Cialis (tadalafil)

What is cialis?

Tadalafil is used to treat erection problems in men. Also, it is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take cialis?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• eye or vision problems, including a rare inherited eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa
• heart disease, angina, a history of heart attack, irregular heart beats, or other heart problems
• high or low blood pressure
• kidney or liver disease
• stroke
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tadalafil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use cialis?

Take the pills by mouth with a glass of water. You may take cialis with or without meals. The dose is usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. You should not take this drug more than once per day. Do not take cialis more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of cialis in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medication is only for you. Do not share cialis with others.

What if I miss a dose of cialis?

If you miss a dose, you may take it when you remember but do not take more than one dose per day.

What may interact with cialis?

Do not take cialis with any of the following drugs:

• nitrates like amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin

Cialis may also interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for high blood pressure
• certain medicines for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
• certain medicines used for fungal or yeast infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole
• certain medicines used for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital
• grapefruit juice
• macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin
• medications for prostate problems
• rifabutin, rifampin or rifapentine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the drugs, herbs, non-prescription medications, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using cialis?

If you notice any changes in your vision while taking this medicine, call your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible. Stop using cialis and call your health care provider right away if you have a loss of sight in one or both eyes.

Contact you doctor or health care professional right away if the erection lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of serious problem and must be treated as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

If you experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, chest pain or arm pain upon initiation of sexual activity after taking cialis, you should refrain from further activity and call your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.

Do not drink alcohol to excess (examples, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey) when taking cialis. When taken in excess, alcohol can increase your chances of getting a headache or getting dizzy, increasing your heart rate or lowering your blood pressure.

Using cialis does not protect you or your partner against HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

What side effects may I notice from cialis?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in hearing
• chest pain
• fast, irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• back pain
• dizziness
• flushing
• headache
• indigestion
• muscle aches
• stuffy or runny nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep cialis?

Keep your medicine out of the reach of children.

Store cialis at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medications after the expiration date.