Cialis: The Longest Lasting ED Drug

If you’re struggling with Erectile Dysfunction (ED), you’re not alone.

In the US, 10.3 million men were diagnosed with ED in 2022. ¹ Not only is it a frustrating experience, but it can also lead to performance anxiety, further exacerbating the problem.

Fortunately, medical advancements have led to a variety of treatments for this problem. Cialis is a popular option among these solutions due to its impressive duration.

In this article, we’ll provide all the details you need to decide if Cialis suits your situation. We’ll discuss what it is, how it works, potential side effects and dosage information.

What is Cialis?

Cialis was approved by the FDA in 2003 for the treatment of the following conditions:

1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) ²

In this article, we’ll focus on the effects of Cialis for ED.

Cialis belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. ² Other familiar medications in this class include Viagra (Sildenafil) and Stendra (Avanafil). ³

PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis relax the smooth muscles in the walls of the penis’ blood vessels. This increases blood flow and allows a more prolonged erection during sexual stimulation. ²

It’s important to note Cialis itself does not lead to sexual arousal. Instead, it helps you sustain an erection when you become aroused. ²

What Sets Cialis Apart?

The main feature that distinguishes Cialis from other ED drugs is its long duration.

Known as “the weekend pill,” ⁴ Cialis stands out in the market by providing an impressive window of up to 36 hours. ² This generous window allows for greater flexibility in sexual activity, allowing you to be more spontaneous without the need to time medication meticulously.

Compared to the 4 hours other ED pills like Viagra offer, ⁵ it’s no wonder that Cialis has gained popularity among those struggling with ED.

How Does Cialis Work?

When you become sexually stimulated, a chemical process begins in your penis.

Here’s a (brief) science lesson:

• Nitric Oxide is released and activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase.
• Guanylate cyclase increases levels of a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)
• As cGMP levels increase, the blood vessels in your penis expand, allowing more blood flow.
• The result: an erection²

However, an erection is lost due to a chemical called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This chemical essentially breaks down cGMP and decreases blood flow to the penis.

To prevent this from happening too quickly, PDE5 inhibitors (like Cialis) prevent the PDE5 enzyme from breaking down cGMP. Once PDE5 is out of the picture, cGMP levels can increase. This leads to a longer, more sustained erection and a more satisfying sexual experience. ²

It’s important to note that since sexual stimulation is needed to release nitric oxide and start the erection process, Cialis does not work without sexual arousal. ²

Safety and Side Effects

Cialis is a prescribed medication. This is due to its incompatibility with certain medications and potential side effects. By involving your physician in the process, you can rest assured you’re taking Cialis safely.

For your convenience, we’ve included some side effects you may experience with Cialis:

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Muscle and back pain
• Facial flushing
• Nasal congestion ⁶

These symptoms typically disappear within 48 hours as the drug's effects wear off. However, if you have concerns with these symptoms or your erection lasts for over 4 hours, seek medical attention immediately. ⁵

Cialis may not be the right fit for you if you’ve experienced:

• Recent heart attack
• Recent stroke
• Angina (chest pain)
• Heart failure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Uncontrolled blood pressure
• Severe liver disease
• Retinal eye issues⁶

In addition, Cialis is not recommended for individuals taking the following medications:

• Nitrates
• Alpha-blockers
• Anti-hypertensives

Taking Cialis alongside the above medications can lead to a dangerous decrease in blood pressure. ²

If you have any questions about Cialis and its side effects, please contact us, and we’ll connect you to one of our knowledgeable and licensed pharmacists.

Cialis Dosages

Cialis comes in various dosages; your doctor will work with you to find the correct dose.

Typically, the starting dose is 10 mg once daily and is taken 30 minutes before sexual activity. However, depending on your response, your doctor may increase your dose to 20 mg once daily or decrease it to 5 mg once daily.

Once Cialis is in your body, it lasts for around 36 hours. ² This gives a generous window for any sexual activity.

Is Cialis Right for You?

Given the many ED drugs on the market, it may be hard to decide if Cialis suits your situation. We've included a few points below for you to consider when making your decision:

1. How important is spontaneity? Unlike other ED medications that require precise timing and have a short duration, Cialis’ 36-hour window allows you to be more spontaneous in your sexual activities.
2. Do you experience performance anxiety? Cialis’ increased timeframe can help alleviate performance anxiety as there is no metaphorical timer on your sexual experiences.
3. How often do you drink alcohol? Since both Cialis and alcohol decrease blood pressure, combining them can lead to dangerously low blood pressure. ² If alcohol is a regular part of your life, start a discussion with your doctor to ensure that Cialis is right for your lifestyle.
4. How often do you want to have sex? Given Cialis’ 36-hour window, it may be the right choice for you if you wish to engage in more frequent sexual activity.
5. Are you currently taking medications such as nitrates, alpha-blockers, or anti-hypertensives? Taking Cialis alongside these medications can lead to a dangerous drop in your blood pressure. ² Rest assured, there are other options that may be a better fit for you.

To Review

Cialis is a revolutionary ED medication that can allow for more spontaneity and flexibility in your sexual life. If you feel Cialis is the right fit for you, talk with your doctor to ensure it’s a safe and effective solution for your situation.

Including your physician in your Cialis journey is essential as it can cause dangerously low blood pressure if taken alongside certain medications. By working with your doctor, you can take Cialis with peace of mind.

At mailMymeds, we have a talented team ready to help with any questions. Contact us, and we'll connect you to one of our certified pharmacists.

If you’re ready to buy affordable Cialis or its generic version tadalafil, visit our medication page for pricing information.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.