People with either erectile dysfunction or benign prostatic hyperplasia are often recommended Cialis as treatment. This is a branded prescription version of the medicine tadalafil. All medicines come with the possibility of side effects and Cialis is no exception. The best way to deal with this is to take necessary precautions to avoid unwanted effects. Here is a detailed look at the precautions for Cialis users.
Overview of Cialis
To understand the precautions, it is necessary to know more about the medicine. Cialis belongs to medicines that are called phosphodiesterase type 5 PDE5 inhibitors. Cialis is preferred because it has many advantages over other medicines prescribed for treating the same conditions. For example,
- Cialis has a longer half-life, so it will remain effective for up to 36 hours. Because of this long duration, Cialis is called as the "weekend pill."
- Cialis can be taken in smaller daily doses daily. This makes it a good option as there is no need to take the medicine about half before sexual activity.
- Cialis can treat both ED and BPH at the same time, making it a good option for men with both conditions.
How does Cialis work?
Cialis works by preventing the PDE5 enzyme from working. As a result, the levels of cGMP is more, and this helps relax the smooth muscles and dilate blood vessels. With more blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, erection is achieved, allowing sex. By relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder, Cialis helps men with BPH urinate smoothly.
How to prevent unwanted effects?
To prevent unwanted effects, here are some precautions that should be taken.
#1 Cialis is prescription medicine, so it is to be taken only after consulting a doctor. This is very important for people with any medical conditions or allergies. People who take medicines regularly for other conditions also need to check if Cialis is safe to be taken with other medicines.
#2 People with a history of heart problems, low/high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders etc. are to inform the doctor about the condition.
#3 People with known allergies to Cialis or ingredients in Cialis, are to inform the consultant during the assessment.
#4 Some medicines may cause drug interactions. It is therefore necessary to avoid combining Cialis with medicines such as nitrates. This class of medicine is generally used for treating chest pain.
#5 People on Cialis are to avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as this can have an effect on the drug's effectiveness.
#6 Alcohol use with Cialis or any recreational drugs are to be strictly avoided. This is because these substances can increase the risk of adverse effects.
#7 Follow the right dosage and the schedule for taking the medicine. Always stick to the recommended dose and do not try to take a double dose.
#8 The medicine can sometimes cause priapism, and this requires urgent medical attention, as this can cause permanent damage to the penis.
#9 Cialis is known to cause dizziness and affect the ability to concentrate. People who experience these side effects, are to avoid driving, and should not operate heavy machinery.
#10 It is important to store Cialis at room temperature and away from places that are damp or exposed to heat source.
How does Cialis blood cell problems?
Because Cialis works by relaxing muscle cells, and promoting blood flow, it can have an impact on blood cells. This effect is rare and all users of Cialis may not experience this. The best option is to go through a full and detailed assessment, especially focusing on cardiovascular health and blood pressure. Also take care to inform the doctor about existing medical conditions and medicines in use. After this, stick to the dosage that has been recommended by the doctor. This can minimize the chance of effects on blood cells.
Is Cialis good for hypertension?
As mentioned earlier, Cialis is prescribed for treating two conditions. But there are studies ongoing to check if Cialis can be used to treat a certain type of hypertension. Specifically, studies check if Cialis can be used for managing pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH. This is a type of hypertension that affects the arteries in the lungs. This condition is caused when blood vessels in the lungs narrow, resulting in more pressure. Studies have shown that Cialis can help dilate the blood vessels, and may reduce the pressure. Due to this, Cialis is used for the treatment of PAH in some cases.
Is it safe to take Cialis if one has kidney problems or liver problems?
Cialis is mainly flushed from the body through the kidneys, and similarly the medicine is metabolized in the liver. Therefore, people with severe kidney problems or serious liver problems may need to adjust the dosage and the frequency of use. Also, people with these problems may be on medicines, and Cialis may interact with the medicines. As a result, the dosage and schedule is to be adjusted. But, people with mild liver or kidney conditions may not have to adjust dosage. However, a proper checkup is advised.