With the introduction of Cialis in 2003, men with erectile dysfunction came across a unique ED pill that had the potential to help a man overcome this condition completely. Unlike other erectile dysfunction medicines, Cialis had a different effect.

If you are having any difficulty sustaining a proper erection, this ED pill can help you to obtain a firm and lasting erection. But for that, you must also consult a doctor first. Erectile dysfunction is can be occasional or frequent. While occasional dysfunction can be normal, frequent inability to obtain an erection calls for a sound consultation with a doctor.

This blog post will give you a quick understanding of what Cialis is and how can it treat erectile dysfunction in men.

What is the drug Cialis used for?

Cialis belongs to a drug class called PDE5 inhibitor. Also known by its generic name Tadalafil, it helps in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.

Eli Lilly and Co., in collaboration with the French drug-maker Sanofi (SAN), manufactures Cialis.

This ED drug is similar to other PDE5 inhibitors in its functioning but it does differ a lot when it comes to its effectiveness. In fact, a single dose of Cialis 20 mg can last for up to 36 hours. So before you buy Cialis, make sure to get an approval from your doctor as to which dose is right for you.

What else can it treat?

Under a different brand name, Tadalafil can help treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and heart. This medication is also the first approved-drug for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.

How does Cialis work as a PDE5 inhibitor?

The main function of the PDE5 inhibitor is to increase the blood flow to the penile nerve so that the person can achieve an erection.

Being a PDE5 inhibitor, Cialis can inhibit the production of an enzyme called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) which is mostly found in men with erectile dysfunction. This enzyme can break down the chemicals called cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) essential for relaxing the muscles around the penile blood vessels.

Along with sexual stimulation that releases nitric oxide, Cialis can stop the PDE5 enzyme from degrading the cGMP chemicals, hence, allowing the expansion of muscles around the blood vessels.

This lets the blood flow freely to the erectile tissue called corpus cavernosum. The muscle becomes firm and the person can easily achieve an erection.

What is this ED pill made of?

The ingredients in this erectile dysfunction medicine consist of the following active and inactive elements-

Active:  Tadalafil

Inactive:  Croscarmellose Sodium, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Hypromellose, Iron Oxide, Lactose Monohydrate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Talc, Titanium Dioxide and Triacetin.

Certain misconceptions about the use of Cialis:

There are certain misconceptions regarding the use of this ED pill. Some of these are-

• Cialis induces sexual stimulation- No, Cialis does not induce any such stimulation. In fact, this medication works only when there is a sexual stimulation present. Such stimulation can help in the release of nitric oxide, in the presence of which Tadalafil works.
• It protects you from STDs: This is quite absurd as Tadalafil only helps in facilitating a free blood flow to the penile nerve. It does not protect one from any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• Cialis for women- Doctors strictly prohibit the use of this ED pill by women. This medication can only help in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.

What is Cialis available as?

This erectile dysfunction medicine is available in two dosing forms-

• Cialis for daily use: There are  2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets whose effects can last for only a short while. Doctors generally prescribe it for daily use.
• Cialis for use as needed: Then there is this ED pill for once in a while use. The dose available for this is Cialis 10 mg and 20 mg. The effects can last for up to a significant 36 hours time.

How to use Cialis for safe results?

You should choose a dose as per your health condition and tolerance. For safe results, consult a doctor first and follow his/her advice.

Certain guidelines for taking this medication are-

• Generally, you should start with a lower dose if you are using it frequently. The ideal dose is 10 mg for most men.
• You can take this dose 30 minutes before any physical intercourse with your partner.
• Its effectiveness is quite long lasting and so, you should not take more than one pill in a day.
• You can take this pill with or without food. But make sure to avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it can lead to interactions.
• Moreover, you must not take alcoholic drinks while taking this ED pill. It can deter the effects of the drug or cause harmful reactions.