How should I take Cialis?
Here are a few tips for taking Cialis safely and effectively:
1) Follow safe, recommended doses.
If you’d like to take Cialis for ED, you’ve got two options: You can take one of the higher-dose tablets on an as-needed basis (only when you want to have sex), or you can take a smaller-dose tablet every day.
A 10 mg tablet is usually recommended for as-needed use, though some men might find that a lower (5 mg) or higher (20 mg) dose works better.
According to studies, there is no difference in safety or efficacy between these two options.
2) You can make Cialis work faster.
If you take Cialis as needed, be sure to give yourself plenty of time (since it takes up to 1 to 2 hours to kick in). Otherwise, you can’t speed it up after you’ve taken it.
If that’s not working for you, you could consider taking a lower-dose tablet every day. This might be better if you prefer to be more spontaneous. If so, be sure to take it at the same time every day.
No matter which way you decide to take it, don’t take more than 1 dose per day.
3) Watch out for interactions with other medications.
ED medications combined with medications for high blood pressure can cause dangerously low blood pressure. Never take Cialis if you take nitroglycerin or another nitrate medication for angina or blood pressure. These include:
Nitroglycerin sprays, tablets, or patches
Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, Monoket)
Isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate)
Taking certain medications or supplements can cause your body to eliminate Cialis from your system faster, such as:
Phenytoin
Fosphenytoin
Carbamazepine
Rifampin
Supplements like St. John’s Wort
If you are taking these medications, it’s important to continue taking them as prescribed, but taking them separately from Cialis may be helpful.
4) Know the potential side effects.
Aside from a prolonged erection, which is an emergency, possible side effects of Cialis include:
Flushing
Headache
Nasal congestion
Heartburn
Back pain
Muscle pain
Additionally, patients taking Cialis daily may also experience:
Sore throat
Respiratory infections
Cough
Diarrhea
UTIs
Acid reflux
Abdominal pain
You might wonder how long you can safely use Cialis. Right now, there isn’t a maximum period of time for safely taking the medication. But as the years pass, you may begin taking other medications, such as blood pressure or antifungal medications that could be dangerous if combined with Cialis, Viagra, and similar ED drugs. Always be sure any healthcare provider you see knows that you take Cialis so that your medications can be adjusted safely.
The bottom line
Cialis is a great option for ED. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if a prescription to Cialis right for you and whether it’s safe for you to take. Be sure to follow the recommended dose, whether you’re taking it every day or as needed. As with any medication, it can cause side effects and interact with other medications.