Cialis is a branded medication primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence in males. It contains tadalafil as its key ingredient. Which belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
For overcoming impotence issues, the medicine works by increasing blood flow to the penile during sexual stimulation. It helps men achieve and maintain stronger erections for satisfactory sexual activity.
Its function is to inhibit some enzymatic action, which regulates the flow of blood in the penile. By suppressing this enzyme, the medicine allows for increased blood flow inside, thereby leading to improved erectile function.
The medicine, if taken incorrectly, might not yield the required benefits. There are several ways in which one can get the most out of these medications. We will get to know them in this blog.
Action mechanism of Cialis
The medicine conducts vasodilation and relaxes the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, particularly those present in the penile. This relaxation allows blood vessels to expand, which boosts the flow of blood to the penile during sexual stimulation.
The medicine inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is found primarily in the smooth muscle cells or endothelial cells of the penile blood vessels. By negating PDE5, Cialis prevents the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a chemical messenger that promotes muscle relaxation and enhanced blood flow inside.
Further, as the cGMP levels remain elevated, it prolongs the vasodilatory effects and improves erectile function. This is how the medicine triggers stronger erections that sustain for longer.
The right way to take Cialis
The right way to take the medication will be recommended by healthcare professionals and some instructions are also listed on the information label. Some general guidelines on getting the most out of Cialis are given below:
Timing
The medication must be taken approximately 30 minutes to an hour before an anticipated sexual activity. Note that the medication requires sexual stimulation to deliver its required action, as it does not trigger erections spontaneously.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of these medications will be prescribed by your healthcare provider. They will consider various factors such as medical history, the severity of impotence issues, ongoing health issues, age, etc. before suggesting a dose. One must never exceed the prescribed dosage or take Cialis medicines more than once per day.
Administration
The medicine has to be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Make sure you do not crush, chew, or break the pill before swallowing. Doing so will reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
Food interactions
The medicine can be taken with or without food. Note that, taking it with a high-fat or a heavy meal may delay the onset of action. This is why, it is necessary to either avoid high-fat meals when you are planning to use the medicine or maintain a gap of at least hours between its intake and heavy meal.
Avoid alcohol consumption
It is better to skip alcohol if you are about to use the medicine. The interaction of alcohol with the medicine can potentiate the risk of side effects such as dizziness or low blood pressure. You must either limit alcohol intake or avoid it.
Read the information label carefully
There are chances that you might miss out on some essential instructions. So, go through the instructions carefully and follow them. In case you have some doubts, talk to your healthcare provider.
Storage
Store Cialis medicines at room temperature away from heat and moisture. This will increase their shelf life.
Is sexual stimulation essential for Cialis to work?
The medication does not trigger spontaneous erection; sexual stimulation is still necessary to initiate the physiological response that promotes erection. Sexual stimulation causes arousal. The brain then signals it to the penile nerves to initiate vasodilation in the penile.
The medication aids in overcoming ED by performing two major actions, that are, vasodilation and inhibition of PDE5. The combination of these two together leads to improved blood flow to the penile. This improves the ability to get and maintain erections stronger enough for sexual activity in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Cialis effective time
Cialis medicines are known for their prolonged action time, which equals 36 hours or even more. This effectiveness is achieved at higher doses of Cialis medicines. Small doses of Cialis do not provide this prolonged effectiveness, instead, their effects can last for a maximum of up to 6 hours.
Small doses such as 2.5 mg and 5 mg are suitable for daily use, while higher doses like 10 mg and 20 mg cannot be taken daily. Some generic versions of Cialis such as Tadalista 20 are as effective. They contain the same active ingredient and hence their function and effectiveness are identical.