Cialis (Tadalafil) is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body's normal response is to increase blood flow to his penis. This results in an erection. Cialis helps increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with erectile dysfunction get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow to his penis decreases, and his erection goes away. It does not help to cure erectile dysfunction.
Do not take Cialis (tadalafil) if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur,
Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro, others), isosorbide dinitrate
(Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket),
and others;
nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate
or nitrite ("poppers"); or
an alpha blocker (other than tamsulosin (Flomax) 0.4 mg once a day)
such as doxazosin (Cardura), guanadrel (Hylorel), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin
(Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and others.
Taking Cialis (tadalafil) with any of these medications may cause very
low blood pressure, possibly resulting in dizziness, fainting, stroke, or
heart attack.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention for any
erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. A sustained erection can damage
the penis.
Refrain from further sexual activity and notify your doctor it you develop
dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or
tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw) during sexual activity.
Cialis (tadalafil) is usually taken when needed before sexual activity.
The effects of Cialis (tadalafil) may last for up to 36 hours or more.
Your doctor will determine how often you can take Cialis (tadalafil). Do
not take Cialis (tadalafil) more often than is directed by your doctor.
Cialis
(tadalafil) relaxes muscles within the penis. This allows increased blood
flow into the penis, necessary to achieve and maintain an erection.
Cialis (tadalafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
Cialis (tadalafil) may also be used for purposes other than those listed
in this medication guide.
Do not take Cialis (tadalafil)
if you are taking any of the following medicines:
a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur,
Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro, others), isosorbide dinitrate
(Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO,
Monoket), and others;
nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate
or nitrite ("poppers"); or
an alpha blocker (other than tamsulosin (Flomax) 0.4 mg once a day)
such as doxazosin (Cardura), guanadrel (Hylorel), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin
(Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and others.
Taking Cialis (tadalafil) with any of these medications may cause very
low blood pressure, possibly resulting in dizziness, fainting, stroke, or
heart attack.
Before taking Cialis (tadalafil), tell your doctor if you
have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats,
or have had a heart attack;
have low blood pressure or high blood pressure that is not controlled;
have had a stroke;
have liver problems;
have kidney problems;
have ever had blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple
myeloma, or leukemia;
have a bleeding disorder;
have a stomach ulcer;
have retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);
have a physical deformity of the penis such as Peyronie's disease;
had an erection that lasted longer than 4 hours.
You may not be able to take Cialis (tadalafil), or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
Although Cialis (tadalafil) is not indicated for use by women, it is in
the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that Cialis (tadalafil) is not expected
to be harmful to an unborn baby. Cialis (tadalafil) should not be taken by
women.
It is not known whether Cialis (tadalafil) passes into breast milk. Cialis
(tadalafil) should not be taken by women.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience
side effects from Cialis (tadalafil). Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose
of this medication.
Take
Cialis (tadalafil) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Cialis (tadalafil) is usually taken when needed before sexual activity.
The effects of Cialis (tadalafil) may last for up to 36 hours or more. Your
doctor will determine how often you can take Cialis (tadalafil). Do not take
Cialis (tadalafil) more often than is directed by your doctor.
Cialis (tadalafil) can help achieve an erection when sexual stimulation
occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill.
Cialis (tadalafil) can be taken with or without food.
Cialis (tadalafil) should not be taken with excessive amounts of alcohol
(e.g. 5 or more drinks). Excessive alcohol may increase the risk of headache,
dizziness, increased heart rate, or low blood pressure when Cialis (tadalafil)
is taken.
If you develop dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort,
numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw) during sexual activity,
refrain from further sexual activity and notify your doctor.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention for any erection
that lasts longer than 4 hours. A sustained erection can damage the penis.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Cialis (tadalafil).
The interaction could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss
the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase
or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first
talking to your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Do not take any other
drug used to treat impotence, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra),
alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin, others),
without first talking to your doctor.
Cialis (tadalafil) should not be taken with excessive amounts of alcohol
(e.g. 5 or more drinks). Excessive alcohol may increase the risk of headache,
dizziness, increased heart rate, or low blood pressure when Cialis (tadalafil)
is taken.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Cialis (tadalafil).
The interaction could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss
the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase
or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first
talking to your doctor.
If
you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Cialis
(tadalafil) and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
chest pain or irregular heartbeats;
dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness,
or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw);
swelling of the ankles or legs;
shortness of breath;
prolonged or severe dizziness; or
a prolonged (lasting longer than 4 hours) or painful erection.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take Cialis (tadalafil) and talk to your doctor if you experience
headache;
indigestion;
back pain;
muscle aches;
flushing;
stuffy or runny nose; or
temporary blue tint in vision or difficulty telling the difference between
the colors blue and green (uncommon).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not take Cialis (tadalafil)
if you are taking any of the following medicines:
a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur,
Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro, others), isosorbide dinitrate
(Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO,
Monoket), and others;
nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate
or nitrite ("poppers"); or
an alpha blocker (other than tamsulosin (Flomax) 0.4 mg once a day)
such as doxazosin (Cardura), guanadrel (Hylorel), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin
(Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and others.
Taking Cialis (tadalafil) with any of these medications may cause very
low blood pressure, possibly resulting in dizziness, fainting, stroke, or
heart attack.
Before taking Cialis (tadalafil), tell your doctor if you are taking any
of the following medications:
any other drug used to treat impotence, such as sildenafil (Viagra),
vardenafil (Levitra), alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon,
Yodoxin, others);
the antibiotic erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, others);
an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole
(Nizoral); or
HIV medications such as indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), and
others.
You may not be able to take Cialis (tadalafil), or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of
the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Cialis (tadalafil)
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products.