Cialis, a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is commonly prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in individuals assigned male at birth.

Cialis is administered in the form of oral tablets and is available in two primary formats: a low-dose daily medication or a higher-dose “on-demand” medication. It is the brand name for tadalafil, a medication also employed for managing ED.

Tadalafil belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors and is also available in a generic form commonly referred to as generic Cialis. Tadalafil, having been on the market since 2018, shares the same active ingredient as Cialis. While there may be slight variations in the chemical compositions of Cialis and tadalafil, tadalafil is generally just as effective as its brand-name counterpart. Consequently, the most noticeable difference between the two is often the price.

Pros of Cialis:

• It can last up to 36 hours for some individuals, longer than Viagra.
• It can be taken as needed or on a daily basis.
• Daily use allows for a more spontaneous sex life.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• It helps maintain erections for an extended period.
• Some users report more intense orgasms.

Cons of Cialis:

• It may lead to headaches and muscle aches.
• The tablet must be swallowed whole.
• It can cause indigestion.
• It may result in a flushed appearance.
• It is not available over-the-counter (OTC).

How Cialis Works: Cialis functions by increasing blood flow to the penis, facilitating the achievement and maintenance of an erection. It also inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, enhancing the effects of nitric oxide (NO). NO initiates a series of chemical reactions that relax blood vessels, thus augmenting blood flow to the penis.

Additionally, Cialis relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder. It’s important to note that Cialis does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Conditions Treated with Cialis:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Cialis is predominantly used to treat ED, with guidelines unanimously recommending PDE5 inhibitors as first-line treatments for this condition, as long as they do not interfere with other medications or cause severe side effects.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Cialis and tadalafil are also prescribed to alleviate BPH symptoms, commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Tadalafil is FDA-approved for the treatment of PAH, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lung arteries. The typical dose for PAH is two 20-milligram tablets (40 mg) taken daily, with Adcirca being the brand name for tadalafil used in PAH treatment.

Obtaining Cialis: Cialis and generic tadalafil require a prescription and are not available over-the-counter. While efforts have been made to develop a nonprescription version of tadalafil in recent years, it is still prescription-only.

Dosage and Usage: Cialis is offered as an oral tablet in various dosages, permitting individuals to take either a low-dose tablet daily or a higher-dose tablet as needed before sexual activity.

• Daily doses are available in 2.5- and 5-mg tablets, with most patients initially prescribed the 2.5-mg dose, although a 5-mg dose may be suitable for those requiring greater efficacy. However, some individuals may experience unwanted side effects with a daily 5-mg dose.
• On-demand doses come in 10- and 20-mg tablets. Typically, doctors recommend starting with a 10-mg dose and escalating to 20 mg if a stronger dose is necessary for achieving desired results.

It’s important to use Cialis effectively by taking it at least 30 minutes before sexual activity when using an on-demand dose, as it may take up to 2 hours to take effect. Daily doses should be taken at the same time each day.

Side Effects of Cialis: Common side effects associated with Cialis include headaches, flushing, indigestion, congestion, back pain, and muscle aches. It’s worth noting that Cialis is more likely to cause myalgia (muscle pain) compared to other PDE5 inhibitors.

Severe symptoms such as priapism (prolonged, painful erection lasting over 4 hours), sudden changes in vision or hearing, tinnitus, and dizziness should prompt immediate medical attention.

Cost of Cialis: The price of brand-name Cialis can vary based on dosage, pharmacy choice, online service, and associated shipping and handling charges. Typically, a 5mg daily dose may cost around $20 to $32 per dose, while 10mg and 20mg on-demand doses may cost around $80 to $85 per dose. Discounts may be available for bulk purchases or through promotional offers on various websites.

Buying Cialis Online: While Cialis is not available over-the-counter, some online services offer consultations with physicians who can prescribe ED medications. Online ED treatment services include Roman, Hims, REX MD, Lemonaid, and Giddy. However, it’s important to be aware that the cost of these online services may exceed conventional healthcare, although their convenience and discretion may appeal to many individuals.

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews: Cialis, marketed and distributed by Eli Lilly, has garnered a generally positive reputation due to its effectiveness and long-lasting effects when taken daily. Customer satisfaction ratings can vary, especially with online services, where positive reviews are often prominently featured.

Alternatives to Cialis: Apart from Cialis, other PDE5 inhibitors on the market include Viagra (sildenafil), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), and avanafil (Stendra). It’s important to combine these medications with lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, adequate sleep, and stress management, to optimize their effectiveness.

Additional alternatives include supplements like L-arginine and red ginseng, acupuncture (though its efficacy is debated), and other lifestyle modifications.

Is Cialis Stronger than Viagra? Cialis and Viagra have their respective advantages and disadvantages, with both working similarly in the body. Cialis tends to last longer, with effects often persisting up to 36 hours after ingestion, whereas Viagra typically lasts around 4 hours. However, Cialis may be associated with muscle aches in some users, while Viagra has been linked to vision problems in certain cases.

Generic Cialis vs. Brand Cialis: Generic tadalafil, available since 2018, is considered equally effective and safe as the brand-name Cialis. The primary difference between the two lies in the cost, with generic versions being significantly more affordable.

In conclusion, Cialis, or tadalafil, is a widely prescribed medication for ED and other related conditions. Its efficacy, long-lasting effects, and various dosing options make it a popular choice. However, it requires a prescription, and individuals should consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable treatment for their specific needs.