Cialis
What is Cialis?
Cialis is an erection medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, also called impotence) and problems with urination caused by enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy). It is sometimes known by its generic name, Tadalafil.
It works by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the penis causing an erection. If you plan to use Cialis, you should take it 20 to 30 minutes before planned sexual activity.
An erection is possible for up to 36 hours after taking it (this means the ability to have an erection may last this long, but the actual erections will only last a normal period of time).
It can also be taken as a daily low dose pill.
Cialis cause erections on its own — sexual stimulation is still needed. Cialis does not cure ED, increase a man’s sexual desire, protect from sexually transmitted diseases or serve as a male form of birth control.
If you use Cialis, you should not take any more than 1 tablet in 24 hours and it should not be taken with other ED medicines.
Does Cialis have side effects?
The most common side effects of Cialis include:
These side effects usually go away after a few hours.
Very occasionally, Cialis can cause a painful erection or an erection that won’t go away. If this happens, and the erection lasts for more than 4 hours, you should go to the nearest emergency department. Prolonged erections can be dangerous.
Cialis may not be safe to take for men with certain medical conditions, including men who have had a stroke, have heart disease or retinitis pigmentosa (an eye disease).
It can also interact with many medicines, particularly nitrates (used in heart disease) and blood pressure medicines. Men who use nitrates in any form or are being treated for pulmonary hypertension should not take Cialis.
If you are thinking about using Cialis, please discuss it with your doctor.
Buying Cialis
You need a prescription from a doctor to buy Cialis. You can buy it from a store-based pharmacy or reputable online pharmacy with a prescription.
Some people buy Cialis online, often without a prescription. However, you cannot be sure whether these pills contain the drug or are counterfeit.
See healthdirect's medicines section for more information about Cialis.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: November 2020
