Cialis (tadalafil) is a commonly prescribed erectile dysfunction medication. Like Viagra and other similar ED drugs, Cialis is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that helps men achieve erections by dilating the body’s blood vessels and promoting blood flow to the penis.
The active ingredient in Cialis is tadalafil, which can also be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). For most healthy men, Cialis 5-20 mg is a safe and effective method of treating ED symptoms. The typical as-needed starting dose is 10 mg, decreasing to 5 mg or increasing to 20 mg if necessary. It can also last up to 36 hours, which is one of its many benefits. But as with every medication, you should understand its side effects and drug interactions before starting treatment. Continue reading to learn more. 1
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Many erectile dysfunction meds, including Cialis, can cause headaches. Most men report that Cialis-related headaches get milder over time. Headaches usually last several hours after taking tadalafil. But why do headaches occur?
Cialis, like other PDE5 inhibitors, works by dilating the blood vessels in your body. When the blood vessels in the head area dilate, they can press against the nerves in your head and make headaches more likely to occur. These headaches are often fairly mild.
Studies show that only 15 percent of men taking 20mg (highest recommended dose) of Cialis experience headaches. In men who take lower doses (10mg), only 12 percent experience headaches. If you frequently experience headaches when taking Cialis, ask your doctor if a lower dosage is more suitable for you. 2
Indigestion
Another common side effect of Cialis is indigestion. Indigestion, or heartburn, can occur because Cialis relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter is responsible for controlling the flow of food to your stomach. When it is relaxed, stomach acid is more likely to travel upward and cause discomfort. In addition to indigestion, general stomach upset and diarrhea can also occur.
The best way to treat this side effect is to drink more water. Your doctor may also suggest over-the-counter antacids as a way of managing Cialis-related indigestion. Let your doctor know if this side effect is bothering you frequently. 3
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Light-headedness and Low Blood Pressure
In addition to headaches and indigestion, feeling light-headed (also known as pre-syncope) is a common side effect of Cialis. After taking tadalafil, you may feel slightly light-headed. Reducing your dosage may help with this, but it’s important to know whether your light-headedness is a sign of a more severe side effect.
This particular side effect of Cialis is caused by reduced blood pressure. All PDE5 inhibitors cause a slight drop in blood pressure since they cause blood vessel dilation to take place. For healthy men, this drop in blood pressure does not cause any serious health issues. However, if you have hypertension (or another cardiovascular condition) and experience this sensation, your blood pressure may potentially be too low. 3
Allergic Reaction & Severe Side Effects
Allergic reactions to Cialis 5 mg aren’t very common, but it’s still important to know the signs. If you experience swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat, see your doctor right away. You may also have an allergic reaction if you experience difficulty breathing.
Severe reactions to Cialis are much rarer compared to headaches and light-headedness, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Stop taking Cialis and contact your physician promptly if you experience:
Chest pain or pressure
Nausea
Sweating
Other symptoms of a heart attack
Sudden hearing or vision loss
Priapism, which is an erection that lasts longer than four hours 4
Drug Interactions
Remember when we said that men with hypertension might experience dangerously low blood pressure as a side effect? This is largely due to interactions that ED medications can have with blood pressure medications.
Men with high blood pressure are commonly prescribed nitrate-based drugs to lower their blood pressure. ED meds lower blood pressure, too, which means that blood pressure may drop too much when these two drugs are combined. Low blood pressure is a potentially dangerous condition known as hypotension. Symptoms of hypotension include:
Fatigue
Nausea
Trouble concentrating
Confusion
Weak pulse
Rapid or shallow breathing
Because of this interaction, you need to postpone using Cialis if you are currently taking one or more of the following nitrates:
Amyl nitrate
Boceprevir
Isosorbide dinitrate/mononitrate
Nitroglycerin
When taking your Cialis dosage, nitrates aren’t your only concern. Other medicines can cause adverse effects when taken with tadalafil as well. The following common meds aren’t recommended with Cialis:
These lists are not complete, and Cialis may interact with several other medications. Generally, Cialis tends to interact most with blood pressure drugs and antifungal medications, but always ask your doctor about interactions before taking Cialis. Tadalafil is an effective way of improving ED symptoms, but it is important to take it safely to properly minimize side effects. Read more Cialis articles on our blog page today.
FAQs
How do I prevent Cialis side effects?
While there's no way to guarantee preventing all side effects, following your prescribed dose and avoiding interactions can help minimize the risk. We also recommend avoiding grapefruit juice as it can affect the absorption of Cialis. If you find that your side effects continue after a week, consider trying a lower dose with the guidance of a medical professional.
What should I do if I experience a prolonged erection?
A prolonged erection can be very painful. An erection that lasts longer than 4 hours is called priapism, a condition that can cause lasting damage if not treated promptly. If you feel any discomfort with your hard-on, we recommend talking to your doctor right away. If priapism occurs, seek emergency medical attention.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction to Cialis?
Common signs of a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, include facial or lip swelling, difficulty breathing, itching, tingling, and dizziness. An allergic reaction to Cialis like this is uncommon. However, an allergic reaction can present itself differently from person to person. If you think you're allergic, stop taking Cialis right away and see your doctor.
What are the common drugs that interact with Cialis?
When taking Cialis, you'll want to avoid nitrates, antihypertensives, and antifungal meds. Cialis can also interact with some HIV protease inhibitors. Certain types of antibiotics, including erythromycin, can cause a buildup of tadalafil in your body and up your risk of side effects.
Will alcohol cause more Cialis side effects?
One or two drinks are generally considered safe when taking Cialis. That being said, it's well known that alcohol can impair sexual performance and erectile function, so drinking excessively is not recommended. Drinking too much while taking ED meds like Cialis can lead to low blood pressure. To reap the most rewards from Cialis, you'll want to avoid drinking alcohol whenever you can.
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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 condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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