| Cialis Information For Impotence Treatment |
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The following
Cialis frequently asked question section is for informational
purposes only. The information has been compiled from a variety
of resources in order to give the reader an overview of the use
and various effects of the medication. This information does not
represent a definitive guide to the use of Cialis nor is the information
intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
What
is Cialis?
Why
is Cialis sometimes referred to as tadalafil?
What
is the appropriate dose of Cialis?
What
are the results of the clinical trials concerning the percentage
of men who had improved erections while taking Cialis?
How
long does it take to notice the effects of Cialis once I take
the medication?
How
long does the effects of Cialis last?
How
does Cialis work?
What
is the normal Cialis dose?
Are there any side effects with Cialis ?
How
much time must surpass before Cialis is effective?
What
happens if there is no sexual stimulation following the ingestion
of Cialis?
What
are the precautions/warnings concerning Cialis?
Can
I use Cialis with other medications?
Why
is Cialis absolutely contraindicated in individuals who are currently
taking medications containing nitrates?
Can
I get Cialis over the counter?
Should
I use Cialis if I have not had sexual intercourse in a long time?
What is Cialis?
Cialis represents a new class of medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors.
These medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
Cialis has been approved by the European Commission for the treatment
of erectile dysfunction and is expected to be in pharmacies by
spring of 2003.
Why is Cialis sometimes referred to as tadalafil?
Tadalafil is the generic name for Cialis. The generic name represents
the medications nonproprietary or chemical name, whereas, the
brand name is the name a pharmaceutical give to a medication for
marketing purposes.
What is the appropriate
dose of Cialis?
During clinical testing Cialis was administered in 10mg or 20mg
doses.
What are the results of the clinical trials
concerning the percentage of men who had improved erections while
taking Cialis?
The Phase III study examined the safety and efficacy of "on-demand"
Cialis treatment in 196 men suffering from mild-to-severe ED(1).
Men in the study were randomized to receive up to 20 mg of Cialis
or placebo over a 12-week period. Men were free to take their
study medication without restrictions on food or alcohol consumption
and to have sex with their partners at the time of their choosing
after each dose.
Results showed
that 85 percent of men taking Cialis 20 mg reported significantly
improved erections compared with baseline. In addition, 78 percent
of intercourse attempts recorded by all men on Cialis 20 mg were
successful. Importantly, 63 percent of men with ED treated with
Cialis 20 mg achieved an erectile function score experts consider
"normal" for healthy men as measured by the International
Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).
On the 10
mg dose, 92 percent of men reported improved erections, and 70
percent of intercourse attempts were successful. Forty-two percent
of men taking the 10 mg dose achieved IIEF scores in the normal
range. Fifty-four percent of patients on placebo in the study
reported improved erections, while 43 percent of their attempts
were successful. Twenty percent of men taking placebo attained
IIEF scores in the "normal" range.
In this study,
side effects were mild to moderate, and their incidence diminished
with continued treatment. The most commonly reported side effects
were backache, muscle ache and upset stomach. There were no clinically
significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiograms
or laboratory tests attributable to treatment with Cialis.
How long does it take to notice the effects
of Cialis once I take the medication?
During clinical studies most men were able to achieve an erection
within thirty minutes of taking Cialis.
How long does the effects of Cialis last?
In a Phase
III clinical study designed to evaluate the efficacy of Cialis
at specific time points after dosing, 348 men with mild-to-severe
ED were randomly assigned to receive Cialis 20 mg (n=175) or placebo
(n=173) over approximately an eight-week period. Patients were
instructed to attempt intercourse with their partners on four
specific occasions: on two occasions at 24 hours after dosing
and on two occasions at 36 hours after dosing. The primary endpoint
was the percentage of successful sexual intercourse attempts.
"Cialis
was statistically superior to placebo in enabling men with ED
to have successful intercourse at 24 or 36 hours after taking
the drug and showed a consistent effect at both time points,"
said Raymond Rosen, Ph.D., study author and director of the Program
in Human Sexuality at the University of Medicine and Dentistry
of New Jersey and professor of psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson
Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey. "Also, in this study,
the duration of effectiveness did not appear to influence the
incidence or severity of side effects."
How long does the effects of Cialis
last?
Clinical studies have shown the effects of Cialis can last from
24 to 36 hours. This enables men to put the spontaneity back in
thier love life.
Please note:
following climax the erection will return to the normal flacid
state. Cialis, following the recovery phase, can enable men to
achieve an another erection up to 24 to 36 hours.
How does Cialis work?
In technical terms Cialis exerts its action by effecting two enzymes,
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and phosphodiesterase type
5 (PDE5) that play important roles in erectile function. Sexual
stimulation triggers the local release of nitric oxide (NO) from
nerves and endothelial cells in the penis. NO stimulates an enzyme
that catalyzes formation of cGMP from the nucleotide guanosine
5-triphospate (GTP) in the penile blood vessels and corpus cavernosum
walls.
The cGMP causes
vasodilation of arteries, allowing the influx of blood into the
corpus cavernosum. Increased blood flow into the penis causes
the erectile tissue to expand. When the erectile tissue has expanded
sufficiently, the veins draining the corpus cavernosum become
compressed. This decreases the outflow of blood from the penis,
and the blood remains in the corpus cavernosum to keep the penis
erect.
The enzyme
PDE5 eventually causes degradation of the cGMP, and the erection
ends.
What is the normal Cialis dose?
In Cialis clinical testing most men were administered one 10 mg
Cialis or 20 mg Cialis tablet per day.
Are there any side effects with Cialis?
Most of the reported side effects during clinical testing were
mild to moderate, and their incidence diminished with continued
treatment. The most commonly reported side effects were myalgia
(muscle pain), headache and upset stomach. There were no clinically
significant changes in heart rate, electrocardiograms, blood pressure
or laboratory tests attributable to treatment with Cialis.The
severities of these Cialis side effects were minimized with lower
doses of Cialis.
How much time must surpass before Cialis
is effective?
Cialis is rapidly absorbed. Most patients in clinical trial reported
that Cialis produced positive effects within thirty minutes.
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What happens if there is no sexual stimulation
following the ingestion of Cialis?
Cialis is naturally eliminated from your body in a few hours.
What are the precautions/warnings concerning
Cialis?
Men who are taking medicines that contain nitrates (Nitroglycerin)
of any kind must never use Cialis. Patients should not take Cialis
even if you only take nitroglycerin medication occasionally. There
is also a potential for cardiac risk during sexual activity in
patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. Therefore, Cialis
should not be used in men where sexual activity is inadvisable
because of their underlying cardiovascular status. Individuals
should inform their physician concerning all medications they
are taking, including those medications acquired by a prescription
as well as over the counter medicines. The use of Cialis offers
no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including
HIV. Patients should continue to use protective measures necessary
to guard against these diseases. In case of an overdose, call
your physician immediately.
Can I use Cialis with other medications?
Yes, it is generally safe to use Cialis while on other medications,
however some medicines may potentate the effects of Cialis. Individuals
should always consult with their healthcare provider prior to
taking any medication. Note Cialis does have one absolute contraindication;
individuals who are taking medication-containing nitrates (even
intermittently) should not take Cialis.
Why is Cialis absolutely contraindicated
in individuals who are currently taking medications containing
nitrates?
Cialis may increase the hypotensive effects of nitrates to life
threatening levels. Therefore, individuals who are currently using
nitrates in any form even intermittently should not take Cialis.
Nitrates are available in many medications; sprays, ointments,
skin patches, pastes and tablets dissolved in the mouth. Nitrates
are also found in illicit drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite
"Poppers". If you are unsure if you are currently taking
nitrates please value your health and consult with your local
physician or pharmacist.
Can I get Cialis over the counter?
No, Cialis should only be taken by prescription from a licensed
physician. Regulations do not permit Cialis to be taken without
prescription. Secondary to the advent of the internet individuals
may now order Cialis online simply by completing an online medical
questionnaire. Subsequently, a licensed physician will review
your medical history and patient profile. If approved for a Cialis
prescription, your order shipped discreetly and promptly to your home or office.
Should I use Cialis
if I have not had sexual intercourse in a long time?
Sexual activity can cause a strain on the cardiovascular system.
If you have not had any physical activity or if you have any pre-existing
medical conditions you should consult with your local physician
prior to using the medication.
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