Cialis 60 mg – Tadalafil Tablets

How Does Cialis 60 mg Work?

Cialis or Tadalafil belongs to the Phosphodiesterase-5 Enzyme Inhibitors (PDE-5) class of drugs. It is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific PDE-5. In ED, a man is unable to get or maintain an erection because of restricted blood flow in the penis. cGMP is the chemical responsible for relaxing the penile muscles but PDE-5 destroys cGMP molecules and results in constricted muscles. Cialis works by blocking or inhibiting PDE-5, as a result of which more cGMP is formed in the body and the blood vessels and muscles get relaxed. This allows more blood flow in the penis and helps produce a rigid erection. However, sexual stimulation is required to release nitric oxide (NO) in the penile muscles first. Without it, Cialis won’t work.

Uses of Cialis 60 mg

Cialis is prescribed for treating the following conditions-

1. Erectile dysfunction (ED)- failure to either get or maintain a sufficiently rigid erection during sex.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)- an age-related problem where prostate gland enlargement causes difficulty in urination.
3. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)- a particular type of high blood pressure that affects arteries in the lungs and heart.

Recommended Dosage

Cialis 60 mg is the highest dose and is prescribed for severe conditions. For daily use, one tablet per day is prescribed, preferably at a fixed time every day. And for need-based usage (for ED), one whole tablet is to be taken about 60 minutes before engaging in sexual activity. But one should check with their doctor before taking this medicine for long-term use. One may take it either with or without a meal. Do not take more than one tablet within the timeframe of 24 hours.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

If you are taking on a need-basis, it’s less likely you’d miss a dose. But if you miss one of your daily doses, take the medicine as soon as you remember it. However, if the next dose is due in some time, skip that dose. Never take 2 doses together or very close to one another.

What Happens if I Take an Overdose?

Don’t take more than the prescribed dose of Cialis 60 mg. It can have mild to serious side-effects depending on how much Cialis a person has taken. Nausea and headaches are mild symptoms but in case of a severe overdose, priapism (a prolonged and painful erection that lasts for 4 or more hours) may occur.

Before You Take This Medicine

Cialis 60 mg comes with several precautions. Before taking this medicine, tell your physician about your medical history. It may not be suitable for you if you have any of the following health conditions-

• If you’ve had a heart attack(s), strokes, or have an irregular heart rhythm.
• If you have Pulmonary hypertension and you use other medications for it.
• If your blood pressure is abnormal (high or low).
• If you have had liver-related problems like hepatitis or liver failure.
• If you suffer from chronic kidney disease.
• If you have a history of vision loss.
• If you have stomach ulcers.
• If you suffer from blood-related problems like hemophilia and sickle-cell anemia.
• If you have Peyronie’s disease or a deformed penis.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to Cialis or any of its ingredients in the past.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you consume large amounts of alcohol or have a history of substance abuse.

Side Effects of Cialis 60 mg

Just like any other drug, Cialis also has certain side effects. Below is a list of some common and rare side effects.

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Hot flushes
• Persistent cough
• Diarrhea
• Skin rashes/ allergic reaction
• Swelling of face, hands, legs, lips, eyelids, and tongue.
• Runny or stuffy nose

Other rare but possible side effects of Cialis include-

• Palpitations
• Chest pain or pressure
• Priapism (a prolonged and painful erection that lasts for 4 hours or more)
• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Sudden loss of eye vision (Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy-NAION)
• Trouble telling green and blue colors apart from each other
• Ringing in your ears or a sudden loss of hearing sense
• Upper respiratory tract infection

This isn’t an exhaustive list of side effects. If you’re experiencing any symptom other than these, tell your doctor about it as it may be a side effect of Cialis.

Drug Interactions

If you take any prescription or non-prescription medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements, let your doctor know about them. Certain drugs may interact with Cialis 60 mg and affect its working.

1. Alfuzosin and doxazosin
2. Medicines containing nitrates
3. Oral antifungal medications such as ketoconazole
4. Anticoagulants or blood thinners such as warfarin
5. Seizure drugs such as carbamazepine
6. HIV Protease inhibitors such as ritonavir
7. Beta-blockers such as atenolol
8. Cimetidine
9. Erythromycin
10. Hypertensives like Amlodipine
11. Nitroglycerin
12. Efavirenz
13. Antacids like magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide
14. Other medicines for ED
15. H2 Antagonists like Nizatidine

This isn’t a complete list of potential drug interactions. Discuss potential drug interactions with your doctor.

Interaction with alcohol

Alcohol is known to increase the risk and intensity of side-effects. You may feel dizzy and your blood pressure may drop suddenly. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.

Interaction with grapefruit juice

Cialis is broken down by an enzyme called CYP3A4 in the liver. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice along with it can raise its levels in the body and delay the time it takes for the medication to work.

Storage Instructions

Cialis 60 mg tablets should be stored safely at room temperature in their original packaging.

1. These pills should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
2. Keep the pills away from direct heat, moisture, and sunlight.
3. If the pack has expired, do not consume the pills.
4. Keep these pills in a cool and dry place.
5. Do not dispose of this medication by flushing it down the toilet or throwing it away in the bin. Dispose of it with the help of a medicine take-back program or talk to your pharmacist regarding the same.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does Cialis last?

Ans- It usually remains effective for 4 to 5 hours but time may vary from individual to individual depending on their age, medical conditions, and body metabolism.

2. How often can you take Cialis 60 mg?

Ans- The usual dosage is one tablet per day. Do not take more than one tablet within 24 hours.

3. Are Cialis and Viagra the same thing?

Ans- No. Though they are both used to treat erectile dysfunction, their active ingredients differ. Where Cialis contains Tadalafil, Viagra contains Sildenafil. However, both are Phosphodiesterase-5 Enzyme Inhibitors (PDE-5).

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cialis#uses

https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/cialis