What is Cialis?
Cialis relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas
of the body. It is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor.
Cialis is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). It works by
helping to increase blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation.
This helps you to achieve and maintain an erection.Cialis may also be
used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Cialis
Do not take Cialis if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest
pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual,
Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR,
Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket).
Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate
or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Cialis with a nitrate medicine
can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting,
stroke, or heart attack. If you become dizzy or nauseated during sexual
activity, or if you have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest,
arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could
be having a serious side effect of Cialis. Do not take this medication
more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact
your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is
painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism)
can damage the penis.
Cialis can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing
sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking
Cialis, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those
who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether this medication
is the actual cause of vision loss.
Stop using Cialis and get emergency medical help if you have sudden
vision loss.
How should I take Cialis?
Take Cialis exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in
larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Taking this
medication in larger doses will not make it more effective, and could
cause dangerous side effects.Take this medication with a full glass
of water.Cialis can be taken with or without food.
Cialis is usually taken only when needed, just before sexual activity.
However, Cialis may also be taken daily (at a lower dose), regardless
of when sexual activity is planned. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Cialis can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs.
An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Do not take Cialis more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between
doses. If you take the medication daily, take it at the same time each
day.Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your
erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection
(priapism) can damage the penis. Store this medication at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Cialis is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing
schedule.
If you take Cialis every day and you miss a dose, take the missed dose
as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do nottake
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much
of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat,
and feeling light-headed or fainting.
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