Cialis

Brand ED Medication Information

This page provides information for Cialis (tadalafil) 20 mg tablets. Cialis is the brand-name prescription medication indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

Critical Safety Notice

Cialis is a prescription medication. It is not available over-the-counter. You must have a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider who has determined it is safe and appropriate for you based on a medical evaluation. Do not use this medication without a prescription.

Product & Usage Details

• Brand Name: Cialis
• Active Ingredient: Tadalafil
• Dosage Strength: 20 mg per tablet
• Manufacturer: Eli Lilly and Company
• Indication: Treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men [citation:7].
• Onset of Action: Cialis has been clinically proven to work in some men as fast as 30 minutes, with a median time to maximum concentration of about 2 hours [citation:2][citation:5][citation:8].
• Duration of Action: Cialis is known for its extended duration of action, working up to 36 hours after dosing [citation:2][citation:5][citation:8]. This has earned it the nickname "the weekend pill" [citation:2][citation:8].
• Form: Yellow, film-coated, almond-shaped tablet debossed with "C 20" [citation:10].
• Food Restriction: Cialis can be taken with or without food, unlike some other ED medications [citation:2][citation:10].

Essential Safety Information

• Absolute Contraindication: DO NOT TAKE Cialis with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide) or guanylate cyclase stimulators (e.g., riociguat). This combination can cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure [citation:5][citation:10].
• Not For Everyone: Cialis is not for use by women, children, or men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular problems [citation:10].
• Health Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have heart problems, liver or kidney disease, retinitis pigmentosa, or a history of stroke [citation:5][citation:10].
• Drug Interactions: Disclose all medications to your doctor, especially alpha-blockers, blood pressure medications, and certain antibiotics or antifungals (CYP3A4 inhibitors) [citation:5][citation:10].
• Common Side Effects: May include headache, upset stomach, back pain, muscle aches, stuffy nose, and flushing [citation:2][citation:7].
• Serious Side Effects: A painful erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism) or sudden vision/hearing loss require immediate medical attention [citation:5][citation:10].

Dosing Recommendations

The recommended starting dose for Cialis when used as needed is 10 mg, taken prior to anticipated sexual activity. Based on individual efficacy and tolerability, the dose may be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day [citation:10].