Generic Cialis - tadalafil - is a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. A man who has trouble getting or keeping an erection should see his doctor for help if the condition bothers him. CIALIS may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited.

Cialis was launched in the major markets of Europe, Australia and New Zealand the week of February 5th, 2003. And finally, on 21st November, 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Eli Lilly & Co. and Icos Corp.'s anti-impotence drug, Cialis. It is already available in 50 countries, including France, where its long-lasting effects have won it the nickname "Le weekend" pill. Sexual therapists, urologists and patients cite the 36-hour time frame as a potential advantage over competing products.


 

FAQ

General information
Cialis (also named Apcalis) acts in the same way as Viagra, by blocking the enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5, or PDE-5. This helps the smooth muscles in the penis relax and widen, which allows for more blood to enter. As a result, you gain erections faster and easier. Cialis has been dubbed "The Weekend Pill" because it stays in the system for up to 24 hours with fewer side effects. In Australia the label indicates efficacy up to 36 hours after dosing

It is important to note that tadalafil 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.

Comparison of Cialis, Levitra and Viagra

Cialis - Works faster about 15 minutes; Effects longer up to 36 hrs; Ideal choice for men who are very sexual active.
Levitra - Works faster than Viagra; Takes 60 minutes before sexual activity; More potent module; Works faster on a full stomach; Works better at hard-to-treat cases in men whose impotence is caused by diabetes.
Viagra - Widely used by 20 million men worldwide; It takes 30 to 120 minutes; Effects last up to 4 hrs approx.; Effects last up to 4 hrs approx.; 98% of total prescriptions for impotence.

These drugs might work for some but each male individual's body is unique and there are times when one drug is more effective than another. There are precautions and other considerations such as side effects on choosing the right drug for you. In brief, efficacy is approximately 70% with all 3 drugs. The side effect profile is similar among the 3 drugs, except that blue discoloration of vision (overlap with PDE-6 in the retina) is seen only with Viagra (<0.5%) and muscle aches only with Cialis (~5%). Otherwise, vasodilatory side effects (headaches, nasal congestion, flushing) are common with all, but are mild, and only rarely cause men to drop out of clinical trials (2-3% quit rate). All 3 will carry a contra-indication in men using organic nitrates. Otherwise, the long half-life of Cialis (17.5 hours) is noteworthy, earning this drug the nickname ‘weekender,’ as a single dose taken on Friday would still be exerting an effect Sunday (or even Monday).

Aside from the long half-life of Cialis, and the excellent track record of Viagra, the differences between the 3 drugs are not great. All appear to be effective and safe, provided concomitant nitrates are avoided. A potential for serious hypotension exists should an organic nitrate be used along with any of these three PDE-5 inhibitors.

Sources: J.P. Morgan, European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products

Do not take Cialis if
• you 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"). Tadalafil has been shown to increase the effects of these drugs. If you are taking any form of nitrate or are unsure, tell your doctor.
• you have serious heart disease or have had a recent heart attack.
• you have had a recent stroke.
• you have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• you are (hypersensitive) allergic to tadalafil.

How to take Cialis
Always take Cialis exactly as your doctor has instructed you. The recommended starting dose is one table before sexual activity. Cialis tablets are for oral use. Swallow the table whole with some water. You may take tadalafil with or without food.

You may take a Cialis tablet at any point in time from 30 minutes to 12 hours before sexual activity. Tadalafil may still be effective up to 24 hours after taking the tablet. It is important to note that tadalafil 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.

You should NOT take the drug more than once a day. Daily use of taladafil is strongly discouraged.

What are the side effects of Cialis?
Like all medicines, Cialis can have side effects. These effects are normally mild to moderate in nature.
The most common undesirable effects are headache and indigestion. Less commonly reported side effects are back pain, muscle aches, nasal congestion, facial flushing and dizziness. Uncommon effects are swelling of the eyelids, eye pain and red eyes.
If you have any of these side effects and they are troublesome, severe, or do not go away, tell your doctor.
Allergic reactions (including skin rashes) could occur.
In rare instances it is possible that a prolonged and possibly painful erection may occur after taking tadalafil. If you have such an erection, which lasts continuously for more than 4 hours, you should contact a doctor immediately.
In case of chest pain occurring during or after sexual activity you should NOT use nitrates but you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart beats have been reported rarely in men taking tadalafil. Most, but not all of these man had known heart problems before taking these medicine. It is not possible to determine whether these events were directly related to tadalafil.

Shelf life of Cialis: 2 years
Do not use after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister.


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Cialis is not for everyone. Tell your doctor about your medical conditions and all medications, and ask if you're healthy enough for sexual activity. Don't take tadalafil if you take nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain, as this may cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure. Don't drink alcohol in excess (to a level of intoxication) with tadalafil, as this may increase your chances of getting dizzy or lowering your blood pressure. Tadalafil does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.