Introduction:-

Dosage form: tablet, film coated

Drug class: Impotence agents ( to treat erectile dysfunction )

What is cialis? 

Cialis is a brand name for the drug tadalafil, which belongs to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. 

Tadalafil benefits patients of erectile dysfunction (impotence) and those with  symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Recommended Dosage:-

The dose of tadalafil varies according to an individual and also as per the prescription provided by the doctor.

Ideally,

For erectile dysfunction:- recommended dose is 10 mg before 30 minutes of coitus. The dose can be increased to 20 mg or can be decreased to 5 mg as per individual’s response and tolerability.

For treatment of BPH :- recommended dose of cialis is 5 mg once daily..

How to take it:-

• Food doesn’t cause hindrance in its action or absorption thus it can be taken along with food or without food also.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chop, cleave, cut, or squash it.
• When the medicine is used to treat impotence or ED, the ability to have intercourse is  improved for up to 36 hours after consuming the tablet.

Mechanism of Action:-

Vasodilation of blood vessels and arteries and relaxation of smooth muscles increases the blood flow in penis which perhaps causes its erection. This process is mediated by Nitric oxide which is liberated from nerve endings and endothelial cells of blood vessels which invigorates the synthesis of cGMP in smooth muscle cells, and leads relaxation and increased blood flow. Tadalafil inhibits PDE5 which is responsible for decrease in cGMP.

Uses:-

• It is used to treat Erectile dysfunction.
• Treat symptoms of enlarged prostate.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) : it is a disease in which blood pressure is increased in pulmonary capillaries and arteries.

Side effects:-

Side effects from tadalafil are usually mild and well tolerated.

Common side effects of tadalafil  include neuralgia,hemicrania, flushing, and rhinorrhea.Indigestion is also common. It may also affect the vasculature of the head and neck.

Other side effects include back pain and muscle aches which usually come on 12-24 hours after taking tadalafil but dissipate within a couple of days. Most other side effects disappear within a few hours; however, rarely a prolonged and painful erection lasting longer than four hours may occur. 

Contraindications:-

Nitrates.

Nitrates are used to treat angina. Both of them cause vasodilation of blood vessels which can lead to sudden drop in Blood pressure when administered together.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Patients prone to allergic reactions or those who are hypersensitive to cialis should not consume the drug since it may lead to serious complications like rashes, angioedema, redness, ataxia etc…

Concomitant Guanylate Cyclase (GC) Stimulators

Do not use tadalafil in patients who are using a GC stimulator, such as riociguat. When taken together they may cause a massive drop in Blood pressure.

Hereditary Eye Disorders: Certain hereditary eye disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa, may be exacerbated by Cialis, leading to vision problems.

Drug Interactions:–

Nitrates —  Both cause hypotension and vasodilation of blood vessels.

Alpha-Blockers — Both are vasodilators and cause a drop in Blood pressure.

Alcohol — Both alcohol and tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, act as mild vasodilators.

Antibiotics and antifungals: Some antibiotics and antifungal medications can alter the way Cialis is metabolized.

HIV medications: Protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors used to treat HIV can interfere with Cialis metabolism and lead to increased side effects.

Antacids — reduces the rate of absorption of tadalafil.

Cytochrome P450 Inhibitors.

Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can inhibit the breakdown of Cialis in the body, leading to increased drug levels.

Storage:-

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C.

Keep out of reach of children.