About Cialis
How Cialis works:
When an erection goes limp, you have PDE5 to thank. Specialized penis tissue produces a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in response to sexual stimulation. The more cGMP available, the more durable the erection. Cialis inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, preserving cGMP levels, therefore aiding erection viability and durability.
- Cialis was developed by Icos, a relatively small biotech company located in Washington State, in the United states. Icos has formed a 50/50 joint venture with American Pharmaceutical Giant, Eli Lilly & company. The partnership is called Lilly Icos.
- Cialis is known as the ” 36 hour pill” or the “weekend pill” because unlike other similar drugs, Cialis has a long duration of action.
- Cialis received approval for use in the United States November 21, 2003.
- Cialis is a member of a family of drugs known as PDE5 enzyme inhibitors.
- Cialis is a member of a family of drugs called PDE5 Inhibitors. Cialis is now marketed in approximately 40 countries and is available by prescription in pharmacies on five continents.
- Cialis blocks an enzyme that causes an erection to go flaccid. Although Cialis is similar to Levitra and Viagra, its dose, onset of action, and duration of action is unique.
Some very smart scientists discovered that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was the key to sustaining an erection. They discovered that when a man gets sexually stimulated, a chain reaction occurs in the tissue of the penis that results in elevated levels of a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). As long as there are sufficient levels of cGMP, the penis can remain erect. The more cGMP, the more robust and durable the erection. If you inhibit the degradation of cGMP it stays around in the penis longer, producing a more durable erection. Another way you can think of Cialis (and all other similar medicines) is that it preserves the elevated levels of cGMP that are created when a man is sexually stimulated for a stronger, more lasting erection.
That’s how Cialis works - Cialis blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) which is responsible for the neutralization of cGMP. Cialis (tadalafil) is a highly selective inhibitor of PDE5. (PDE5 is not the only phosphodiesterase involved in the erectile physiology but it appears to be the most important one). The nice thing about PDE5 blockers is that they shouldn’t cause erections at inappropriate times because they only block degradation of cGMP produced in reaction to sexual stimulation, such as thinking about something sexy. If you are not being sexually stimulated, there is no cGMP to protect, so the drug remains in the background.
Dose:
Cialis is available 10mg and 20mg tablets. The recommended dose is 10mg taken prior to anticipated sexual activity and without regard to food. In those patients in whom tadalafil 10mg does not produce an adequate effect, 20mg might be tried. It can be taken from 30 minutes to 12 hours prior to sexual activity. The efficacy of tadalafil may persist up to 24 hours post-dose.
The maximum recommended dose is one pill per day.