More and complete info on CIALIS
Generic Name: tadalafil (tah DAL a fil)
Brand Names: Cialis
What is Cialis?
Cialis relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body. Cialis is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). Cialis may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Before taking Cialis
Do not take Cialis if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite (”poppers”). Taking Cialis with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
Before taking Cialis, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- heart disease or heart rhythm problems;
- a recent history a heart attack (within the past 90 days);
- a recent history of stroke or congestive heart failure (within the past 6 months);
- angina (chest pain);
- high or low blood pressure;
- liver disease;
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;
- a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
- a stomach ulcer;
- retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);
- a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease); or
- if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Cialis.
This medication can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Cialis, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether Cialis is the actual cause of vision loss. Stop using Cialis and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.
FDA pregnancy category B: Although Cialis is not for use in women, this medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Cialis without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Although Cialis is not for use in women, it is not known if Cialis passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. You may need a lower dose of this medication if you are older than 65. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Cialis is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking Cialis?
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Cialis.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Cialis. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Avoid using other medicines to treat impotence, such as alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin, others), without first talking to your doctor.
