysfunction. This is when a man cannot get, or keep a hard, erect penis suitable for sexual activity. CIALIS has been shown to significantly improve the ability of obtaining a hard erect penis suitable for sexual activity.
CIALIS contains the active substance tadalafil which belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Following sexual stimulation CIALIS works by helping the blood vessels in your penis to relax, allowing the flow of blood into your penis. The result of this is improved erectile function. CIALIS will not help you if you do not have erectile dysfunction.
It is important to note that CIALIS does not work if there is no sexual stimulation. You and your partner will need to engage in foreplay, just as you would if you were not taking a medicine for erectile dysfunction.
What you need to know before you take CIALIS
Do not take CIALIS if you:
are allergic to tadalafil or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
are taking any form of organic nitrate or nitric oxide donors such as amyl nitrite. This is a group of medicines (“nitrates”) used in the treatment of angina pectoris (“chest pain”). CIALIS has been shown to increase the effects of these medicines. If you are taking any form of nitrate or are unsure tell your doctor.
have serious heart disease or recently had a heart attack within the last 90 days.
recently had a stroke within the last 6 months.
have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
ever had loss of vision because of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition described as “stroke of the eye”.
are taking riociguat. This drug is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure in the lungs) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure in the lungs secondary to blood clots). PDE5 inhibitors, such as CIALIS, have been shown to increase the hypotensive effects of this medicine. If you are taking riociguat or are unsure tell your doctor.
Warnings and precautions
Be aware that sexual activity carries a possible risk to patients with heart disease because it puts an extra strain on your heart. If you have a heart problem you should tell your doctor.
Decreased or sudden hearing loss has been noted in some patients taking tadalafil. Although it is not known if the event is directly related to tadalafil, if you experience decreased or sudden hearing loss, stop taking CIALIS and contact your doctor immediately.
CIALIS is not intended for use by women.
How to take CIALIS
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
CIALIS tablets are for oral use in men only. Swallow the tablet whole with some water. The tablets can be taken with or without food.
The recommended starting dose is one 10 mg tablet before sexual activity. However, you have been given the dose of one 20mg tablet as your doctor has decided that the recommended dose of 10mg is too weak.
You may take a CIALIS tablet at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
CIALIS may still be effective up to 36 hours after taking the tablet.
Do not take CIALIS more than once a day. CIALIS 10 mg and 20 mg is intended for use prior to anticipated sexual activity and is not recommended for continuous daily use.
It is important to note that CIALIS does not work if there is no sexual stimulation. You and your partner will need to engage in foreplay, just as you would if you were not taking a medicine for erectile dysfunction.
Drinking alcohol may affect your ability to get an erection and may temporarily lower your blood pressure. If you have taken or are planning to take CIALIS, avoid excessive drinking (blood alcohol level of 0.08 % or greater), since this may increase the risk of dizziness when standing up.
