Cialis Original 20 mg

Important Note: This is general information based on official prescribing guidelines. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions. Consult a healthcare professional before using Cialis, as it may not be suitable for everyone and can interact with other medications (especially nitrates). Do not use without medical advice.

Indications

Cialis 20 mg is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It helps achieve and maintain an erection when sexual stimulation is present. It is not for use in women or children.

Dosage and Administration (As Needed Use)

• Recommended dose for most patients: The starting dose is usually 10 mg. Your doctor may prescribe 20 mg if 10 mg is not effective enough.
• How to take: Take one 20 mg tablet orally with water, with or without food, at least 30 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. It can be taken up to 36 hours before activity, as effects may last that long.
• Maximum frequency: Do not take more than once per day. Cialis 20 mg is intended for occasional ("as needed") use and is not recommended for daily continuous use.
• Swallow the tablet whole — do not split, crush, or chew it.

How It Works

Cialis (tadalafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor. It increases blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, helping produce an erection. Sexual stimulation is required for it to work. Effects can begin within 30 minutes and last up to 36 hours for many men.

Recommendations for Best Results

• Timing: Take it 30 minutes to 2 hours before sexual activity for optimal effect. It does not cause an automatic erection — arousal is necessary.
• Food and alcohol: Can be taken with or without meals. However, avoid excessive alcohol, as it may increase the risk of dizziness, headache, or low blood pressure.
• Lifestyle tips: Maintain a healthy lifestyle (exercise, balanced diet, manage stress) to support erectile function. Avoid grapefruit juice, as it may increase tadalafil levels.
• Frequency: If you anticipate sexual activity more than twice a week, discuss daily lower-dose Cialis (e.g., 2.5 mg or 5 mg) with your doctor.
• Missed dose: Since it is taken as needed, there is no "missed dose" schedule. Do not double up.
• Storage: Keep at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Special Populations and Precautions

• Kidney or liver problems: Dose adjustment may be needed (lower starting dose). Inform your doctor.
• Other conditions: Use with caution if you have heart disease, low blood pressure, eye problems (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa), or a history of priapism (prolonged erection).
• Contraindications: Do not take with nitrates (for chest pain) or guanylate cyclase stimulators — this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Avoid if you had a recent heart attack, stroke, or severe heart failure.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Indigestion / upset stomach
• Back pain or muscle aches (usually 12–24 hours after dosing, resolve within 48 hours)
• Flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness

Rare but serious: Sudden vision/hearing loss, prolonged erection (>4 hours — seek immediate medical help), chest pain, or allergic reaction.

Seek immediate medical attention for chest pain, sudden vision/hearing changes, or erection lasting >4 hours.

Overdose

If you take more than prescribed, contact a doctor or go to the hospital immediately. Symptoms may include severe headache, low blood pressure, or back pain.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist.