Take as directed
For as-needed dosing, take Cialis at least 30 minutes or more before sexual activity.
If your prescription involves taking Cialis daily, take it at the same time each day. This maintains steady levels of Cialis in your body.
Take as part of a lifestyle with physical activity
Smoking, heavy drinking, unmanaged stress, and an unhealthy diet can affect ED as well as how Cialis works, potentially leading to more side effects.
A healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking are important for wellness, physical health, and can affect the severity of ED.
Strategies to reduce stress and support your relationship with your partner can also improve sexual performance and well-being.
Communicate and stay relaxed
Working with a psychiatrist, therapist, or sex therapist can help you navigate strategies for the mental and emotional side of intimacy.
Other ways to improve your sexual performance include managing stress, working through relationship concerns, and treating performance anxiety.
If you’re anxious, stressed, depressed, or nervous, Cialis may not work as well. It’s important to relax and be aroused for the medication to work best.
High fat foods
Avoid high fat foods or heavy meals before taking Cialis and before sexual activity. High fat foods can affect how well Cialis works. It may also take longer to work.
Nitrates and other medications
Some medications can interact with Cialis and change its effectiveness. They include:
- nitrates
- antiseizure medications
- HIV medications
- certain antibiotics
- oral antifungal medications
- high blood pressure medications
Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to take all your medications to avoid interactions.
It’s important to avoid Cialis if you take chest pain (angina) and blood pressure medications in the nitrate category or alpha blocker drugs. They can lower your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Alcoholic beverages
Use caution with alcohol consumption when taking Cialis. Too much alcohol can affect your ability to become aroused. It can also cause excessive low blood pressure, leading to headache, dizziness, and fainting.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
Avoid grapefruit with Cialis. It can increase the levels of the medication in the blood, causing increased side effects.
Age
In some people over 65 years old, Cialis may last longer because it takes more time for your body to process the medication. This affects how soon it leaves your body.
Poor kidney function can increase Cialis levels in your body, increasing side effects. Your doctor may adjust your dose in this case.
Heart and other conditions
If you’re over 65, have a heart condition, or liver- or kidney-related problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Cialis and monitor how the medication works for you.
Fake Cialis
Avoid buying Cialis without a doctor’s prescription. PDE5 medications are some of the most commonTrusted Source counterfeit medications sold online. They can cause serious health risks.
Take as prescribed
Take Cialis exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t take extra doses or change your dosing schedule without talking with your doctor to avoid side effects.
Common side effects
The most common side effects of Cialis include:
- back pain
- diarrhea
- flushing (redness of the face, neck, or chest)
- headache
- upset stomach
- muscle aches
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Cialis include:
- priapism, a painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours, which can cause tissue damage
- low blood pressure
- changes in hearing and vision
ED is a common condition and can have many causes, including psychological and physiological reasons.
Risks of ED are higher with certain health conditions, so it’s important to openly talk with your doctor about your concerns. They can help you find the best treatment specific to your situation. This may include the need for ED medications.
Cialis is one of the most popular medications available for ED because it provides two types of dosing and lasts longer than other PDE5 inhibitor medications in this class, like sildenafil (Viagra).
There are several PDE5 inhibitor medications available, so discuss your needs and preferences with your doctor to select the medication best suited to you.
Remember, there are many causes for ED and many treatment options, including Cialis. Don’t be discouraged if Cialis doesn’t work the first time you try it. Your doctor can help adjust the dose or help you find other options to consider.