Erectile dysfunction can be managed with the right medications. Different types of drugs are presently available to treat ED. Cialis is one among the popular drugs used to treat the condition. Every prescription drug comes with the possibility of unwanted effects, and this includes Cialis. This article covers all your questions, with FAQs about the side effects of Cialis.
Quick overview of Cialis
Before we look at unwanted effects, here is a quick look at the drug. Cialis is the branded version of the drug tadalafil. This is a prescription pill used for treating ED and BPH. ED refers to the inability of people to achieve an erection and keep the erection long enough to have sex. BPH refers to a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. This condition causes difficulty in urination, which could result in possible infection and serious effect on the kidneys.
Strength and dosage of Cialis
Cialis available in strengths from 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg pills. The effects of the medicine last for as long as one and a half day, and this has earned it the name “the weekend pill”. The dosage is to be decided by a physician after checking your health, and other existing health conditions. The medicine is not to be taken without a prescription.
Here are some of the commonly asked questions about Cialis
- Can Cialis cause side effects that are long-term? Or do Cialis's side effects go away?
Yes, there are possible long term effects from Cialis use. But these effects are rare and do not affect most users. These effects are mainly the result of use of Cialis for a long period of time. The long term effects of Cialis include:
- Lesser effectiveness of Cialis. This will then require stronger dosages, and could in turn result in unwanted side effects.
- You may become dependent on Cialis due to the faster and easier erection achieved.
- Blood pressure levels may change.
- There is a possibility of suddenly losing hearing capacity.
Effects that are short term in nature will go away when you stop taking Cialis.
- What can be the side effects of taking Cialis daily?
As a result of daily use of Cialis, some effects may be experienced regularly. For example, headaches, indigestion, pain in the muscles, and dizziness are possible effects that may be experienced frequently. This is mainly because of the dilated blood vessels that increase flow of blood.
- What are the side effects of Cialis vs. Viagra?
Viagra and Cialis are taken for the same expected outcomes. Though the results are similar, both the medicines are of different types. Due to this, the effects of both the medicines differ slightly. The effects of Viagra last for a shorter period than Cialis. While most of the effects are the same, there is one effect of Cialis that Viagra does not cause – hearing loss. Sudden hearing loss is a possibility with Cialis, but may be experienced due to Viagra.
- Do Cialis side effects vary based on whether I’m taking a high or low dose (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg)?
Yes, there are clear differences in side effects of Cialis when taken in different dosages. Low doses only cause indigestion, head ache and pain in the muscles. These effects do not last long and go away when the medicine is discontinued.
When doses of 10 mg or 20 mg are taken the effects are frequent. For example, you may experience headache, flushing, indigestion, muscle pain and back pain more regularly. Additionally, the effects may be stronger.
- What are the side effects of generic Cialis?
There is very limited possibility of generic Cialis causing different or additional side effects. This is because branded versions and generic versions are more or less similar, with very minor changes in the chemical composition.
What causes the side effects of Cialis?
The side effect specifics of Cialis is covered above. Let us understand the reason behind the unwanted effects. There are three reasons that cause the effects:
- Inhibition of PDE5 - By inhibiting PDE5, Cialis causes increased blood flow, and this could a reason for headaches, dizziness, pain and indigestion.
- Relaxation of smooth muscles in blood vessels – By relaxing the smooth blood vessels, blood flow is increased, and this causes unwanted effects.
- Absorption of the medicine in the blood – The medicine is absorbed in the blood stream and this travels to other parts of the body. As a result, other unwanted effects of Cialis may be experienced.
How to avoid or reduce side effects of Cialis?
To avoid or reduce the unwanted effects, there are a few simple methods that can be effective to an extent:
- Consult a specialist
- Take the right dosage
- Take it at the right time
- Take it with food
- Do not consume alcohol when you plan to take Cialis
- Drink enough water