Cialis
Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information about Cialis (tadalafil). It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health decisions.
Basics: what it is
Cialis is the brand name for tadalafil, a prescription medication belonging to a class called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is most commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but it is also approved for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and, in specific formulations and dosing, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Tadalafil works by enhancing blood flow to certain tissues through relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessel walls. For ED, this improved blood flow supports the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation. A distinctive feature of Cialis is its longer duration of action—often up to 36 hours—compared with some other PDE5 inhibitors.
Symptoms and signs
Cialis itself does not cause symptoms; rather, it is used when certain symptoms or conditions are present:
- Difficulty achieving an erection: Inconsistent or absent erections sufficient for sexual activity.
- Difficulty maintaining an erection: Erections that fade before completion of sexual activity.
- Urinary symptoms related to BPH: Weak urine stream, frequent urination (especially at night), or difficulty starting urination.
- Reduced quality of life: Stress, anxiety, or relationship strain related to sexual performance or urinary symptoms.
Similar conditions: how to differentiate
| Condition | Main features | How it differs from ED treated with Cialis |
|---|---|---|
| Psychogenic erectile dysfunction | ED linked to stress, anxiety, or depression | May improve with counseling; medication may be adjunctive |
| Hypogonadism (low testosterone) | Low libido, fatigue, reduced muscle mass | Requires hormone evaluation; PDE5 inhibitors alone may be insufficient |
| Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) | Urinary frequency, weak stream | Cialis can address urinary symptoms, not prostate size itself |
| Vascular disease | ED with cardiovascular risk factors | Underlying heart health must be evaluated before treatment |
Diagnosis
Before Cialis is prescribed, clinicians usually perform a structured evaluation that may include:
- Medical history: Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, medications, lifestyle factors.
- Physical examination: Focus on cardiovascular, neurological, and urogenital systems.
- Laboratory tests: Blood glucose, lipid profile, and sometimes testosterone levels.
- Risk assessment: Determining whether sexual activity and PDE5 inhibitors are safe for the individual.
What usually helps
Management involving Cialis typically fits into a broader care plan:
- Prescription PDE5 inhibitors: Such as tadalafil, used according to approved guidance.
- Lifestyle measures: Regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake.
- Management of underlying conditions: Blood pressure, diabetes, and lipid control.
- Psychological support: Counseling or therapy when stress or anxiety contributes to symptoms.
Educational overviews in other languages can support understanding, such as our recursos en español sobre salud masculina, guida italiana ai trattamenti per la disfunzione erettile, and Nederlandse informatie over erectiestoornissen.
FAQ
- How long does Cialis last? Its effects may last up to 36 hours, though this varies.
- Is Cialis the same as Viagra? No. Both treat ED but differ in duration and pharmacology.
- Can it be taken daily? Some approved regimens involve daily use under medical supervision.
- Does it increase sexual desire? It supports physical response, not libido itself.
- Are side effects common? Headache, flushing, and indigestion are among the more frequent ones.
- Is it safe with heart disease? It depends on the condition; medical clearance is essential.
- Can women use Cialis? It is not approved for female sexual dysfunction.
Mechanism of action in more detail
Tadalafil inhibits PDE5, preventing the breakdown of cyclic GMP, which promotes smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow.
Duration versus onset
While onset may take 30–60 minutes, the extended half-life allows for flexibility compared with shorter-acting agents.
Interactions to be aware of
Nitrates and certain alpha-blockers can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure when combined with tadalafil.
Use in BPH
For urinary symptoms, tadalafil improves muscle relaxation in the bladder and prostate region.
Limitations
Cialis does not cure ED or underlying vascular disease; it manages symptoms.
Long-term considerations
Regular follow-up helps reassess cardiovascular risk and treatment effectiveness.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Tadalafil prescribing information
- European Medicines Agency (EMA): Cialis EPAR
- American Urological Association (AUA) Guidelines on Erectile Dysfunction
- National Health Service (NHS), UK: Tadalafil overview