Introduction to Cialis, an Erectile Dysfunction Medication

Cialis is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Impotence is another word for this condition, and the main symptom is inability to get or maintain an erection.

How it Works

Cialis helps increase the blood flow into the penis as a man is sexually stimulated. This is the action that helps achieve and maintain an erection.

The erection that a man gets while using Cialis is usually longer and harder. The main point to remember, however, is that in order for this medication to work a man needs to be stimulated.

Usage Instructions

This medication is typically taken as needed at a higher dose as specified by a doctor or at a lower dose once a day as specified by a doctor. This medication should not ever be taken more than once a day.

If you miss a dose, take the next dose as scheduled or take the missed dose as soon as you remember-which ever comes first. Be careful not to take a double dose because this is how you can endanger yourself.

Precautionary Information

For most people the side effects when using Cialis are minimal. Usually the worst that could happen is experiencing blurred vision, dizziness, light-headedness, or nausea.

Occasionally, worse symptoms can appear so users need to be careful. Depending upon current health conditions, heart trouble and other cardiovascular problems could occur.

Sometimes numbness, pain, and blindness may also take place. In rare occasions (usually because of an accidental overdose a person might faint.

Additional precautions you should take include as follows:

• Do not take Cialis with alcohol. This can intensify some of the more dangerous side effects.

• Taking this drug with grapefruit or grapefruit juice might also counteract with Cialis. Discuss this issue with your doctor as it depends upon how much grapefruit you eat in a day.

• Be careful about mixing Cialis with other ED drugs (i.e. Levitra, Viagra). Usually only one prescription ED drug can be taken in 24 hours.

• Ask your doctor before deciding to mix various herbs with Cialis. Alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex etc.) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin, etc.) are some of the herbs you should use with caution when on Cialis.

• Make sure you get a thorough health examination before using Cialis. Telling your doctor if you are suffering from one of the following health conditions:

• Heart disease or arrhythmia

• Heart attack within the past 90 days

• Stroke or congestive heart failure within the past 6 months

• Liver or kidney disease

• Blood disorder (i.e. sickle cell, multiple myeloma, or leukemia)

• Hemophilia

• Stomach ulcer

• Retinitis pigmentosa

• Penis deformity

You should also inform your doctor if you have been told you cannot have sexual intercourse. Usually this would be for health reasons.