Various medications are presently available for assisting individuals diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. However, individuals who intake the prescription medication in the right manner experience the best outcomes, and enjoy the full effects of the medication. Remember, users of all medications are expected to follow certain basic recommendations, and Cialis is no exception. So, without much ado, let’s take a good look at all the pointers on how to get the best results from Cialis?
Overview - all about Cialis
The branded version of tadalafil, Cialis is a prescription medication to treat erectile dysfunction and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The drug is also used to manage pulmonary arterial hypertension in higher doses.
How common is ED?
Before looking at the drug it is time to understand more about the condition. Erectile dysfunction is relatively common among aging men. Prevalence depends on age, overall health, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions. The likelihood of ending up with ED increases with age with approximately 40% of men aged 40 expected to have ED. This increases to around 70% in men aged 70 and above. Various health conditions also contribute to ED - diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and neurological disorders. Additionally, lifestyle factors, psychological factors also contribute to the condition.
Mechanism of action of Cialis
Belonging to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, Cialis works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to certain areas of the body, particularly the penis. This action helps individuals to achieve and sustain an erection after being sexually aroused.
What is the average dose of Cialis?
One of the main reasons for ineffectiveness of tadalafil is incorrect dosage or intake schedule. Cialis is presently available in various strengths - 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. The actual dosage cannot be determined offhand due to the mechanism of action of the drug and the possible outcomes. It is therefore necessary to arrive at the right dosage after a detailed medical evaluation of the condition and various individual health factors. As this article focusses on what is Cialis and how does it work for individuals with ED, lets take a look at typical or average doses in such instances. Remember, this does not replace or substitute medical advice and is only intended to serve as a broad reference; the actual dosage should only be determined by a medical professional. Cialis can be taken either as a daily dose, or can be taken when required, as outlined below:
#1 As-Needed or on-demand
Ideally, the starting dose for on-demand use of Cialis is 10 mg. However, this dosage may change based on the individual response to the medication and other health parameters, as assessed by the doctor. When taken on-demand or as-needed, Cialis is to be taken 30 minutes or 01 hour prior to sexual activity.
#2 Daily Use
There are benefits of taking Cialis daily, especially for individuals who intend to have sexual intercourse twice a week or more. For daily use, the typical starting dose is 2.5 mg or 5 mg once a day, and here again, this dose could vary, and depend on the recommendations of a doctor. The idea of daily Cialis intake is to provide the body a lower and steady concentration of the drug, to deliver sustained effects.
How long does it take for Cialis to start working?
With the dosage and intake part covered, it is time to understand the time taken for the drug to start working. As outlined above, it is necessary to ensure a gap of 30 minutes to 01 hour before sexual activity for maximum effects of Cialis, when the drug is taken on—demand or as needed. Individuals taking the drug on a daily basis could ideally time intake in a similar manner – 30 minutes to 01 hour before any sexual activity.
How long does Cialis last in your system?
Regardless of the type of intake – daily dose or on-demand use, the effects of Cialis will last for as long as 36 hours. This does not effectively mean that an erection will be sustained for 36 hours, but refers to the overall effects of the drug. The strongest effects of Cialis are typically experienced within the first 2 to 3 hours after intake. This is mainly because the drug reaches peak plasma concentration in the bloodstream during this period, and the effects on erectile function and blood flow to the penis are maximum.
What should I not take with Cialis?
To get the maximum effect of Cialis it is important to ensure that it is not taken in combination with other drugs, to avoid potential interactions that could affect the expected outcomes. For instance, the following drugs are known to interact with Cialis:
- Nitrates prescribed for chest pain (angina) or certain heart conditions
- Alpha-blockers to treat high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Other PDE5 Inhibitors
- Riociguat to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)
- Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice
- Certain antifungal medications like ketoconazole and itraconazole
- Certain antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin
- Drugs used to treat HIV such as ritonavir and saquinavir
To sum up, to get the maximum effects of Cialis it is essential to ensure a proper evaluation of overall health, follow recommendations on dosage and intake timing, and intake of other drugs that could trigger drug interactions.