CIALIS TADALAFIL: All You Need to Know

Cialis (tadalafil) is a medication mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and also for the treatment of symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

1. Mechanism of action for erectile dysfunction

- Tadalafil inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). In the penis, this leads to an increase in the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When sexual stimulation occurs, nitric oxide is released in the penile arteries, which activates guanylate cyclase to produce cGMP. cGMP causes smooth muscle relaxation in the penile blood vessels, allowing increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in an erection.

2. Use in benign prostatic hyperplasia

- In BPH, tadalafil helps to relax the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck. This relaxation improves urinary flow and reduces symptoms such as difficulty in starting urination, weak urine stream, and frequent urination associated with an enlarged prostate.

3. Dosage and administration

- For erectile dysfunction, the typical starting dose is 10 mg, taken as needed before sexual activity. However, the dose can be adjusted based on individual response and tolerability, with a maximum dose of 20 mg.

- For BPH, a daily dose of 5 mg is often prescribed.

4. Precautions and side effects

- Precautions:

- It should not be used in combination with nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) because the combined use can cause a significant and dangerous drop in blood pressure.

- People with certain heart conditions, such as severe heart failure or recent heart attack, may need careful evaluation before using tadalafil.

- Side effects:

- Common side effects may include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and nasal congestion. Less common but more serious side effects can be changes in vision or hearing, but these are rare.