You’ve almost certainly seen those Cialis commercials featuring happy couples. (If you haven’t, you’re clearly not all that fond of TV.) Those types of commercials always urge you to talk to your doctor to see if Cialis might be right for you – with good reason. Only your doctor can inform you if it is safe for you to take Cialis and whether that particular drug is the best choice for you. Before you head off to your doctor’s appointment, however, it’s always a good idea to do a little reading to learn more about erectile dysfunction drugs. The ideal doctor’s appointment consists of collaboration between the two of you. Avoid simply asking for a pill to fix your problem. Instead, share your concerns, ask a whole bunch of questions, and make sure that your doctor has your full medical history.
What’s the difference between Cialis and other ED drugs?
The three main drugs prescribed for erectile dysfunction are sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil. The last of these is Cialis. All of these drugs work in a similar manner, but they do have small differences. One of these differences is the length of time for which the drug is effective.
Cialis options
The 36-hour Cialis pill can work in as little as 30 minutes, and it can stay effective for up to 36 hours. This means that you don’t have to worry about the timing of the dosage quite as much.
Cialis is also available in a pill intended for daily use. You can take this pill every day, even if you do not engage in sexual activity every day. Some men find that it’s easier to take a daily pill, because it takes the guesswork out of it.
Just remember that you should never take a dose of Cialis more than once per day. If you’ve taken a daily pill, do not take a 36-hour pill that same day, for example.
Who can take Cialis?
Cialis is intended to treat erectile dysfunction. You may also use Cialis if you have an enlarged prostate, or BPH, or if you have both ED and BPH. Cialis may be used regardless of your age (as long as you are at least 18, of course). This ED drug can even be taken with certain medical conditions, like diabetes and controlled high blood pressure.
Who shouldn’t take Cialis?
Your doctor should know about all of your medical conditions before prescribing Cialis. If you have blood cell problems, heart problems, or stomach ulcers, you shouldn’t take this drug. These are just a few of the medical conditions that can cause complications with ED drug use.
You must also inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you are taking. For example, if you take nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate, it is not safe for you to take this drug to treat erectile dysfunction. The combination of the two medications can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It’s also important to tell your doctor about lifestyle habits, such as smoking, or major medical events, such as a planned surgery. The bottom line is that the more your doctor knows about you, the better the two of you can determine if Cialis is right for you.
Read more in our Erectile Dysfunction Health Center.
