Cialis | tadalafil 

Medication Class: phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, PDE-5 inhibitor
Manufacturer:Eli Lilly
Approval date: November, 2003

What is Cialis and how does it work

Cialis increases blood flow to the penis (leading to improved erection) by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). PDE-5 causes blood to flow out of an erect penis, stopping the erection. By inhibiting the action of PDE-5 Cialis keeps blood from flowing out of the penis and the erection is maintained longer. The exact mechanism of how Cialis relieves symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) is unknown. PDE-5 is also present in the bladder and prostate. Inhibition of PDE-5 may increase blood to flow to the lower urinary tract or increase the bladder opening, leading to improved voiding and relief of BPH symptoms.

What does Cialis treat

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) --- impotence
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• Erectile Dysfunction and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

How effective is Cialis

Erectile dysfunction

• Effective within 15-30 minutes and lasts up to 36 hours
• 50-64% of patients taking Cialis 20 mg compared to 23-25% of patients taking placebo maintained their erection.
• Cialis is effective in a broad range of patients with erectile disfunction
  and other conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and prostatectomy).
• Cialis versus Viagra: Cialis starts working within 30 minutes versus within 1 hour for Viagra. Cialis lasts 36 hours versus 4 hours for Viagra.

BPH

• Cialis 5 mg daily was significantly better than placebo in reducing symptoms of BPH after 12 weeks of treatment. Average change from baseline in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was -2.2 for placebo and -4.8 for Cialis in one study. The IPSS is a questionnaire that measures the severity of symptoms.
• In patients with both BPH and ED, Cialis 5 mg daily significantly reduced symptoms of BPH better than placebo after 12 weeks of treatment. Average change in IPSS score was -3.8 for placebo and -6.1 for Cialis. Cialis improved maintenance of erection in 32% of patients with BPH and ED, compared to 12% of patients receiving placebo.

What are interesting facts about Cialis

• Starts within 15-30 minutes and lasts up to 36 hours
• Also used for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (Adcirca)
• Used for treating BPH
• It is more potent than similar drugs
• May be administered as needed or daily

What is the dosage of Cialis 

• Supplied as Cialis 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg tablets
• 5-20 mg prior to sexual activity (as needed) or 2.5-5 mg daily without regard to timing of sexual activity (Cialis daily).
• 5 mg daily for treating BPH or combined BPH and ED

What are Cialis side effects

Common: headache, flushing, back pain, muscle pain, nasal congestion, upset stomach.

Serious: Low blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, vision or hearing loss, priapism, Non Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).

Cialis drug interactions

• Other PDE5 inhibitors (Revatio, Cialis, Levitra),
• Imdur (isosorbide mononitrate)
• Isordil (isosorbide dinitrate)
• Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro (nitroglycerin)
• Tracleer (bosentan)
• Sporanox (itraconazole)
• Erythromycin
• Nizoral (ketoconazole)
• Tagamet (Cimetidine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g, Norvir)
• Victrelis (boceprivir)
• Incivek (telaprivir)
• Rifampin
• Large quantities of alcohol

What is the price of Cialis

$14-$68 per tablet

How to obtain prescription assistance for Cialis

For prescription assistance for Cialis visit Eli Lilly patient assistance program.

References:Cialis FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide

This medication summary is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

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