Cialis
Generic Name: TadalafilBrand Names: Cialis
What is Cialis?
Cialis (tadalafil) relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.
Cialis is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. Adcirca, another brand of tadalafil, is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and improve exercise capacity in men and women.
Cialis may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Cialis
Do not take Cialis if you are allergic to tadalafil, or if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), or recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Cialis with a nitrate can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
If you become dizzy or nauseated during sexual activity, or if you have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be suffering from a serious side effect of this medicine.
Do not take Cialis more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.
Cialis 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.
Before taking Cialis
Do not take Cialis if you are allergic to tadalafil, or if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), or recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Cialis with a nitrate can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a Cialis dose adjustment or special tests:
- heart disease or heart rhythm problems;
- a recent heart attack (within the past 90 days);
- a recent history (within the past 6 months) of stroke or congestive heart failure;
- 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.
Cialis 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. Cialis is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether tadalafil 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
